You are an accountant in a medium-sized manufacturing company Research Paper

You are an accountant in a medium-sized manufacturing company - Research Paper Example Accruals are revenues already recognized, but no drawn cash or recorded cash such as rent, salaries and taxes in an industry. Estimates are a class of adjusting entries which occurs when the actual particulars of an expense is not easily determined such as an entry for wayward debt. Inventory is an adjusting entry since in an inventory system which is periodic; the adjusting entry helps in determining the outlay of goods sold expense. In a computerized system, these entries would first be characterized into prepayments and accruals then define expenses into prepaid expenses and accrued expenses while the revenues would fall into unearned revenue and accrued revenues (Warren, Reeve & Duchac, 2012). This would be necessary since the computer system only understands systemic information. Some of the ethical issues arising from these manufacturing entries as seen in the studies of Gilbertson & Lehman (2009) include honesty. This is where the person delegated the duty of recording the entries, is necessary to demonstrate honesty when recording the particulars to avoid errors, and misappropriations during in the final books of accounts since it would amount to fraud which is

Globalization and Inequality in Developing Nations Research Paper

Globalization and Inequality in Developing Nations - Research Paper Example However, globalization has progressively changed these aspects thereby introducing a new view and ways of governance, conducting business and living. It has been argued that gradually, globalization leads to a rising tide of income for particular groups in developing nations thereby creating inequality (Yusuf 32). Opponents of globalization, on the other hand, argue that while the aspect does improve overall income standards (in the eventual long run); such benefits are however not shared equitably, amongst a nation’s citizenry population (Yusuf 34). Moreover, they are concerned with the fact that widening income disparities, do not only raise both social and welfare concerns but that they also do limit the pertinent drivers of growth and industry. This is informed by the fact that the various opportunities created by the process, may not necessarily become fully exploited especially by the low-income earning bracket (Yusuf 36). Thus ultimately, they envisage the sustainability of the process (globalization), being adversely affected by the rising standards of inequality. This is despite its dependence on the maintenance of broader support across not only state but also global populations (Yusuf 37). This is perhaps the main reason why there continues to exist, continuous heated debate, on the need and importance of the process of human development. Without doubt, the process of globalization has benefited mankind and at the same time brought a cost to overall social contexts through inequalities.

Lifes Dream to Be a Teacher Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Lifes Dream to Be a Teacher - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that deciding to become a teacher was difficult and an inspirational move, but much insight was gained into one’s personality as a result. Perhaps now-President Barack Obama said it best.   In today’s society,   â€Å"...what's troubling is†¦our chronic avoidance of tough decisions, our seeming inability to build a working consensus to tackle any big problem.†Ã‚   Deciding to become a teacher, for many reasons, was definitely a struggle.   Many times, this author pondered the significance of the impact that could be had on children's lives-all because a career in teaching would be the ultimate choice. Deciding to become a teacher was a personal inspiration-not only to this author but to this author's family, friends, and co-workers. Many people derived happiness from knowing this. Some of the most important people in my life have been teachers who inspired me. Deciding to become a teacher gave this author insig ht into one's personality. This author's life was about more than the act of teaching. This was the job of a lifetime which would require this author to work at a depth scarcely imaginable-which was a welcome challenge.

