The Prince Example #2 Essay Example
The Prince Example #2 Essay Example

The Prince Example #2 Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
View Entire Sample
Text preview

The Prince by Machiavelli offers guidance for contemporary organizations, such as the Department of Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey (DYFS). DYFS has embraced The Prince's principles and effectively implemented them, leading to growth and achievements. Machiavelli wrote The Prince with the intention of providing practical advice on leadership and governance, including chapters that directly relate to DYFS's objectives.

The responsibilities of DFYS employees are in line with the principles discussed in chapter eight of "The Prince" by Machiavelli, specifically titled "Concerning Those Who Have Obtained a Principality by Wickedness". In this chapter, Machiavelli examines how wickedness can bring out individuals' strengths. According to Machiavelli, there are two methods through which a prince can gain power, and neither method relies solely on luck or talent. While one method may be f

...

urther explored when discussing republics, it is important to acknowledge and address both methods.

The text explores two ways of obtaining power: through immoral or deceitful tactics, or by earning the support of fellow citizens. Machiavelli (1515) discusses these approaches in the context of becoming a prince. This chapter is applicable to DYFS because it addresses parents who engage in malicious actions. According to DYFS (Department, 2007), their duty entails investigating accusations of child abuse and neglect and, if necessary, ensuring the child's safety and offering assistance to the family.

The child protection and welfare agency in New Jersey, known as DYFS, is responsible for addressing concerns related to children who have not received proper care. This usually occurs due to parental neglect. Operating under the Department of Children and Families, DYFS aims to protect children's safety

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

well-being, and overall welfare while offering support to families. In 2007, the Department demonstrated its commitment to strengthening family relationships and guaranteeing the security, happiness, and lasting stability of all children in New Jersey.

DCF is committed to incorporating the input of New Jersey stakeholders and front line workers and supervisors in order to achieve positive results and improvements to the state's child welfare system. Presently, the main priorities are centered around reducing caseloads, developing a skilled workforce, utilizing data to manage outcomes, and increasing the recruitment of safe and caring foster homes for our most vulnerable children (Department, 2007). DCF is dedicated to enhancing DYFS practice in order to generate better outcomes for children and families.

In addition, DYFS has made important advancements in child welfare. These efforts involve rebuilding specialized adoption practice, establishing a supportive network in local communities, re-engineering child abuse prevention, enhancing capacity in the child behavioral health system, and improving healthcare for children under their care (Department, 2007). The role played by DYFS is critical as it assists numerous children who are in need and potentially saves their lives. In Chapter 19 of "The Prince" by Machiavelli, the author underscores the significance of avoiding despise or hatred.

DYFS faces daily animosity and disdain due to the challenging decisions they must make and their need for sound judgment. This aligns with Machiavelli's idea that a respected prince is less prone to conspiracies, echoing DYFS's goal of earning respect for their work rather than encountering hostility when separating children from their families.

The perception of children being separated from their parents is often limited. Usually, when the Division

of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) removes a child from their home, it is due to significant danger to the child. However, there are instances where DYFS engages in misconduct themselves and should be disliked and condemned. This was evident in the case of an ex-DYFS worker who falsified records while holding multiple jobs simultaneously. The specific case started in 2008 when Basilike Pagonis worked as a full-time manager at Franklin House, which is operated by Alternatives Incorporated (AI), a non-profit organization situated in Raritan that offers transitional housing for homeless families.

In July 2008, Pagonis started working as a full-time case worker for DYFS. She manually completed her time sheets for DYFS and submitted them to her manager. At AI, she was responsible for entering her own hours into the computer system. An investigation revealed that from July 7, 2008, to Dec. 17, 2008, Pagonis' time sheets at DYFS and her time records at AI consistently overlapped, demonstrating that she was falsely claiming to work at both organizations simultaneously.

This case was investigated by the New Jersey Human Services Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit, in addition to internal investigation. Pagonis could potentially be sentenced to 18 months in prison (Messenger-Gazette, 2012). This incident exemplifies one of the reasons for the strong dislike and disdain towards DFYS. It is unacceptable for an organization like DFYS to have to prosecute its own employees as it undermines trust and credibility within the organization.

