Yvonne Vissing

This one-stop resource explores the leading child welfare issues facing the USA today, as well as the laws, programs, and policy prescriptions that have been implemented or suggested to address pressing child welfare problems. In doing so, the book surveys the perspectives of lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and scholars, as well as parents and children. Moving through centuries of US history, Child Welfare in America ranges from the child labor practices of the nineteenth century to contemporary anxieties about affordable child care, underperforming schools, screen time and social media pressures, and abusive family environments. Readers will better understand the range of factors affecting child welfare, including the cost of good child care, alcohol and drug abuse in family settings, homelessness, educational opportunities, teen pregnancy, and more. The book also surveys the perspectives of lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and scholars, as well as parents and children. Profiles of important advocacy organizations, agencies and individuals outline the approaches to child welfare issues and policies throughout the centuries.

This book critically examines why a human rights framework would improve the wellbeing and status of young people. It explores children’s rights to provision, protection, and participation from human rights and clinical sociological perspectives, and from historical to contemporary events. It discusses how different ideologies have shaped the way we view children and their place in society, and how, despite the rhetoric of children's protection, people under 18 years of age experience more poverty, violence, and oppression than other group in society. The book points to the fact that the USA is the only member of the United Nations not to ratify a children’s human rights treaty; and the impact of this decision finds US children less healthy and less safe than children in other developed countries. It shows how a rights-respecting framework could be created to improve the lives of our youngest citizens – and the future of democracy. Authored by a renowned clinical sociologist and international human rights scholar, this book is of interest to researchers, students, social workers and policymakers working in the area of children's wellbeing and human rights.

This book critically examines why a human rights framework would improve the wellbeing and status of young people. It explores children’s rights to provision, protection, and participation from human rights and clinical sociological perspectives, and from historical to contemporary events. It discusses how different ideologies have shaped the way we view children and their place in society, and how, despite the rhetoric of children's protection, people under 18 years of age experience more poverty, violence, and oppression than other group in society. The book points to the fact that the USA is the only member of the United Nations not to ratify a children’s human rights treaty; and the impact of this decision finds US children less healthy and less safe than children in other developed countries. It shows how a rights-respecting framework could be created to improve the lives of our youngest citizens – and the future of democracy. Authored by a renowned clinical sociologist and international human rights scholar, this book is of interest to researchers, students, social workers and policymakers working in the area of children's wellbeing and human rights.

Santa Claus is overdue for a social transformation, one that will make him relevant in a diverse and inclusive society. One of the most beloved figures for children throughout history is Santa Claus - yet he has become highly controversial. Parents today wonder how to present him to their children, or if they should encourage their children to believe in Santa at all. Schools and communities experience conflict about whether he should appear at civic functions. Business, religious and political leaders use Santa to sway public opinion towards their own agendas. This isn't new - Abraham Lincoln used Santa Claus as a form of psychological warfare to advance the North agenda in the Civil War. Santa Claus is a mythical character that originates from a variety of winter solstice festivals and figures and actually has little to do with any religion or St. Nicholas, despite this commonly held assumption. The controversy around Santa Claus actually has little to do with him but speaks volumes about adult agenda-making in today's often conflictual social environment. This fascinating book by a mom-scholar provides a comprehensive, well-researched analysis of who Santa has been in the past, how he came to be who he is today, and who he could become tomorrow.

ABSOLUTELY But only if you believe. We all need reminders of how to become happy and make other people happy too. The ABCs of the Santa Spirit for Adults gives hundreds of examples of how to celebrate each other and create delight through the delivery of loving-kindness. This book describes what the Santa Spirit is and why is it important to everyone. It gives A to Z descriptions how sharing the Santa Spirit can improve the lives of individuals, families and communities.

The Legend of the Santa Stocking tells the story of how to create "the best Christmas ever" that every family can use to find joy through appreciating one another.

Instead of opening an Advent Calendar door that has something short-lived inside, open the Santa Spirit Advent Calendar Book to find activities that will create long-lasting happy family memories With something to read, do and make each night of Advent, this book gives families quick, easy, fun and free things to do in the 24 days before the arrival of Santa Claus. It is designed to support families during these COVID days by giving home-bound, fun and inexpensive things to do together that will nourish family togetherness Delightful by design, by focusing on the joyful Santa Spirit you will find countless ways to make happy memories that will last a lifetime in the hearts and minds of children of all ages. Author Information: Dr. Yvonne Vissing is a professor, mom, and human rights advocte who hopes this book will bring you joy and the Santa Spirit.

Changing the Paradigm of Homelessness offers a comprehensive look at family housing distress related to the homelessness epidemic in the United States. This book explores the causes and consequences of this epidemic and proposes drastic changes in America’s historically ill-fated approach to family homelessness. By describing this crisis in detail, the authors enlighten readers to the scope of this issue, describe those impacted by it, and outline ways to shift public policies and public perceptions. The authors interweave scholarly concepts with insights of those who are currently or previously homeless, and, in doing so, they show the importance of academic knowledge influencing policy decisions and the ways in which these influences impact the lives of real persons. This book, then, uses pedagogy, policy, and pragmatism to critique the United States’ approach to family homelessness.

Changing the Paradigm of Homelessness offers a comprehensive look at family housing distress related to the homelessness epidemic in the United States. This book explores the causes and consequences of this epidemic and proposes drastic changes in America’s historically ill-fated approach to family homelessness. By describing this crisis in detail, the authors enlighten readers to the scope of this issue, describe those impacted by it, and outline ways to shift public policies and public perceptions. The authors interweave scholarly concepts with insights of those who are currently or previously homeless, and, in doing so, they show the importance of academic knowledge influencing policy decisions and the ways in which these influences impact the lives of real persons. This book, then, uses pedagogy, policy, and pragmatism to critique the United States’ approach to family homelessness.