Support Agencies Research Articles

Self-Regulation, Healing Processes, and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Multiple Case Study

The study investigates how self-regulation aids in processing their abuse, the mechanisms of their healing journey, and the impact of post-traumatic growth on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse with different elaboration of their attitudes, managing themselves, and their positive disposition. Qualitative research is designed to comprehend phenomena in context-specific settings, such as a real-world setting, where the researcher refrains from attempting to manipulate the phenomenon of interest. The researcher entails a multiple-case study that focuses on the examination of numerous individual cases within a single study to acquire a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. By capturing diverse perspectives and contexts through the analysis of multiple cases, the researcher enhances the richness and validity of their findings. Data were obtained from interviews and documentary analysis. The adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse shared common experiences of initial negative emotions but demonstrated significant self-regulation over time, reframing their perspectives positively. The proposed intervention plan integrates principles from positive psychology, aiming to enhance participants’ resilience and maintain their psychological well-being. This proposed intervention plan not only supports ongoing healing but also aims to inspire a positive outlook and improve self-esteem among survivors and victims’ alike. The findings emphasize the importance of social support and personal agency in the healing journey from CSA, highlighting the nonlinear nature of recovery and the enduring impact survivors can have in supporting others within their communities.

English Language Exposure, Immersion, and Development Among Chinese English Majors

The study investigates how self-regulation aids in processing their abuse, the mechanisms of their healing journey, and the impact of post-traumatic growth on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse with different elaboration of their attitudes, managing themselves, and their positive disposition. Qualitative research is designed to comprehend phenomena in context-specific settings, such as a real-world setting, where the researcher refrains from attempting to manipulate the phenomenon of interest. The researcher entails a multiple-case study that focuses on the examination of numerous individual cases within a single study to acquire a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. By capturing diverse perspectives and contexts through the analysis of multiple cases, the researcher enhances the richness and validity of their findings. Data were obtained from interviews and documentary analysis. The adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse shared common experiences of initial negative emotions but demonstrated significant self-regulation over time, reframing their perspectives positively. The proposed intervention plan integrates principles from positive psychology, aiming to enhance participants’ resilience and maintain their psychological well-being. This proposed intervention plan not only supports ongoing healing but also aims to inspire a positive outlook and improve self-esteem among survivors and victims’ alike. The findings emphasize the importance of social support and personal agency in the healing journey from CSA, highlighting the nonlinear nature of recovery and the enduring impact survivors can have in supporting others within their communities.

Shared-Time Parenting After Separation in Australia: How Much Does the Law Matter?

ABSTRACT This article examines the prevalence of post-separation shared-time arrangements in Australia over the last 20 years while also examining various significant legislative shifts during this period. We draw on data from the population of children of separated parents newly registered with the Australian Child Support Agency. Surprisingly, there was no marked increase in shared-time parenting among new entrants following the amendments of 2006 encouraging shared parenting. Nor was there a marked decrease after major family violence amendments in 2011 prioritizing safety. Yet there was a noticeable increase in shared-time arrangements among new entrants during COVID-19. The Australian data suggest that legislative change may not have the impacts that their proponents might have expected, and that other factors such as income, socio-demographic changes, and pandemics are potentially more powerful forces impacting on shared-time arrangements in complex ways.

From Virtual Trainers to Companions? Examining How Digital Agency Types, Anthropomorphism, and Support Shape Para‐Social Relationships in Online Fitness

ABSTRACTThe role of virtual trainers in online fitness has increasingly captured the attention of consumers and brands as digital technology becomes more interwoven with daily life. This study extends the para‐social relationship theory by developing and testing a research model through five studies that simulate online fitness interactions. In Study 1, we examine the model and find that three characteristics (interactivity, authenticity, and companionship) positively influence consumers' social perceptions (perceived warmth and competence), para‐social relationship building, and intentions to continue using the service. Our findings also reveal that the moderating roles of coach types (human vs. avatar vs. agent) in Study 2, anthropomorphic appearance levels (high vs. low) in Study 3, and the nature of support provided (emotional vs. technical) in Study 4 significantly affect users' social perceptions and their intentions to continue using the service. Interestingly, compared to humans and avatars, using agent coaches requires greater authenticity to strengthen the para‐social relationship. When using low‐anthropomorphic digital agents and avatars, building para‐social relationships more effectively promotes consumers' continued usage intentions. Additionally, the relationship between para‐social relationship building and continued usage intentions was stronger in the emotional support group than in the technical support group. In Study 5, we found that continued usage intention positively affects online fitness subscription behaviors. These findings have implications for integrating digital agencies to enhance consumer experience and engagement in health‐focused digital environments, especially for physical fitness service providers and platform course designers.

