Vulnerable Population Homeless Mothers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Vulnerable Population Homeless Mothers - Essay Example Because of mental disorders, homeless mothers are at increased disadvantage as they are less likely to utilize public support resources, are estranged from family and other support networks, have increased rates of imprisonment, and experience disproportionate health problems. Simultaneously, mental disorders among homeless mothers in conjunction with history of childhood sexual abuse, the experience of adult partner violence, and a PTSD diagnosis make this population group being extremely vulnerable to substance abuse. With the identification of two health related problems of homeless mothers, this paper analyses these problems from the public health perspective and from the perspective of national Healthy People 2010 program. Paper also indicates various intervention programs as well as national supporting strategies aiming to assist homeless mothers and increase their quality of life and health. Today, homelessness is everywhere and has many different faces. Social efforts addressing homelessness range from relief to rehabilitation with organizations aiming to provide support services to enhance the quality of life of homeless persons, provide services that alter the course of homelessness resulting in self-sufficiency and long-term independent living, or are intent on ending homelessness altogether (US Interagency Council on Homelessness, 2008). From the practical perspective, it is very difficult to develop generalizable statistical information regarding the prevalence and demographic characteristics of homelessness. Essentially, the only way to estimate the number of homeless individuals is to make a cross-sectional assessment in a specific location during a specific period of time. Thus information about who is homeless varies depending on the month of assessment, the geographic location assessed, and participant recruitment and data collection methodologies (Burt, 2001 ). Still, it is known that families constitute a dominant social group found among the temporarily homeless. Close to half a million families are estimated to be homeless each year making up approximately one-third of the homeless population (HUD, 2007). The vast majority of these families are African American or other minority group (Whaley, 2002). The vast majority of homeless families include a 20+ years old single mother with children typically younger than six years of age (HUD, 2007; Weinreb et al, 2006). Barrow & Zimmer (1999) refer to this as the "feminization of poverty" (p. 51) which is reflective of gendered disparities in employment, education, and family responsibilities. The women who find themselves homeless often have depleted their last lifeline, be it a family member, a friend, or a financial resource (Rog & Buckner, 2007). Focusing on homeless mothers is not a dismissal of the plight of homeless single fathers; however, the percentage of fathers raising children in shelters, transitional facilities, on the street, or other nonconventional housing situation is strikingly lower than that of homeless mothers (16% father-headed homeless families vs. 84% mother-headed (HUD, 2007; Schindler & Coley, 2007)). Therefore, while the experiences and needs of homeless fathers are important, the vast majority of families ex periencing homelessness are headed by single mothers, thus homeless mothers' health issues, challenges and educational strategies

Do countries that vote against the US trade less with the US Research Paper

Do countries that vote against the US trade less with the US - Research Paper Example The last report compiled in 2011 confirmed that these countries typically contradict US efforts at the UN. Trade relations between the US and countries, which continually oppose US initiatives at the UN, are significantly stringent. Some of the most affected countries by such stringent trade and economic relations with the US include Syria and Iran. Notably, countries, which vote against the US at the UN typically, trade less with the US. This paper will provide a succinct description of how countries that oppose the US at the UN have stringent trade relations with the US. Bilateral trade relations and tax treaties are established in order to assist countries enhance their foreign direct investment, as well as foreign affiliate activities through dual taxation relief. However, in order for countries to enjoy such benefits, they must have amiable relations, both politically and economically. These benefits are only part of the advantages enjoyed by countries having amiable political a nd economic relations that facilitate fluid trade transactions. ... As a world super power, the US relatively requires that countries support its proposals at the UN (Worlton, Reynolds, and Stinebower 215). Therefore, when countries vote against the US at the UN, the US pulls out or reduces its monetary support for such countries or reduces its trade with the nation, as well. Syria has presently voted against the US at least 67% of the time. This move has detrimentally affected Syria’s relations with the US, particularly with regard to the political and economic relations. As a consequence, trade between Syria and the US has suffered rather significantly. Prior to the 2001 September 11 terrorist attacks meted towards the US, Syria’s relations with the US were quite amiable. In fact, after the attacks, Syria provided intelligence to assist the US track Al Qaeda plans (Worlton, Reynolds, and Stinebower 219). However, Syria’s contradiction of the US efforts to initiate war against Iraq started the long progression of deteriorated re lations between Syria and the US. Another serious contention between the US and Syria emerged when the Syrian government refused to provide assistance to foreign fighters to make use of the Syrian borders to infiltrate Iraq (Elliott 58). The US is also concerned by Syria’s efforts to interfere in the affairs of Lebanon, Syria’s protection of the control of Palestinian rejectionist groups located in Damascus. Other issues of contention include Syria’s human rights record, as well as the countries pursuit of weapons of mass destruction (McLean and Whang 439). This last issue is one of the most critical areas of contention between the US and Syria, and remains a thorny issue at the UN. The US