In the Problem-Focused Services portion of the article, it
focuses on the care of children. It discusses how in the nineteenth century
places like settlement houses were created to help care for children. These places
took on the parent like role of caring for them. Besides taking care of
children by providing them with housing, their physical care was taken into
consideration. In the 1970's physical abuse of children became a priority. This sense
of responsibility of children all came after the signing of the Social Security
Act. Along with child welfare this section also focused on juvenile justice. The
juvenile system before, would charge children for crimes such as truancy and
running away. Shortly after the juvenile
systems became into being, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
put an end to juveniles being charged for those offences. It is clear to us by many
examples that children and young people are not given an opportunity to
participate in the development of intervention strategies.
I think this section tells us a lot about youth work as well
as working with youth. This section focused a lot on how as adults and youth
workers we don’t listen enough to the youth we work with. There was one example
that when children are pulled out of their community it is seen as the best
solution. However in a majority of cases it is not and is just as hard getting
back into the community as being pulled out if it. As a youth worker, it will
help me to remember that the youth I’m working with won’t always agree with my
opinions. I will have to take what they think into consideration while working
with them.
I think being open and understanding with the youth you are working with is a great way to show that you respect them. Hopefully they will in turn provide you with the same respect. I know this is just a start and as youth workers this might seem like its expected of us but with so many varying opinions and ideology's it can be difficult.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to listen to our youth is a big key in being a youth worker. Many adults in our youth's lives are one sided and believe that youth shouldn't have a say until they are an adult themselves. But this is not the right way to show our future generations that they are our future when making decisions for our society. Many youth will have their own opinion about what is right for them which could be the wrong decision. But as a youth worker, all we can do is give them more options that will lead them in the right path.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult, it can be really hard to be objective. We can get into a mindset that "we know what's best". However, what is best may not always be right. I think being empathetic is going to be very important for us in youth work. Simply thinking "how does this make them feel" or "how is this working for them" instead of "what do I think needs to be done" is a humongous change.
ReplyDeleteI think being able to understand and listen to our youth is extremely important. Giving youth that extra attention and getting to know them shows the respect most adults do not always show. I also agree with when you mentioned the youth you are working with may not always have the same opinion as you. I think as a youth worker we have to consider any opinions, and try to see things in different perspectives.
ReplyDeleteListening to youth is absolutely essential to a positive youth environment. Workers must do all they can to incorporate the knowledge and wants of their youth in all decisions.
ReplyDelete