The Role of the School’s Committee in Implementing P5 in the Era of Independent Learning

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the school committee and its contribution in improving the quality of education in the era of independent learning. This study was conducted at SMP Negeri West Jakarta Region 1. Interviews, observations, documentation, and literature reviews were the data collection tools used. This study is qualitative research with a descriptive analysis method. The data collection process was carried out through in-depth interviews and questioner. The technique of data analysis was classifying data based on the category, counting the frequency and percentage. This study found that the school committee, as part of the school element, is responsible for the smooth implementation of school programs in the current era of independent learning, the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5), building relationships with the school community, improving facilities and infrastructure, and encouraging improvements in the quality of school resources. Here, the result of the percentage of each the categories they are: an advisory agency (consideration) as much as 25%, a support agency (supporter) as much as 25%. a controlling agency (controller) as much as 23% and a mediator as much as 27%.

Usability of Community Awareness Strategy to Boost Enrolment of Pupils with Special Needs: A Case of Public Primary Schools Committees in Mbinga Town Council, Tanzania

The study examined how school committees at Mbinga Town Council contributed to the enrolment of students with special needs in public primary schools by using a community awareness strategy. The study employed concurrent design under a mixed-methods research approach, and the Social Theory of Disability guided it. The study population comprised 42 public primary schools (PPSs), 42 head teachers (HTs), 1203 students, 546 school committee members (SCMs), 553 teachers (Ts), and 19 Ward Education Officers (WEOs). Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were deployed to sample 12 PPSs, 120 students, 64 Ts, 12 HTs, 55 SCMs, and 2 WEOs, making 253 respondents. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected through interview guides and focus group discussion guides validated by education research experts. The reliability coefficients of 0.891 and 0.861 for Ts and SCMs questionnaires one at a time were attained following Likert-type items using Cronbach's Alpha. The trustworthiness of qualitative data was ensured through peer debriefing and triangulation methods. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and presented in tabular form, while qualitative data were thematically deduced. The study found that school committees highly engage the community awareness strategy in varying ways to boost pupils with special needs enrolment through positive initiatives and partnerships with support services. This approach includes addressing parents' concerns, fostering inclusivity, and collaborating with educators and government for better resources and support. The study concludes that initiatives like school activities and barazas help students' perceptions be positive and that a comprehensive approach to inclusivity is shown by collaborations with outside support agencies and efforts to make information available to all parents. The study recommends prioritizing communication with parents and increasing government funding to ensure accessibility and foster a genuinely inclusive educational environment.

The Design Impact of Wood Processing Industry Sector on the Socio-Psychological Well-Being of Individuals of a Country

The paper focuses on the impact of design in the wood processing industry as an important factor of digitalization and the socio-psychological well-being of individuals. The main focus in our paper is the importance of design in the enterprises of the woodworking industry as a main factor for improving and increasing the socio-psychological well-being of individuals in Kosovo. We have provided the data from the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Industry Department, of the Republic of Kosovo related to the number of enterprises operating in the sector of the wood processing industry, with the main focus on the furniture sub-sector from 2017-2020 (Industry, 2020). In addition, our paper is also based on the primary data, provided by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Industry Department, of the Republic of Kosovo, related to the current mastery skills on design computer programs of employees of the furniture sub-sector, as well as the level of importance of these skills in the furniture sub-sector of Kosovo. Based on the primary data, we also have analyzed the impact of Covid-19 on the socio-psychological aspects of individuals in the furniture sub-sector. In the focus of the primary analysis, we`ve took into survey 62 firms of the wood industry in Kosovo including all types of businesses: the micro-businesses, small and medium enterprises in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Industry Department, and in collaboration with the Investment and Enterprise Support Agency in Kosovo (KIESA) (Industry, 2020). In addition, through comparative statistical analysis expressed in percentage (%) we’ve analyzed the increase and the decrease of the number of enterprises and employees of the wood industry sub-sector of Kosovo from 2017-2020 (Industry, 2020). Definitely we based on some suggestions that should be taken through the government policies with aim for the development of the wood processing industry and the digitization of the furniture sub-sector, with aim to promote a socio-psychological well-being of individuals. Received: 6 August 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Movie Review “Hana,” Resilience and Empowerment of Papuan Women in the Face of Systemic Injustice