The Omnivore's Dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Omnivore's Dilemma - Essay Example Subjects such as cattle industry, the capon industry, the hidden costs of industrial farming, local versus industrial organic farming, fast-food, the ethics of eating animals, the meaning of food in our lives are analyzed aptly. The basic question clarified by Pollan is ‘what type of food should be laid on the table?’ The meaning of food in our lives is discussed in relation with ideas from the Pollan’s ‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma’. Aspect, Origin and Significance of Food Human beings are scientifically classified as omnivores, hence are capable of consuming both flesh and plants. The fact still stands that not all foods are nutritious and edible; thus man tends to be choosy on what to love and hate. Pollan has remarkably assisted his readers on what to consider when selecting food. He states that innumerable individuals eat what their culture perceives as healthy food; therefore, are restricted to try other types of food (Murcot, 203). â€Å"The lack of a steadying culture of food leaves us especially vulnerable to the blandishments of the food scientist and the marketer†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Pollan, 5) In his quest, Pollan explores to find differences amid solar-powered food and fossil fuel-powered food. Feedlot is examined by Pollan and finds out that it has made more problems than solutions in producing substantial food. He does this through finding disparities amid economic logic and evolutionary logic; and systems that manufacture food without problems and those with problems. Anxiety is stirred up when a person has to choose on the type of food to eat. Pollan states this statement strongly believing how the process is remarkably difficult. Majority of the Americans struggle to get thin whilst they get fat as time elapses. The Omnivore’s Dilemma illustrates how American citizens are dysfunctional eaters, and fail to make precise choices in selecting appropriate food for consumption. Consequently, Pollan tries to find a solution to this problem by beginning to analyze the raw foods grown in the soil and ends with cooked and refined meal. Pollan also approaches this journey of emphasizing on the implication of food to omnivores by examining corn. He does his research in supermarkets by analyzing the type of foods grown in the area. He explains the origin of corn and the use of chemical fertilizers (Pollan, 15). Corns are the center of the innumerable foods put up for sale in supermarkets. The Omnivore’s Dilemma states that ingredients of industrial foods contains corn, which is broken down to simple molecules and matter that are combined with other substances to come up with a done produce. The populace and the community should watch on the pervasive diseases such as ‘obesity’, ‘diabetes’ and ‘heart disease’ that are majorly caused by too much of industrial foods. It has been established that corn and oil is the heart of the food industry. Examples of f oods that are extracted form oil and corns are burgers, fries that are exceptionally admired in American food shops center and fast food hotels (Pollan, 109). Corn makes up more in than a quarter of the types of foods sold in supermarkets. In his research, he visited the Chicken Mc Nuggets and found out that corn makes up 13 of the 38 constituent. This proves how essential corn is in the production of foods in industries. The food chain that he presents initiates form the corn. The human society is now facing difficult food choices

Factors of foreign direct investment in Algeria Essay

Factors of foreign direct investment in Algeria - Essay Example France is used as the main example. Foreign direct investment can be defined as a foreign ownership of the productive assets in a country. These assets can be mines, land, factories among others. In the present world, the issue of the foreign direct investment has become very important since foreign investments promote economic Globalization. Foreign direct investments also have a significant implication to the domestic economy.There are several cultural, social and economical factors which favours the domestic investments. In each of these categories of factors, some aspects favour while others discourage foreign direct investments. Currently, the Algerian government has discovered the importance of the foreign direct investment. In connection to this, the government has employed several factors in an effort to promote the foreign direct investment.Over the past, direct investments have been faced with numerous issues. Some have been against while others have been facilitating the d irect investments in the country. For instance, several codes have been implemented with some obstructing the direct investments. Foreign investors in Algeria can be traced long time ago. Fort instance, there were several British firms in Algeria by 1954. Between 1963 and 1983, the investment codes during the time were very restrictive. Under these codes, foreign investors were not allowed to own an independent company or investment venture. In other words, the foreign investors were only allowed to own joint ventures with state-owned companies.

Nicholas Romanov Essay Example for Free

Nicholas Romanov Essay Nicholas II was the last of the Romanov dynasty rule as the Czar of Russia. His rule began on 1st of November and finished on the 15th of 1917. During the time of Nicholas’s reign Russia saw him go from the great and powerful â€Å"little father† to a much more dishonorable and weak â€Å"bloody Nicholas†. Nicholas II was unsuccessful and the reason behind all of Russia’s many downfalls such as WW1 and the Russo-Japanese war. Bloody Sunday, The October Manifesto and the Russo-Japanese war were all events that support how unsuccessful he was as Czar and prove that he was the worst ruler of his time. The Russ-Japanese was the beginning of the on going failure of Czar Nicholas II. The war began over both Japan and Russia wanting control over Manchuria, Russia was defeated and shaken. The Czars people began lose their faith as it started the many strikes and demonstrations in St. Petersburg. Starting a war was Nicholas’s plan to divert the attention from the national problems of Russia, however created the original division between the Czar and his people. The war was fought in the far eastern reaches of Russia and most of the population lived in Moscow and St. Petersburg, so talk of the war created little enthusiasm for people to fell about the war, which Nicholas was hoping for. Bloody Sunday was an event that brought attitudes and opinions of hate towards Nicholas II and branded him with the new nickname â€Å"bloody Nicholas† which also creates a sense of how the working class felt about their Czar. Bloody Sunday was the massacre of innocent peasants holding a peaceful petition led by father Gapon, outside the winter palace and through the streets of Russia. Peasants marched unarmed and carrying religious symbols on flags hoping that their Czar would show compassion and help his people like a Czar should. This was not the case. The Imperial Guard fired 3 shots before shooting into the crowd killing over 200 people and injuring many more. Bloody Sunday provides clear evidence of Czar Nicholas failure and how unsuccessful he was at addressing the problems of Russia. The October Manifesto was a result of the horrible occurrences of Bloody Sunday in 1905. The October Manifesto was issued by Nicholas II to serve as a response to the Russian Revolution in 1905, but in fact, created an even bigger problem for the Czar to solve. The idea was to create a Duma and grant public liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly and religion. The plan was to bring back the bond between the Czar and his peasants but backfired and led to failure. The duma was unsuccessful as the Czar still had full control and was unwilling to share, which created an even bigger uproar among peasants as it was beneficial for the wealthier individuals of Russia more so than the working class. Nicholas II was now dealing with two gigantic holes in society that couldn’t be fixed, proving how unsuccessful he was as a ruler. In conclusion, Nicholas II was a highly unsuccessful ruler for the three major events of his reign bringing him failure and eventually leading him to his abdication. Bloody Sunday, the October Manifesto and Russo-Japanese are all stages of the Romanov Dynasty that prove Czar Nicholas was ineffective and distorted ruler, who was unsuccessful in solving the problems of Russia, which led to the downfall of the country and the end of an empire.

