Participants At the group meeting, 11 foster care youth attended; between the ages of 14-19. One participant brought her 10 month old baby. The race of the group was mixed; however, it was more predominately African-American. As well, there were more males in attendance than females. My Role: Observer I decided to participate in this support group by being an observer. I wanted to solely observe as I did not wanted to sway or influence any of the youth’s opinions, or make them hesitant to participate honestly because of my presence. Also, I wanted to take this opportunity as a chance to learn from the facilitator since I was hoping to gain information about how to discuss with my own clients their feelings and pressures regarding substance It was amazing to see how such a young group of individuals have gone through so much; but were so aware of the pressures and adversity that they were faced with and eager to be proactive about learning to cope with those issues. The support group was enlightening, the facilitator was empathetic yet confronting when needed. I walked into the group with the false notion that perhaps this group would not get far in regards to honest, open discussion in regards to social pressures and how to handle them. By having experience working with this demographic, I know how cynical and close-off this group can be. However, I was happily incorrect. The group started off rocky as they did not appear to take the topic seriously at first and were not willing to have a mature, honest conversation. It was eye-opening for me to hear what these teenagers are going though in their lives. They have already experienced so much….Being in foster care and being a new parent are some of the adversities different than the average teen that these youth are facing. But aside from living life a bit different than the average teenager, they still have the same social pressures thrown on them that the average teen does. They are just as vulnerable to peer-pressure as anyone else their age; but what set them apart was how heartbreaking it was to hear some of them speak and agree that they did not feel the need to avoid substance abuse because they did not feel their Empathy was shown from the facilitator to the youth, as well as from youth to youth. The youth to youth support was especially important as it allowed the teens to know that they are not alone in their situation and that others like them can relate and offer support. Empathy was also shown in a subtle way by the facilitator by being attentive when a youth was speaking and did not interject with judgment. Furthermore, this attentiveness from the facilitator was executed through open-ended questions; this allowed the facilitator to help guide the conversation to continue, but did not force the facilitator’s opinion on the individual or persuade them. This allows for the most honest dialogue, and then allows for more effective advice to be given. Both the facilitator and the peers gave possible alternatives to the issues the teens were facing that were discussed. In addition, information regarding substance abuse facts, where they could get more information, and who they could talk to further was provided. The facilitator gained the trust of her group participants by utilizing self-disclosure and interjected person experiences and methods that worked for her; which allowed the teens to see that it is possible to bounce back from peer-pressure and become successful. This made the youth more willing to share as they felt the facilitator understood their stance and trials. However, confrontation was used when a teenager may
The foster care system, then as now was desperate for qualified homes. Kathy and her husband had become certified foster parents, she was a certified teacher, and they had empty beds in their home. Their phone soon bega...
Another obstacle Olivia and Sabreen encounter is the lack of adult support in the foster care system. Family support is a crucial variable mediating the influence of neighborhood on a child’s development (Burton & Jarrett, 2000); nonetheless, Olivia and Sabreen receive little support and guidance and must quickly survive on their own.
From interviewing celebrities such as actress Kristen Johnston and politician Bill White, the film identified substance abuse can happen to anyone. I found more sympathy to those once I learned the facts, not opinions, of substance abuse users. It was interesting to find how the physiology of ones’ brain may change over time, thus proving it is not always a person’s free will of choice to use. People of addiction are like anyone else who may have fallen down the wrong path. Some who have found substance abuse for coping, did not realize they were becoming addicts. Others have found the media and advertisement placing pressure on them because it looks entertaining and fun. With limited outreach programs, it is crucial to increase the awareness among young groups for prevention. With fear of being judged, the stigma and health disparities of addiction cause many to not seek help. Equal opportunity should be available to everyone. As a future nurse, I find an important role for me is to lead in educating and being opened minded to the struggles of each one of my patients. My job is to refrain from stereotyping and being an advocate. As healthcare is always evolving to provide the most adequate care, I look forward towards the future as more people are educating and trying to eliminate those struggling through addiction
As a social worker advocating for Jennifer, a focus on how society handles and responds to teenagers that maybe going through a rough patch in life is crucial. Many times teens perceived as difficult or unruly are often lost or thrown into the legal justice system. This is why it is important to embrace a teen that may be acting out in a negative way. Proper application of MSLC, with a teenager like Jennifer, will give insight into his or her thought process and the reasons behind the teens actions. Taking the time to understand the ecological systems, life courses, symbolic interactions and examining social change will provide an opportunity for change for a teenager, such as Jennifer (Murphy-Erby et al.,
I introduced myself. I learned that the facilitator for the night is actually a member, a 30-year sober member. I was asked to enjoy refreshments and was greeted cordially by present members. The meeting was held in a church reception hall and the room was set up with 3 tables parallel from each other. I participated in this group as an observer, although, I did introduce myself at the beginning. The issue of this group was alcoholism and how to stay sober. The purpose of the group is to be a support system for those who are struggling with sobriety and those who have been successful in sobriety. The group focuses its healing around the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This support group is open and provides no limit to the attendee
Esherick, Joan. Dying for Acceptance: A Teen’s Guide to Drug and Alcohol-Related Health Issues. Philadelphia: Mason Crest Publishers., 2005. Print.