DYFS requires the approval of state residents as it relies on state funding. Although this story does not directly involve children, it raises concerns about

DYFS' trustworthiness in caring for children. Instances of DYFS being disliked or disdained arise when it abuses its power. Such abuse can harm families, particularly children. In a case where a teenage girl's father disciplined her by slapping her once and he and the stepmother used the girl's paycheck to contribute to household bills, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously that DYFS was wrong in removing her from her home (NJ, 2011).

In 2008, DYFS determined that there was insufficient evidence to remove a teenager from her father and stepmother's home. They dropped the abuse and neglect judgment against the stepmother after the girl's grandfather reported that the parents took her earnings from her part-time job and "slapped her around." However, a DYFS worker found that the home lacked heat and authorized an emergency removal. The father informed a DYFS representative that his wife had slapped his daughter once two years prior and that a portion of her earnings went towards a bill.

The couple claimed that their central heating was malfunctioning, so they resorted to using space heaters (NJ, 2011). Even though the family members involved were not mentioned in the ruling, DYFS unjustifiably intervened and removed the child, causing extensive damage to the family unit. In my opinion, DYFS does exploit their authority in certain situations. Nowadays, discipline has become an elusive concept as parents run the risk of losing custody and facing imprisonment. Ultimately, DYFS strives to prioritize the welfare of the child.

However, it is important to recognize that child discipline should still be maintained as children still require it. Furthermore, investigations need to be more comprehensive.

DYFS possesses the authority to disrupt families with a simple document. As an agency with this level of power, it should exercise caution during investigations. Machiavelli's Chapter 18 of The Prince, titled "Concerning Things for Which Men, And Especially Princes, Are Praised or Blamed", has a discernible impact on DYFS. In this chapter, Machiavelli discusses the rules of conduct that a prince should adhere to towards both subjects and friends.

And as I know that many have written on this point, I expect I shall be considered presumptuous in mentioning it again, especially as in discussing it I shall depart from the methods of other people” (Machiavelli, 1515). This principality refers to a situation where blame is often assigned when faced with difficulties, while praise is given when everything is running smoothly. DYFS, as an organization, is both blamed and praised constantly. Whenever families are torn apart, DYFS is held responsible. Conversely, when children are in safe and better care, they are commended. An example that could serve as a reason for blame is if a parent has a dispute with their teenage child.

As teenagers grow older, they tend to become more confrontational with their parents, asserting their adulthood compared to when they were younger. In my early teenage years, I would argue and even physically resist my mom when she tried to discipline me using physical methods. However, as time has passed and I have gained wisdom, I now acknowledge that my actions were unjustifiable and it was important for me to accept disciplinary measures. If I had chosen to report the situation to DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services),

it is likely that they would have sided with me solely based on my testimony against her. Unfortunately, in most cases, children who reach out to DYFS regarding parental abuse are usually believed.

The unjust infringement on parents' right to discipline their child can potentially harm children by tearing apart loving families and ruining lives. DYFS often receives blame for this issue, but it is crucial for them to focus on prosecuting parents who truly abuse and neglect their children. According to The Star Ledger, New Jersey's child welfare association has faced several challenges recently but is working towards improving caseworker training and supervision. Nevertheless, they must prioritize their responsibilities towards families (Spoto, 2011).

The progress and deficiencies of the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) were evaluated in this report, with a specific focus on the effects of a major reform that was recommended by a federal monitor eight years ago. The report recognized improvements in caseworkers, supervisor caseloads, supervision, and training at DYFS. However, there are still areas that require attention such as ensuring agency services are easily accessible in terms of time and location, as well as improving families' access to housing, transportation, and employment. Furthermore, the report underscored the importance of collaboration between bilingual caseworkers and community service providers with DYFS.

According to a report by child advocacy groups and state child welfare agencies (Spoto, 2011), Commissioner Allison Blake is already addressing concerns raised in the report from the Department of Children and Families. Blake sees the report as valuable for improving support to DYFS staff and families, as it confirms that identified areas for future action

align with department staff needs. The report's conclusions are based on a survey conducted between March and April 2011, which involved caseworkers, supervisors, and casework supervisors. Survey findings show that caseworkers and their supervisors now have smaller caseloads compared to previous years, with 78 percent of caseworkers reporting responsibility for 12 or fewer families.

According to a report by Spoto (2011), caseworkers expressed their admiration for their supervisors, stating that they possess deep knowledge and effectively reinforce the training program. Both caseworkers and supervisors shared the belief that the families they serve often complain about a lack of relevant services and financial support. They also mentioned long waiting lists for programs and the inconvenience of offered programs and services due to a lack of transportation and inconvenient times and locations. Additionally, the report highlighted a shortage of caseworkers and agency employees who can communicate in languages understood by the families in need.