How Effective Is The Child Protection System?

How Effective Is The Child Protection System? Literature highlights some of the challenges for social workers assessing and making decisions about African children and families whose cultures differ from the majority of the white population in United Kingdom. The critical evaluation of knowledge and research in child protection and prevention of child abuse in black African children is important to the forming of social work policy, services and appropriate intervention. This is because there is need to provide appropriate intervention services which are culturally sensitive but at the same time preventing child abuse. It is important that black African children perspectives form part of policies and legislation. Several authors have critically analysed the evidence on service provision for black families in general. A pathologising approach to black families may lead to unnecessary coercive intervention and on the other hand a cultural relativist approach may lead to a non-intervention when services are required (Dominelli 1997 , Chand 2000). The purpose of the review is to explore if the child protection system is effective in preventing child abuse in black African children and their families. By child protection, the review will be referring to all the agencies and services involved in protecting and preventing child abuse. By relating to theory and research, there is hope to uncover gaps, themes and debates and also, raise questions which can be useful for future research. The literature review starts by setting the parameters that is, defining the terms that will be used, such as, child protection and child abuse. The literature review goes to set the historical and theoretical context because it is important to know how long literature and research has existed on the topic and what has been happening including research on culture differences, poverty, power issues and child protection. The review goes on to address the theoretical perspectives on the topic to analyse the theories that form the knowledge base in rese arch. The review goes on to look at the major findings in research and literature by exploring the key themes such as factors that impact African children that can result them in being involved in the child protection system for example, child rearing practices, poverty and limited knowledge in cultural practices by social work professionals. Finally the review will look at the anti-discriminatory practice and user-involvement to show how professionals can work sensitively and provide culture appropriate services. The literature search Child protection system aims to prevent situations that can result in a child or young person aged sixteen and under experience abuse that puts them in danger of not developing appropriately or losing their life (Save the Children UK, 2008). The abuse can fall under the category of child abuse which could be in form of neglect, emotional, physicals and sexual, (Woolfson et al 2009). The search involved these terms. After establishing the specific area to be reviewed; the focus was on black African children and the child protection system. The area of child protection and black African children is a controversial area that has been neglected in literature and research and there is need to analyse themes and identify gaps in literature. The sources selected were journals, books, government records and articles. Electronic search engines were used because they provided a readily available wide range of literature and research articles which have been accepted for publishing. These sourc es were used as evidence and source of information because they had been accepted for publishing hence they would not provide with false information. Review of the literature Historical Context In setting the historical context, the most important development in child protection is the formulation of the Children Act 1989 which was influenced by the public inquiries of the 1970s and 1980s child deaths, for example, the Maria Cowell. The Act stressed that the Local Authoritys duty is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. However, research into how the Children Act was being put into action found that the child protection system was still focusing on single incidents of child abuse rather than planning to meet the wider requirements of children in need (DoH, 1995a). The studies also noted that many children and families received little or no support, the assessment of risk was low (Stevenson, 1998) and ignored the influences of poverty, unemployment and poor housing. This meant that a new way in thinking was needed about working with families. The result was publication of the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH et al, 2000) and Wo rking Together to Safeguard Children (DoH et al, 1999). A Common Assessment framework was also developed to promote more effective earlier identification of childrens additional needs and improve inter-agency working. A review into previous deaths of children indicates failures to listen to children, sharing of information, follow procedures and recognising indicators of abuse. The main response to the deaths of children due to local authorities failures has been to seek bureaucratic solutions such as introducing new guidelines, laws and procedures (Ferguson, 2005). However, the Laming 2003 enquiry into the tragic death of Victoria Climbie in 2000 is particularly significant because it pointed out the inter-agency approach established after Maria Cowells death in 1973 was not followed and it considered implications for the whole of the child protection system (Batty, 2003). Laming (2003) highlights the misjudgements made on the Climbies case based on cultural assumptions that led to a tragedy. However, Garret (2006) argues that the Laming report (2003) appears to detach a childs