This semester I have been volunteering at the Youth Detention Center (YDC). YDC is a youth center for those youth ages 13-18 that have committed crimes, from running away from home to cutting the hydraulic brake lines of their parent's car. When is is concluded that the youth can no longer be active members in their communities, they are sent to YDC. There are four different units: H is for the youth that are in court right now but cannot stay at home, E is the girls unit, G unit is for the boys who committed minor crimes and felonies, and F unit is for the boys who committed major crimes and felonies such as sexual assault and dealing drugs. What first drew me to YDC was the fact that an ex-boyfriend of mine almost went there in the eighth grade, and was a troubled kid just like them. I could see a little bit of him in each of the residents and by trying to help them it felt like I was helping him in some strange way. Being a nursing major also makes me think that I can just mother the world, so I wanted to work at a service learning site that made me feel like I was fulfilling my mothering goals.
The building itself is designed in a circular shape with an enclosed courtyard in the center for activities such as kickball, volleyball, and even skating in the winter. In each unit there are three separate living facilities. Fortunately only two of the facilities are used leaving the other free for different activities. The living quarters are made up of a living room, kitchenette, and an office area for the employees. Surrounding this area are rooms for each of the residents. In their room they have a bed, desk, and toilet; they are allowed to have two books and a Bible, a pair of sneakers, and shower shoes. All three of the li...
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...s better understand how to raise their children, I can help kids get out of bad homes, and generally just be there to facilitate in any way possible. Although YDC did not change my career choice it helped me see how I can maximize the effectiveness of my profession to help others.
Anytime someone asks me if YDC is a good place to volunteer at I always tell them that it is the most rewarding experience and that everyone should have the opportunity to go. One of my friends, after I told her about YDC, told me that it takes a special person to do what I do each week. I disagree though, anyone can go in for two hours and play cards each week, you get out of the experience what you put in, but I guarantee that going to YDC will affect you in some way.
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Volunteering can be gratifying and everyone should experience giving time to others without expecting anything in return. I have some history with The Excel Center in Kokomo, I am a recent graduate from there and have spent time tutoring when I can, to help other students succeed. After leaving there, I considered a future career within the walls of the school, I have even been told on numerous occasions that I am more than welcomed back after I finish my degree. Once I knew I had to volunteer in a human service field, I knew I wanted to give The Excel Center a shot right away, knowing this was a guaranteed place to be challenged and given an honest opinion of my work.
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After a single telephone call to the Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services Coordinators, I learned that volunteers were readily accepted to serve within the hospital’s recreational therapy deparment. When they asked my reason for volunteering, I explained to them that I wanted to help the children develop their leadership potential as well as other abilities. The members of volunteer services seemed excited.
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Justice has always been the goal of our court system, but it is not always served, especially in cases involving juveniles. The judiciary process has evolved from a system that did not initially consider juveniles, to one where juveniles have their own court proceedings, facilities, and even rules or laws. The juvenile justice system has come a long way, and people have worked very hard in its creation. A juvenile is considered to be an individual, under the age of 18, resembling an adult. However, resembling an adult does not always mean that juveniles will have an adult mindset. Thus, juveniles may need extra attention to help get their lives on track. This paper will analyze various ways involving juveniles and correction facilities and programs.
When I found out that I had to do seven hours of volunteer work I immediately knew that I wanted it to involve children. I attended the volunteer fair that was held earlier in the semester and signed up for programs such as Louie’s Kids and Wings for Kids. Unfortunately I could not volunteer for either of these programs because they were not in walking distance of the college and I did not have transportation. A couple weeks after that I saw a flyer advertising for “Reading Partners.” I attended an informational event that they held and signed up to volunteer at Memminger Elementary, which is about two blocks from the college.
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