Format: Garamond or Cambria 12 pts, double space. PDF or .docx document.
Project type selection: Please specify if you are going to prepare a paper or a presentation (choose wisely, once we grade your outline, you won’t be allowed to change this).
Contents: Regardless of the type of your final submission, all outlines must have:
Introduction: Provide an argument of why your topic is relevant as a case study for Intergovernmental Relations by identifying a problem worth to be analysed. You must support your argument using existing literature or evidence. Feel free to use academic articles, books, government reports, and news articles. You can also use the readings for this course. You are encouraged to check the Library Resources for this course (in the menu on the left side of your course) and reach Suzie Skarl, our librarian, for support.
Objective: Specify why, from an academic point of view, you are addressing your topic. Examples of reasons are: to confirm a hypothesis, to discuss conflicting arguments, to propose a solution, to give new insights into an issue, to critique a policy, etcetera. Just be sure that your objective is significant to understand how Intergovernmental Relations work.
Case description: We celebrate that you all have chosen a case study to illustrate your topic. Thus, using the information you have so far, describe your case by specifying its location, the problem observed, and the actors (politicians, private citizens, companies, etc.) and governments involved.
Analysis strategy: Based on the literature review that you made for your introduction and what you know about your case, describe how would you like to present the arguments or evidence to achieve the objective of your project. You could do it by conducting a review of news articles, by doing a statistical analysis, or by comparing policies and regulations. Feel free to choose the method that better fits your argument.
References: Chicago or APA style. Remember that all references have two parts, a direct (quoted) or indirect citation in the text that is referenced by indicating the source–for example (Baracksay et al, 2008, p.24); and the listing of the source in the references section: Author. Year. “Name of the article” in Name of the Journal, no. (vol.), pages, link.
Outline
I have made the decision to focus my Intergovernmental Relations semester
project on a topic of great significance: Internet Crimes Against Children
(ICAC). In my written paper, I plan to delve into the intricate dynamics on
how the different government bodies collaborate and intersect in addressing
the critical issue of crimes committed against children on the internet.
It is important to understand just how important Intergovernmental Relations
are. Intergovernmental Relationships play a pivotal role in shaping policies,
sharing information, and the ability to coordinate efforts across boarders. By
examining the collaboration between various agencies, both nationally and
internationally, we can gain insight into how they collectively combat
Internet crimes targeting one of our most vulnerable population, young
children.
By writing this report, I will be able to raise awareness about this critical
issue, while also highlighting the importance of implementing and maintaining
Intergovernmental Relations. In addition, hopefully empowering communities,
families, educators, and policy makers alike to take action and take the proper steps to protect our youth. All together, we can work on creating and
sustaining a safe environment online for children.
The location of this case, which revolves around cybercrimes committed against
children, transcends geographical boundaries due to its digital nature. These
offenses occur via the internet, making them a pervasive concern that can
impact hound lives worldwide. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)
initiative emerged in response to the growing prevalence of children and
teenagers utilizing the internet. Established by the United States department
of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
in 1998, ICAC’s mission is clear: to safeguard children from online threats
and combat, cyber crimes, targeting the most vulnerable members of our society
(OJJPD, 2024). Since the Internet has become an integral part of young
peoples lives, the OJJDP has recognized the need to address these crimes.
With the proliferation of social media, online gaming, and communication
platforms, children are increasingly exposed to risks, such as exploitation,
grooming, and harassment. ICAC’s inception aims to protect minors from these
dangers and ensure their safety in the digital realm. Over the years, ICAC has evolved into a formidable force in the fight against
cyber crimes. What initially began as a localized effort has blossomed into a
national network, comprising 61 coordinated task forces. These task forces
collaborate seamlessly, bridging, federal, state, and local law-enforcement
agencies, as well as prosecutorial bodies. they’re collective strength, 5,400
dedicated professionals are channeled toward identifying, investigating, and
prosecuting those who prey on innocent children online(OJJPD, 2024). The
exponential growth of ICAC since its inception underscore the gravity of the
issue. As technology advances and online interactions become more intricate,
the need for vigilance and proactive measures intensifies. ICAC’s tireless
work, extends beyond borders, transcending state lines and national
boundaries. It stands as a beacon of hope, shielding our children from the
dark corners of the Internet, and ensuring their right to a safe and secure
online environment.
I would like to note the funding history of ICAC. In the year, 2020 ICAC
operated with a budget of $34.73 million which is a substantial sum, dedicated
to safeguarding our children in the digital realm (OJJPD, 2024). Their
tireless efforts included, tracking down predators, educating families, and ensuring online safety protocols were in place. But as we fast-forward to
2023, we witness a remarkable increase in their funding totaling a bill of
$40.8 million (OJJPD, 2024). Nonetheless, I do not think there is a price too
high on the safety of our children. Our children’s well-being, innocence and
future are at stake. The digital landscape is fraught with dangers like cyber
bullying and exploitation and insidious stretch all around them. It is
comforting to know that there is an organization out there like ICAC
protecting the future leaders of this country.
To prove my case, I would like to implement real cases that made national news
the efforts and success stories from ICAC.
References
Internet crimes against children task force program. Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (n.d.).
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/internet-crimes-against-children-task-
force-program?ssp=1&darkschemeovr=1&setlang=en&cc=US&safesearch=moderate