race from core assessments and this was echoed in the Every Child Matters which appears to mention very little about the needs of children from other races. After the Victoria Climbie enquiry there has been recent death of children known to social services such as, baby P (2007) and Khyra Ishaq (2008). This begs the question, where is the child protection system going wrong? There are debates on how to provide social work interventions and family support that are culturally sensitive and competent to African children and their families who are at risk of significant harm (Stobart, 2006; Holland 2004, Robinson 2007; Mama 2004). This was highlighted in the Laming Progress Report (2009) which set out challenges faced in safeguarding children such as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ there is still need to improve knowledge and skills to understand children and their family circumstances. Also the laming report noted that despite the progress in inter-agency wor king there are still problems of day to day reality of working across organisational boundaries and cultureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ , Laming Progress Report (2009). When reviewing literature it is important to note that there is a sparse of research on black African children and the child protection system in the Britain hence it is difficult to set out the historical and theoretical context. Where research and literature exists, the data is still not plausible because it is mixed with other research data from minority ethnic populations and their experience differs widely. Theoretical and research perspectives that shape knowledge Different theories and perspectives inform knowledge base in literatures surrounding African children and the child protection system. When researching this area there is need to look at experiences of African people and their involvement with child protection hence researchers can use the black perspective which is based on the notion of common experiences that black people share. The black perspective criticises repressive research and theories that are likely to oppress black people, (Robinson 2007). African families will always refer to their culture as frame of reference to their parenting capacities (Bernard and Gupta, 2008) and understanding and acknowledgement of the black frame of reference will enable social workers to come up with accurate and comprehensive assessments of African black children involved with the child protection system, (Robinson 2007). Other literature is based on the ecological perspective and highlights the importance to analyse the impacts of social ex clusion, poverty and immigration on black African children and their families, (Gibbs and Huang 2003). However, Robinson 1998 argues that there is a danger of over-generalising and stereotyping because individual members from the same culture can behave differently from the pattern that is typical of that culture. However, other researchers argue that postmodern theories have gained popularity in social work, (Pease and Fook 1999; Leonard 1997). Researchers have argued against postmodern theories who want a better understanding of identity, combining personal with structural elements of living (Dominelli 2002; Graham 2002), drawing on the idea of what holds people together, (Badiou 2001). The lack of appropriate preventative support services which are culture sensitive often result in social work operating against the interests of black children involved in child protection, (Barn 1993, Graham 2002). Social work has operated within a problem oriented framework which is characterised by deficit and dysfunctional theories of black families (Robinson 2008). Major finding in literature and research Research agrees that black African children and their families are disproportionately represented in child protection (Graham, 2006; Barn et al 1997; Bernard and Gupta 2008). When looking at experiences of black African children and their families and how best to offer them appropriate intervention it is important to acknowledge background in terms of religion, culture, language and beliefs (Bernard and Gupta 2008; Gibbs and Huang 2003; Robinson 2007). Research shows that black African families may experience oppression and discrimination within the child protection system (Chand, 2008). A lot of literature appears to draw attention to the parenting in African families and how their culture is neglected in a lot researches and there is little empirical evidence especially about African parenting in Britain (Bernard, 2002; Graham 2006). Parenting by African families is entwined into an already debate of what constitutes child abuse (Francis, 1993; Chand 2000). Barn, 2002 argues that c hild abuse is a socially constructed phenomenon and most of literature surrounding child abuse is based on western societys views and middle-class. This can lead to discrimination and stereotypes towards African families rearing practices and lead to unwanted intervention and social care involvement. There is well documented literature focused on how culture influence parenting of African families involved with child protection system, (Brophy et al 2003, Bernard, 2002; Graham 2006). However, the empirical research is limited but the little data that exists poses the notion that cultural practices appear to play some part in African children being involved in the child protection system, (Mama, 2004). Literature suggests that African families practice harsh punishment for children, however, Barn et al 2006; Thoburn et al 2005; Nobes and Smith 1997, challenge such stereotypes and in their study, they found no significant differences between ethnic groups with regard to physical punis hment. However, these studies cannot be generalised to African families easily because the majority of the participants where white parents. There is gap