Service Learning: Working at the Youth Detention Center (YDC)

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.

Works Cited

Wade, C., Tavris, C., Garry, M. (2011). Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.