The caseworkers criticized the department for not adequately preparing them to handle challenging situations in the field, especially when dealing with families who resist DYFS intervention (Spoto, 2011). This lack of preparation can have severe negative consequences and ruin lives. Nancy Parello, a spokeswoman for Children of New Jersey, expressed that training is an area that needs improvement, despite the department's efforts to make changes (Spoto, 2011). Parello, a member of the survey panel and report writer, emphasized the importance of enhancing training procedures.

Blake mentioned that her agency recently organized a job fair to enhance its recruitment of bilingual employees. In my opinion, this restructuring of DYFS deserves praise as it demonstrates the agency's concern for the well-being

of the individuals it serves. It is crucial for a powerful organization like DYFS to consistently evaluate its decision-making processes and continuously enhance its training methods. Chapter 17 of The Prince addresses the topic of cruelty and mercy and debates the advantages of being loved versus being feared.

Machiavelli believes that a prince should inspire fear in order to prevent hatred, as long as he refrains from taking the possessions and women of his citizens. In the context of DYFS, it is argued that the agency should be feared instead of loved because fear can discourage neglect or abuse by deterring irresponsible parents. Generally, DYFS is not popular as an organization.

The perception among many is that DYFS only serves the purpose of removing children from their parents. However, with the authority DYFS holds, some parents or guardians may reconsider mistreating their child (Machiavelli, 1515). The apprehension towards DYFS arises from the disciplinary strategies employed by parents. Discipline is essential for children to develop self-respect and comprehend the concept of consequences. Yet, some parents tend to cross the line, leading to fear. For instance, certain parents believe in utilizing physical discipline when their child engages in a fight at school.

These forms of discipline, such as hand or belt whippings, along with other regular disciplinary actions, may be included. Parents who go too far with discipline must understand the potential consequences if DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) becomes involved. This is why there is a sense of fear associated with DYFS due to their responsibilities. In Chapter three of The Prince entitled "Concerning Mixed Principalities," it examines how agencies undergo

changes in leadership over time, including CEOs, commissioners, supervisors, and other higher-level management positions. As a state agency, DYFS typically has a commissioner overseeing the agency's progress or setbacks.

The states governor usually appoints the commissioner. In their role as a DYFS Commissioner, they are responsible for promoting sustainable growth and identifying areas of improvement. This includes elevating the status of the Division of Youth and Family Services’ office on adolescents to a Department-level office with a strategic approach to serving youth transitioning to adulthood. The commissioner works with youth, parents, stakeholders, service providers, and other state agencies to assess the system's strengths and opportunities for enhancement. They also establish offices focused on performance management and accountability to foster a self-correcting and transparent organization. According to Machiavelli, organizations require a head official for operation and progress (Department, 2007). The commissioner of DYFS often receives criticism in cases gone wrong simply because they are in charge. In Chapter one of The Prince, "How Many Kinds of Principalities There Are, And by What Means They Are Acquired", it discusses how businesses can either have hereditary leadership or hire new individuals.

Machiavelli categorized all states and powers that have held or currently hold rule over men into two groups - republics or principalities. Principalities can be further classified as either hereditary or new. Hereditary principalities are those where power has been maintained by a family for a long period of time, while new principalities refer to recently established ones (Machiavelli, 1515). A small convenient store serves as an example of a hereditary business that is typically passed down through generations. In contrast, DYFS is a newly

established business that employs individuals with diverse personalities.

Despite the ironic fact that DYFS is not a family business, it functions more like a law enforcement agency. The Prince has had a profound influence on the daily routines and operations of DYFS. As one of the most crucial state agencies due to the large number of children requiring assistance and support, DYFS constantly faces challenges in making difficult decisions. Nevertheless, the impact of the Prince has greatly strengthened DYFS as an organization.

The potential harm of DYFS's power can be significant if misunderstood. Machiavelli's impact has been beneficial to numerous agencies and companies in recent years, making him a crucial figure in empowering others. The principalities he established have served as a foundation for many successful businesses. The Prince has paved the way for the creation of numerous organizations in America and globally. These principalities extend beyond national boundaries, encompassing the entire world.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New