To prevent juvenile drug use communities provide programs to educate parents and children. Teens how are involved in the community and sports are more likely to not do drugs. Coming from someone who has had problems with substance abuse overcoming a problem is extremely hard. However having the support of family and friends is what gives most people the encouragement to overcome their addiction.
Problems in the society such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, unequal education, family and community violence, and racism all can affect families and impact child welfare and the system itself (Chipungu and Goodley, pp. 76, 2004) There is often a incongruity between the services being offered to children and families in foster care and what they actually need. One example that Chipungu and Goodley (2004) made was birth parents being offered training and counseling when services such as housing assistance and childcare are more critically needed but not available (pp. 79).
...ed and other substances commonly used by teenagers. Therefore, schools need to promote positive social skills to teach children and teenagers how to say no regardless of the situation. These programs need to take into perspective social and economic factors present in a young person’s life in order to incorporate positive and protective factors to prevent drug use.
...substance abuse must continue, and it is imperative that more teens are educated about different substances and their effects on physical, mental appearances. More educational classes are now needed because of the risk of losing an entire generation to the streets and world of drugs and alcohol. The slow but sure takeover of drugs and alcohol is a problem than can be obtained if proper precautions are put into place. If we, as America’s team, act now to stop to the spread of meth, alcohol, and other fast increasing substances, there will be hope for America’s future.
Nelson, Judith. "Ensuring Quality Service-Learning Experiences for At-Risk Adolescents." Prevention Researcher. 18.1 (2011): 14-17. Print.
...onship. Relationships with family and friends are almost impossible to maintain because the addict is only focused on their addiction. Drug abuse will have a major impact on the addicts’ educational and occupational pursuit, making it hard to focus on their life period. While the number of drug addictions steadily rises, the number of children who are affected by drug addiction rises also, this issue is limiting their opportunities and putting restrictions on what they are capable of doing. Children growing up among an addicted parent are likely to start experimenting with drugs, or find themselves in a relationship with a person with an addiction of some sort. Children more than likely grow emotionally unstable, and have physical and social problems (“Drug Abuse Ruins Lives”). No addiction is too far along to tackle, stand up, be strong and fight for your life back!
Sikes, A., Cole, R. F., McBride, R., Fusco, A., & Lauka, J. (2009). Addressing the needs of substance abusing adolescents: a guide for professional school counselors. Journal of School Counseling, 7(43),
The lack of a strong family structure can leave a teen feeling lonely and emotionally confused. It is not only vital it is necessary for a teen to have both parents present in their life. According to Joseph A. Califano Jr. "Few parents appreciate the enormous influence they exercise over the attitudes and actions of their teens about smoking, drinking and using drugs" (Califano). Adolescents need to have positive figures present in the home in which they can comfortably talk to. Also to prevent experimentation with drugs teens should be better educated about drugs and the effects, which they have, not only on the body but their life and even their family.
At the inception of drug and substance abuse, adolescents take the habit for experimental purposes (O’Connor, 1997). In most cases, these experimentations are designed to make adolescents fit into different peers groups.