ABSTRACT The review of the film HANA examines the resilience and empowerment of Hana Kristina Agasar, a young Papuan lady confronting systematic injustice. The video highlights obstacles faced by indigenous Papuan women, especially in school and employment, as a result of persistent racial discrimination. Hana’s narrative, rooted in socio-economic challenges , underscores both individual and communal hardship. Her perseverance in pursuing a better life demonstrates personal emwerment, self-efficacy, and community support. The review shows how oppression can be confronted through agency and societal support, utilizing resilience, empowerment, and cultural identity. Hana’s narrative symbolizes Papua’s broader struggle for justice and equality.

Enhanced prediction of extreme fire weather conditions in spring using the Hot-Dry-Windy Index in Alberta, Canada

Background Fire weather indices forecast fire behaviour and provide valuable information for wildland fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression. However, these indices do not directly account for atmospheric conditions aloft. The province of Alberta, Canada has experienced extreme fire weather conditions during spring for decades, leading to the continued occurrence of disastrous wildland fires. Aims We examined the Hot-Dry-Windy Index (HDWI) and spread days over the first 4 days of 80 large wildland fires that started in May 1990–2019 in Alberta. Methods HDWI values were calculated using ERA5 reanalysis data from the 1000, 975 and 950 hPa levels. Differences between HDWI distributions on spread days and non-spread days were examined using permutation tests. Initial Spread Index was also examined as it is considered an important Fire Weather Index System value for wildland fire spread during spring in Alberta. Key results Higher median HDWI values were observed on spread days than non-spread days, where median Initial Spread Index values showed little to no difference. Conclusions This analysis suggests that HDWI can contribute to the prediction of significant spring wildland fire spread in Alberta. Implications Forecasted HDWI and HDWI climatologies may provide additional decision support for wildland fire management agencies.

Community Empowerment Strategy Based on Social Capital in Supporting Accelerated Mangrove Rehabilitation (Case Study in Kateman District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province)

Kateman District in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province, is known for its extensive mangrove forests. However, ongoing damage and coastal erosion have led to significant deforestation. This study examines the socio-economic characteristics and social capital of communities near mangrove areas to create empowerment strategies for mangrove rehabilitation. Data was collected using PRA methods, observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review, and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings reveal strong community support for the rehabilitation program, with local social capital playing a key role in these efforts. In Kateman District’s coastal communities, key social capital elements include (a) awareness and responsibility, (b) groups and networks, (c) trust and solidarity, (d) collective and cooperative actions, (e) information and communication, and (f) cohesion and inclusion. Community empowerment strategies are designed based on these social capital factors. Based on the AHP results, five alternative priority strategies need to be developed, namely: 1) bottom-up approach (0.155); 2) institutional strengthening (0.136); 3) training and capacitation (0.130); 4) Pentahelix collaboration (0.130); and 5) participatory monitoring and evaluation (0.123). The analysis suggests that to support mangrove rehabilitation, local governments and agencies should strengthen institutions through regional or village regulations and build partnerships with stakeholders, leveraging local social capital.

Implementation of Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2002 Concerning the Prohibition of the Alcoholic Beverages Circulation in Malinau Regency

Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2002 concerning the Prohibition of the Circulation of Alcoholic Beverages in Malinau Regency is a guideline in the implementation of programs and policies to maintain and protect every citizen, especially the residents of Malinau Regency in order to avoid the use of alcoholic beverages and abuse in the social life of the community. The purpose of the research is to find out the Implementation of Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2002 concerning the Prohibition of the Circulation of Alcoholic Beverages in Malinau Regency, and to find out the obstacles and find solutions to overcome the obstacles faced by the Malinau Regency Regional Government in enforcing the regional regulations. This study uses qualitative descriptive research, to find out the population in this study is to use a sample to find out the extent of the implementation of the local regulation on the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the community whether it has been fully implemented. This research instrument uses library study methods and field research which includes observation, interviews and documentation techniques. Method for Data Analysis in this study uses qualitative data analysis of an interactive model consisting of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study illustrate that the problems faced in the implementation of Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2002 concerning the Prohibition of the Circulation of Alcoholic Beverages in Malinau Regency such as the lack of socialization carried out by the Regional Government to the community, the absence of financial support for agencies or implementing agencies in the context of socialization and implementers that are very lacking compared to the area of the area which is not in accordance with the number of implementers or implementers that exist. In addition, it is necessary to improve bureaucratic reform so that the purpose and implementation of the prohibition regulation can be more optimal.

