I enjoy writing free write because I can release some of my stress. It allows me to see what thoughts are taking over. I don't like writing papers so free write is always welcome.
I want to shared something that I encounter during my service with foster youth. I'm doing community service through the YES house, so every Saturday we have service with foster youth. Our program doesn't really have have a structure; our main focus is to provide support, care, safety, and most of all a place when kids can have fun. We have worked with the same kids over the past years and this past weekend we have new kids. The new kids were very isolated and didn't want to talk to us. Some of the answer were, "Why do want to know, is none of your own business, or would you get in trouble if we run away." Good thing, my fellows volunteers were not intimidated. I was surprised at first and I wonder if we had cross some boundaries but I realized they were maybe scared or they don't know how to deal, when someone do care about them.
I know that there is often a lot of emphasis in our classes in maintaining boundaries (and those are important), but we came into this field because we do care and it's important to hang on to that. It's not just good professional conduct to show genuine caring, it's human and connecting. I'm glad to hear you and the volunteers did not bow down when you met with resistance from the kids at first and were able to bridge the gaps between yourself and them.
ReplyDeleteI like how you point out the fact that free writing is a great stress reliever. Its good that your able to over look the fact that the program doesn't have structure. I also like how you don't forget your focus despite the structure. That's great experience for becoming a professional Social Worker helping in places that lack structure.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to be keep boundaries. What I have learned about teenage youth is that they use intimidation as a coping mechanism. A reoccurring theme in training's I have attended is meet the parents, kiddos, and anyone else involved in the families at their level. You have to use language that they are able to understand as with a lot of our families we deal with are not well educated.
ReplyDeleteThe Yes Program sounds like a great support for these kids. Once they feel comfortable and realize you are there to help they will come around. I would try to find something they are interested in and expand that interest, maybe a connection will emerge. Boundaries are the hardest thing to keep especially with teens. They are all about breaking the rules. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWow! what a great experience! It sad to hear about these children that are so scared to connect out of fear. These children deserve so much more. Thank God there are people like you who are in these programs to encourage them and have fun with them. there is so much work to be done to provide a safe place for these children, as well as helping the families become healthy so that they can be reunited. If that's possible. I'm thankful that there are so many working towards obtaining a social work degree to help and yet at the same time I'm saddened by the children who are currently hurting.
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