in research on the parenting by black African families and a recurrent theme in literature is the need to acknowledge cultural and social contexts of parenting and experience of African black families to make sense of child abuse and provide appropriate intervention for children and families involved in the child protection system, (Holland 2004, Robinson 2007, Stobart 2006). A focus on ethnicity or identity, preclude issues of power and oppression operating in the everyday experiences of childrens lives to be appreciated, (Graham, 2007). Research found that most black African families live in poverty and social exclusion and how this impacts on parenting, (Bernard and Gupta 2008; Gibbs and Huang 2003; Robinson 2007; Platt, 2007). A study of more than 7,000 children looked after by 13 Local Authorities found that children who were not of the white origin where more likely to be put into care due to poverty (Sinclair et al, 2007). Sinclair et als study is very important b ecause it is a comprehensive qualitative study which focuses on the needs of children in care systems involving their perspectives and investigates the outcomes for children. The study also suggests how the care system should function and managed which is important to social work professionals and policy makers. However, data produced cannot be easily generalised to the entire population of African children because their experiences varies. There has been research critically examining the treatment of asylum seeking children and the child protection system and there is argument between the Children Act 1989 and immigration legislation and policy and Jones (2001) argues that social work profession singularly failed to provide critical scrutiny on the status and relationship of immigration and child care law and the erosion of childrens rights. Other researchers agree with Jones, that vulnerability of asylum seeking children has emotional and legal aspects, (Woodcock, 2003; Chase, 2009). Kohli 2006, argues that legislation obstruct the provision of preventative services to vulnerable children and their families. Research has highlighted the fragility of African children who claim asylum such as having suffering trauma due to their circumstances that led them to claim asylum such as war and torture, (Hodes, 2000, 2002; Ehntholt and Yule, 2006; Dyregrov and Yule, 2006). Research shows that there is a gap in research on asyl um seeking children and social work to inform practice, (Kohli and Mather 2003; Okitikpi and Aymer 2003). Rustin 2005, states that there is a complicated interaction between social workers knowledge in asylum seeking children and the existing stereotypes regarding these groups of service-users, (Bernard and Gupta 2008; Robinson 2007; Barn 1993; Owen and Statham 2009). Bernard and Gupta (2008) go on to cite other factors that affect African children such as asylum seeking, AIDS, loss and separation and this is important because when providing intervention to African children there is need to comprehend their background to offer appropriate services which do not discriminate them any further. Young (1990) states that black children often experience multiple-oppression for example, they suffer from stereotypes from society and also they are invisible to the child protection system. Graham (1999) goes on to argue that intervention with African families is at the centre of wider debates and conflict; and evidence from research continues to show over-representation of African children and their families in child protection. The debates seem to focus on power imbalances and how to involve African families to gain control over their lives, (Graham, 1999; Young, 1990). Other researchers highlight the issues of language in child protection and the provision of appropriate intervention services, (Chand 2000, Ahmed et al, 1982). The use of children as translators in sensitive child protection issues is unethical and inappropriate, and also the use of an interpreter can distort the assessment process, (Chand, 2000). Bernard and Gupta (2008) go further to look at other factors that affect black African children that other literature seems to neglect such as how gender norms place women in an inferior position within African cultures and this can limit mothers to protect their children in the environment of domestic violence, however Owen and Statham (2009) argues that the is limited evidence to maintain or challenge this notion. Nevertheless, in Masson et al (2008) study, domestic violence was evidenced as a cause of concern in the court files of half the children of Black African mothers implicated in their study of care proceedings. Research and evidence from Climbie enquiry propose that social work professionals involved with black and minority ethnic families might not act in child abuse cases because of fear of being regarded as a racist (Scorer, 2005; Bernard and Gupta, 2006). Nevertheless, literature and research fail to provide a large amount of evidence to support this notion for example, Gordon and Gibbons (1998) in their study found no differences between ethnicity in terms of children being placed on the child protection register and factors such as parents mental health problems, criminal activities or the child not fitting in a reconstituted family were the reasons for involvement than ethnicity (Williams and Soydan, 2005). However, Selwyn et al 2008 found that social work professionals were more uncertain and occasionally puzzled regarding how best to promote the needs of ethnic children and they felt further self-doubting in their assessment. Recurring themes in literature is the significance of so cial work professionals to build up on culturally sensitive work with black and ethnic families (Gray et al., 2008; Sue, 2006; Laird, 2008; Stirling et al., 2009; Hodge, 2001). Anti-discriminatory perspectives and the incorporation