Agency support for at-risk families: service provision, challenges and effective elements for intervention

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need to locate effective interventions for parents involved with child protection services (CPS), Oranga Tamariki in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article describes a qualitative research study that sought to understand: (1) the nature of service provision to families; (2) workers’ perceptions of challenges and effective treatment components in delivering intervention; and (3) effective practices for working with Māori. Participants were staff members working within NGOs, providing interventions to families with ongoing Oranga Tamariki involvement. Data comprised responses to semi-structured interviews (n = 9), interpreted using thematic analysis. Findings highlighted that all participants worked within family homes to deliver intervention, and drew on Te Whare Tapa Whā. Challenges included ongoing child maltreatment concerns and participants’ sense of responsibility for keeping children safe whilst being unable to do so adequately within their non-mandated roles. Perceived effective elements were: strong relationships, transparency, and having courageous conversations when needed. For indigenous clients, self-determination and the effects of colonisation were of prime importance. Themes highlighted responsive practice, with a pragmatic understanding that family priorities may not always align with professional views. This is consistent with international findings regarding challenges in delivering parenting interventions and identifies potential essential components for effective practice. HIGHLIGHTS Practitioners’ perceptions of essential elements to effective practice included: strong relationships, honesty, reciprocity, and directness regarding child protection concerns. Effective practices seen to be particular to working with Māori families were trusting, reciprocal relationships and ensuring self-determination and autonomy. Ethical tensions and a sense of complicity and helplessness at times were described, with ongoing child protection concerns evident during intervention for some families. Practitioners took a holistic approach to their work, expressing non-judgment, sympathy for, and understanding of the complex circumstantial and personal challenges faced by Oranga Tamariki-involved parents. Glossary of Māori terms: awhi: embrace, cherish; kaimahi: staff members; kanohi ki te kanohi: face to face; karakia: blessing; kaupapa Māori: Māori approach; kete: basket; kōrero: to speak; mana: prestige; manaakitanga: hospitality; mana whenua: people with rights over the land; marae: meeting house; Pākehā: New Zealander of European descent; pepeha: introduction; pēpi: baby; pono: true; pōwhiri: welcome ceremony; tamariki: children; tangata: people; tika: correct; tikanga: custom; tutū: mischevious; waiata: song; whakapapa: genealogy; whānau: family; whanaungatanga: relationship; whare: house.

Living and learning in the retail sector: transactions of young adults’ life course experiences and workplace learning opportunities

This paper seeks to bridge the existing knowledge gap between workplace learning and life course studies by investigating how young adults in the retail industry identify, pursue, and actualise learning opportunities in their workplaces. It considers the elements from their life course that either facilitate or impede these learning opportunities. The study contributes to workplace learning and life course studies by constructing a nuanced understanding of young adults’ agency in navigating their learning and development within the work context. The research is based on an exploratory single case study of young adults working in the Danish retail sector, specifically in non-specialised food handling. Learning biography vignettes (LBV) serves as the empirical foundation for analysis. The findings highlight the complex interplay between personal life events, social support, work environments, and individual agency in shaping the learning and development trajectories of young adults. The research underscores the need for workplaces to be supportive and flexible, providing a range of learning opportunities. It is vital that these environments recognise individual agency and cater to both the personal and professional growth needs of young adults.

A place of encounter: Health and social care workers’ perspectives on public gathering spaces for people using drugs

Background: The use of drugs is an escalating concern, with significant implications for the health and daily functionality for individuals. It has proven challenging to provide accessible health and social services. In the context of addressing substance use issues in urban areas, public gathering places for individuals who use drugs play a multifaceted role, serving as sites of belonging, support and potential illicit activity. This qualitative study explores the experiences of healthcare and social workers regarding a public gathering place, referred to as “the Bench”, in a medium-sized Norwegian city. Methods: A qualitative research design consisting of semi-structured focus group interviews and individual interviews with 13 participants representing various support agencies. Results: The analysis resulted in four thematic areas: (1) belonging and a gateway to support and services; (2) balancing user autonomy at the Bench and systems support; (3) the role of a centralised location; and (4) the preventive role of support workers at the Bench. Conclusion: While the Bench fosters a sense of community and provides access to vital services, concerns about illicit activities persist due to its visibility. Nevertheless, its central location facilitates outreach efforts and ensures easy access to support services. The study underscores the preventive role of healthcare and social workers in stabilising the environment and mitigating conflicts. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of central locations for public gathering places, emphasising the proximity to low-threshold services. The Bench represents a crucial venue for establishing relationships and providing assistance to individuals who use drugs, contributing to harm reduction efforts in the community.

