Juveniles are being tried as adults -- and criminal prosecutors, social
service agencies and schools are wondering how to effectively halt this destructive
trend. That's where juvenile detention and youth workers can help. Although
juvenile workers are seen as "authority figures" by young offenders, they
can help kids turn their lives around.
"The best day on the job would have to be when a former client showed up
and told me he turned his life around and I had a part in it. It was the best
because it made me feel like I actually accomplished something and all the
work I do isn't for naught," says J.C. Van, a youth worker.
Van became interested in the profession for personal reasons. "I became
a worker because I got into some trouble when I was younger and there was
no one to help me. I felt very alone. I always thought how bad that was and
I wanted to make a difference -- no matter how small it was."
Van interacts with the eight kids on his caseload. "I do my best to teach
them those skills needed to survive in society."
Van's youthful offenders are made up of high-risk clients, usually
in on assault charges. "These are clients who can't be controlled at
any other facility. Some of these clients can bench press their own body weight,
plus some more!"
However, despite the dangers, Van doesn't see evil kids or future
psychopaths. He sees some of his clients' problems stemming from simple
social problems. "So many of the youth today have no one to turn to for help.
They also have no role models, especially male role models. A lot of the kids
I work with don't know how to behave around people -- a complete lack
of social skills."
Working with juvenile offenders requires more than getting an education
and finding a job. Many kids come from horribly abusive households, where
alcoholism, drug abuse and violence are the norm. If youth workers have any
of these issues in their own past, it's important to settle them.
"I think I have had several best days on the job," says Patricia Smith,
a mental health manager. "Usually when a young man would be able to grasp
a concept and become willing to make the behavioral changes necessary."
Smith retired after juggling a caseload of 13 mentally ill youth. She provided
both individual and group psychotherapy, in addition to handling all case
management duties. "Case management duties included writing progress reports
and requests for extension of custody."
Reports are serious business. Youth workers must document juvenile problems
and progress -- and this documentation can mean the difference between a safe
or serious situation.
"Reports are records that usually are the basis for decisions made that
affect the youth, family, victim and community. Poorly written reports or
poor verbal communications may result in unfair or dangerous things happening.
For example, a youth could be incarcerated longer than needed or be released
to cause more injury to others," says Smith.
Youth workers will naturally want to see their clients succeed, and may
be disappointed when their clients don't meet their expectations. Although
this is a normal reaction, Smith cautions against getting wrapped up in a
client's behavioral situation.
"Realize any success a youth has is his or hers, and their
failures are theirs also. Your job is to provide them with the tools and structure
they need in order to make changes." With the right tools and attitude, youth
workers can clearly make a difference in young offenders' lives -- one
child at a time.