of knowledge from service users Thompson, (2008) states that anti-discriminatory practice has been used in Britain to account for good practice in social work to counter structural disadvantages however, Graham 1999, argues that anti-discriminatory practice fails to provide a knowledge base for social work that is engaged in the collective development of the black community. Professionals can indirectly oppress African children and their families through practice for example, by imposing their personal values or power, (Dominelli 2007). Research and literature talks about the child protection providing cultural sensitive services and training social work professionals have the knowledge and skills in working with different cultures. However this can actually create further oppression and social divisions. The majority of the workers will have dominant Eurocentric views which encourage further social divisions for example, excepting the view that African families live in poverty and not fight and challenge this view by providing services that help families to counter these structural inequalities in society. Dominelli (2007) argues that there is need to address the systems that reaffirm racist dynamics rather than challenging them. Dominelli (1992) argues that black children and families are over-represented in the controlling aspects of social work and under-represented in the welfare aspects of social work. Problems with communication and working in partnership have been highlighted in literature. Chases (2009) study found that young people described complex relationships with social workers and other social care professionals and were also more mistrustful of the interplay between social care and immigration services. There is limited research that incorporates service user involvement (Buchanan 2007; Bernard 2002) taking in their lived experiences however, an important study by Chase 2009 found that young people often described complex relationships with social workers and other social care professionals and were also more mistrustful of the interplay between social care and immigration services. Recent policy has tried to enforce advocacy as a way of promoting social justice and incorporate disadvantaged groups views on the services that are appropriate for them. In Bowes and Sims (2006) empirical study, they found that black and minority ethnic communities gave support to advocacy s ervices, however, they were still marginalised by the services they were already using. There appears to be a need of qualitative research and literature that includes an extensive study of black African childrens perspectives and experiences, (Graham 2007) which forms a value base to inform practice in social work. Relevance to policy and practice Using the ecological approach the Framework For Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH, 2000), places a requirement on social work professionals to take account of cultural background and socio-economic positions of families paying attention to power imbalances in relationships, (Dalrymple and Burke, 1995). Dalrymple and Burke (1995) argue that an understanding is needed of the association between personal experience and structural realism of inequality. Therefore service users perspectives should form part of policies and legislation respecting and literature highlights that childrens rights may still lack from policy and legislation, therefore, these notions challenge professionals to take childrens views seriously and appreciate their contribution to research, (Aubrey and Dahl 2006). Lots of research appears to focus on empowerment through cultural knowledge inviting new thinking about the challenges faced by black communities, (Aubrey and Dahl 2006). The complex s ocial circumstances experienced by many African families pose challenges for social work professionals working to safeguard and promote childrens welfare. In order to safeguard and promote welfare of African children acknowledgement of sources of discrimination and oppression, a commitment to human rights and social justice must be met. Several authors have critically analysed the evidence on service provision for black families in general. A pathologising approach to black families may lead to unnecessary coercive intervention and on the other hand a cultural relativist approach may lead to a non-intervention when services are required (Dominelli 1997, Chand 2000). Either way appropriate intervention is not provided for black and ethnic minority children. The quality of services in black communities is a focus for debate and raises important issues about the lack of policy initiatives based upon needs and aspirations of local communities (Graham, 2002). By drawing on strengths perspective professionals can illuminate how parents draw on cultures as a resource to parents in circumstance of adversity whilst not excusing behaviour that is harmful to children. Conclusions There is gaps in research on child protection and black African families and a recurrent theme in literature is the need to acknowledge cultural and social contexts of parenting and experience of African black families to make sense of child abuse and provide appropriate intervention for children and families involved in the child protection system, (Holland 2004, Robinson 2007, Stobart 2006). Research shows that there is a gap in research on asylum seeking children and social work to inform practice, (Kohli and Mather 2003; Okitikpi and Aymer 2003). There is need for research centred on black African children and there is also need to involve them in forming of policies, challenging the notion that only ethnicity causes the experiences faced by African children. This is because by having cultural sensitive intervention, there can be reinforcement of stereotypical services and discrimination ignoring other things such as gender, age and class.