Evaluating young people's listening practices: a public health issue

Listening to music through headphones or earphones has become commonplace with the development of new technologies. If this listening is prolonged over long periods and at high noise levels, it exposes young people to risks to their hearing systems. The WHO (2021) indicates that one person in four is expected to have hearing problems by 2050, and 1.1 billion young people worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss due to dangerous listening habits. Three French organizations (Le RIF, Bruitparif and CidB) have joined forces, with the support of the regional health agency of Ile de France, to coordinate their hearing risk prevention campaign and carry out a study ahead of the campaign to find out about listening practices using headphones or earphones, concert attendance and the precautions taken by teenagers to protect themselves from hearing risks. The results, based on a sample of 2,685 teenagers (secondary school), will provide a snapshot of practices so that prevention messages can be adapted during awareness campaigns.

The Model of Nursing Administration and Quality of Working Life Management of Nurses after COVID-19 Pandemics, in Thailand

The research results showed that 1) Conditions and guidelines the nursing administration and quality of working life in during and after the pandemics COVID-19 were explored and found that executives understood their personnel and emphasized that relevant personnel must perform their duties according to the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Problems found included insufficient personnel for the work and overlapping roles. Factors that supported personnel to manage their work quality after the COVID-19 outbreak included teamwork, participation in planning and solving work safety issues, having time for work and family, and job satisfaction. The guidelines for operations after the COVID-19 outbreak should include changes to the work system, building morale, participation, teamwork, and job satisfaction. Good time management could affect the quality of life of nurses. 2) In the study of measurement model, it was found that all sub-component latent variables were suitable as the observed variables of each main component, and all main components were suitable as the observed variables of the nursing administration model and the management of working life quality of nurses after the COVID-19 outbreak. When checking the consistency of the measurement model, the measurement model was consistent with the empirical data, thus confirming the development of the nursing administration model and the management of working life quality of nurses after the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand, by the linear structural component analysis method. 3) the model of nursing administration and quality of working life management of nurses after the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand or SWAP FECT MODEL; it was found that all experts confirmed that the model was a model with practical steps, consisting of 2 main components, 10 sub-components, and 66 indicators. The main components of nursing administration in the VUCA model had 3 sub-components: transparency, empowerment of subordinates, and collaboration. The main components of management of working life quality had 7 sub-components: agency support, work safety, work participation, work satisfaction, well-being, self-development, and free time management. There were 3 steps of good management: 1. Inputs 2. Processes and 3. Outputs.

Accurate determination of three new antihypertensive drugs illegally added to food using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Effective strategies are required to address food safety issues related to the illegal addition of antihypertensive drugs to food and claims of antihypertensive function. In this study, a novel ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of three antihypertensive drugs (azilsartan, candesartan cilexetil, and lacidipine) in 12 food matrices (pressed candies, solid beverages, alternative teas, tea drinks, biscuits, jellies, mixed liquors, oral liquids, medicinal teas, tablets, hard capsules, and soft capsules). Initially, mass spectrometry parameters, such as the collision energies of the three antihypertensive drugs, were optimized. Subsequently, the response intensities and chromatographic separation conditions of the three drugs in different mobile phases were compared. In addition, to enhance the recoveries, various extraction solvents and purification methods, including solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns and the QuEChERS technique, were investigated. In the developed method, sample determination involved three steps. First, the sample was extracted using 0.2% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile and then filtered using high-speed centrifugation, in addition, the extracted solution of alternative tea and medicinal tea was purified using the QuEChERS technique. Second, the supernatant was diluted with water, and filtered through a 0.22 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Finally, the analytes were separated on an Agilent Eclipse Plus RRHD C18 column (50 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) using a 5 mmol/L ammonium formate aqueous solution and acetonitrile as the mobile phases under gradient elution conditions and then detected using UHPLC-MS/MS with positive electrospray ionization (ESI) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Quantitative analysis was performed using a matrix-matched external standard method. Methodological validation showed good linear relationships for all three antihypertensive drugs in the investigated concentration ranges, with correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.996. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of lacidipine were 0.02 mg/kg and 0.04 mg/kg, respectively, whereas those of the other two drugs were 0.01 mg/kg and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. In the 12 food matrices, the average recoveries of the drugs ranged from 86.6% to 107.5% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.1%-10.9% (n=6) at low, medium, and high spiked levels. Furthermore, this method was successfully applied to the analysis of real food samples. Overall, the newly developed method is simple, rapid, sensitive, accurate, and suitable for the qualitative and quantitative determination of antihypertensive drugs in different food matrices. This work could provide technical support for food safety agencies in implementing measures against the illegal addition of antihypertensive drugs to food.

