there is plenty that can be done for kids that can help troubled or not troubled kids.
in melbourne there is a group called REACH
set up by footballer jim stynes.
they have a huge premises now even for their groups and talks.
it has all sorts of activities and camps and courses for teens which teens love, and even preteens to help them learn all sorts of things like self confidence
talking seeing they are not alone if they have some problems, or divorced parents or whatever it is.
sometimes they have nights for parents with various topics about parenting or courses that have some nights for parents and some for teens also. the leaders from reach are young so can build a rapor and trust easily with these teens, they know how to talk with them and build a rapor that cant always be built with parents. i saw a family with a son who had a huge grafiti problem be helped alot by this course and another couple who were divorced both did the course to work in unison for the kids good. all types of families troubled and not troubled did the course.
there was a woman who used to do a different few day resilience courses in different states also for teaching skills to kids/teens, self confidence, problems resolution, communication , respect for parents, the importance of education, while having alot of fun . It turned kids from whatever path they were on to a better path in relationships respect education lifegoals.
there are some communities that have people who have done well who make scholarships where every year they sponsor a group of teens ( not necesarily troubled, but who's finanaces or family circumstances may impede their education). They might pay and certain amount towards school books, tuturing, computer or even hobbies and interests, passions. they might have monthly meetings with a good speaker on various topics and skills helpful for hobbies, or jobs, or study.We dont have to only sponsor children overseas. there could be families here on small incomes or one small income with extra burdens , struggling whose children can have an easier path with some support for school books, uniforms, camps, tutoring, hobbies that build self esteem, repairs, health needs, costly medications.
I know someone that once a year she searches out a sole parent or young mum or someone or some family in need to assist in some way that will make a difference immediately to them.
Kids who need support are everywhere for whatever reason. I personally have had living in my home 5 years ago 3 teens for short or long periods who would otherwise have been suicide cases. to help them be heard in their situation , to help them get school books, jobs, some peace when they couldnt get that in their homes for whatever reason was very important. One of my children tried to help a 4th child who stole from them and had to immediately leave. so some children are easier to help than others.
I once saw on Oprah a show about the importance of teaching kids that everyone has a path that they can follow for success in life using their individual gifts and talents.
but for some it was made very hard
eg one very smart boy was gifted in computers but couldnt spell so he failed exams because of spelling instead of ignoring the spelling and realising and encouraging his gifts. he ended up in jail and it was very sad because it should have been very different if they would have worked with his individual strengths and weaknesses and not been so rigid and blind.
There are many drug rehab places around and people dont succeed because drugs are often very hard to beat. I have never had this issue myself but i have learnt about it and seen many tv programs about it. It often takes a few times of trying rehab to succeed but each time the relapse might be less.
These places need funding often. I just received a leaflet about a trivia night one such organisation was having to raise funds. YOung people on drugs could feel they could never get off and that rehab doesnt work as they see so often people who relapse , but thats because they dont understand that it often takes a few times at rehab till you really can change your whole life which is what is needed. EAch time becomes easier and the relapse period can be shorter.
so look around and find what it is you want to do. the choices are many and well worth it. If you go in with a view to understand and help and be non judgemental it will help everyone.
As for the comment someone made that juvenile crime is a result of bad parenting. I think there are much more issues that contribute,
eg teens who wont obey a single rule and if they are say 14 the parents dont want to throw them out but short of throwing them out may have very little rights in their own home if the teen decides to thrawt every rule
teens want to fit in and bad friends can reek havoc, parents are no longer the only influence
there is a saying the apple doesnt fall far from the tree but in these troubled times its like a storm where the apples can fall very far from the tree.
kids in country towns may not have much to do and boredom can drive them to doing destructive things
drugs taking can start in all types of famililies for different reasons and once someone is on drugs many use crime to support the habit. very few manage to work and suppor their habit without stealing, losing friends and family , though there are those few who do manage to get on with family, keep jobs, have friends, study and not steal while on drugs.
I once read about a teacher who would really mentor his students and make them feel that whatever challenge came up in life toghether they would find a way past it.
I think there are alot of people , or teens who coudl do with that sort of mentorship as long as its done in a professional and very caring way that works with the persons needs and interests. some people want to help but are not really able to understand others needs or situations very well and rather than being helpful could just add more stress.
I also wonder why our schools teach alot of things that will never be used in real life , and yet we learn NOTHING about relationships, communication, choosing a good spouse, finances, investment, and attitudes needed to get through challenges or raising kids.
Francine.