What Makes Bureaucracies Politically Resilient? Evidence from Brazil’s Covid‐19 Vaccination Campaign

This article sheds new light on the drivers of bureaucratic resilience in the face of presidential attacks, an understudied but politically salient topic. Scholars have long shown how political advocacy can protect bureaucracies from presidential attacks on policy regulation. We argue, however, that advocacy is insufficient to defend bureaucracies against attacks on policy implementation, which occurs largely outside the formal political arena. Through a case study of Brazil’s successful Covid‐19 vaccination campaign, we call attention to two additional forms of support for agencies under attack–resource provision and social activism–that come into play during the implementation phase of policy. In conjunction with political advocacy, resource provision and social activism bolster bureaucracies under attack by filling in where other forms of support fall short.

Strategi Peningkatan Disiplin Personil Pemadam Kebakaran pada Dinas Pemadam Kebakaran dan Penanggulangan Bencana Kota Palembang

Mohammad Hardiansyah. Strategy to Improve The Discipline of FireFighting Personnel to the Palembang Fire and Disaster Management Service. This study aims to Improve the Discipline of Fire Fighting Personnel to the Palembang Fire And Disaster Management Service. The results show that from the results of research that has been carried out it can be said that the Strategy for Increasing Discipline of Personnel Related to Fire Fighting Services to the Community at the Palembang City Fire and Disaster Management Service has not been effective because there are several indicators that have not been met from the side of external training that are not. can be followed by all personnel due to limited funds, as well as the support of facilities and facilities that are still not supported. For training activities carried out by employees, namely internal training for Levels I, II and III, while external training is held at the DKI Jakarta Fire Department in Ciracas, and has now been implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The supporting factor in this research is where the ASN development policy, as well as agency support for internal training and personal motivation are the main and important things, although in the future there will need to be other improvements. In addition, the existence of rewards and punishments is also a motivation to improve work discipline. Improving the quality of work is apart from the quality of personnel, also in terms of improving supporting facilities and infrastructure, currently the facilities owned are still not in accordance with the needs, so this is the inhibiting factor in this research. Then a lot of fire fighting equipment is still lacking, be it hoses, pumps, for reasons of budget constraints, of course this triggers the fire fire operation process

Social sustainability: employment of former-offenders by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the recruitment practice of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic to learn whether it encourages or discourages former offenders from attempting to attain work after release. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was taken to understand the perspective of SME company owners and decision-makers within the Czech Republic. In all, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted which examined the current recruitment practice and individual attitudes towards employing former offenders. Findings Through a change of employer perception, working with support agencies and amending recruitment practice, opportunities can be created for former offenders in the workplace to assist their rehabilitation. This would assist with overcoming employer attitudes which have little sense of responsibility to helping former offenders with reintegration through employment. Recruitment practices focus heavily on past accomplishments and the existence of a criminal record which can disincentivise former offenders from applying for work because of their stigmatised identity. Prior experience with offenders can lead to a change of attitude and offers a vector for changing employer attitudes. In combination with linkage to agencies which work with former offenders, small businesses could amend their recruitment practice and provide support for former offenders on their rehabilitation journey. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a limited sample size, only 25 responses, and the need for translation from English to Czech could have led to a loss of nuance in the responses gathered. With asynchronous interviews also being used, some brief responses limited the insight which could have been gained. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight areas of practice which can be amended to better attract former offenders, being future-focused rather than past-focused. Social implications Enhancing employment opportunities for former offenders would be a major enhancer for their reintegration efforts and lower the associated social costs to society. Originality/value Prior research has been conducted into the offender experience, with recruiter/owner receiving far less attention. Most prior studies have been quantitative in nature, with few using a qualitative approach.