Mentoring Programs for Juvenile Probation

[dropdeded 0]

Anyone ever been involved?

I was asked if I would be interested and Im going to be discussing it with some people this afternoon that are setting this thing up with the local juvenile probation dept.
What am I getting myself into? Im interested but not commited yet.

dropdeded

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The Dude Abides.
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[Nightingale 0]

I've done some mentoring for kids on probation through martial arts classes. They're a rough bunch of kids, but there's definitely still that spark of "kidness" that lets you know there's hope. Its a worthy endeavor, provided you have the time and are willing to put forth the effort to earn their trust.

[dropdeded 0]

If Im gonna commit to it, I gotta do it this afternoon. I have a, uh, "interesting" past that may be put to good use here. hmmm........

dropdeded

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The Dude Abides.
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[PhillyKev 0]

Friend of mine did it for years. Couldn't take it anymore when the 12 year old he was mentoring was convicted of raping an 8 year old boy with a screwdriver and his response was, "I can't believe I got in all this trouble just for poking that kid in the butt".

I guess someone has to do it, but I couldn't handle it.

[Squeak 17]

Quote

Anyone ever been involved?

I was asked if I would be interested and Im going to be discussing it with some people this afternoon that are setting this thing up with the local juvenile probation dept.
What am I getting myself into? Im interested but not commited yet.

dropdeded

This is my job.
I look after aprox. 15 delinquent boys aged 14-16ish.
It's the hardest job If ever had aslop the least paid. BUT it is also the most frustrating and often time rewarding thing I have ever done.

It will surprise you how much "little" things impact on these kids.
It's all about the little thingGo fot Drop you'll hate it but not as much as you'll love it.

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[freeflir29 0]

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I have a, uh, "interesting" past that may be put to good use here.

Sounds like you're the perfect person for the job. They can respect someone who has "been there." Me....I wouldn't have the patience.

[dropdeded 0]

Its a done deal as far as me accepting. Talked with her about it and told her yes, Im interested. Im gonna give it a shot, maybe help some kids to not do the dumb shit I did, maybe I can help, maybe I cant but theres only one way to find out.
This will be the third background check I have had in the past year and a half, guess I can ride this one out without sweatin it too much.

dropdeded

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The Dude Abides.
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[Squeak 17]

you may be surprised at how much you learn about yourself

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[moodyskydiver 0]

I'd love to do something like this. I'm a Criminal Justice major and have toyed with the idea of working probation but I'm leaning in a different direction now.I just recently completed a service project inside a TX Youth Commission juvenile correctional facility which houses the most emotionally/psychologically disturbed residents the the state.Its a very interesting learning experience.

I've also been tapped for a recommendation to the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocacy) program to basically help decided custody issues similar to CPS.I'm not sure I want to do this because as callous as it seems,I'd rather not be on the victim side of the system.Its too emotionally draining especially when it involves children.I don't think I can detach myself enough to work with abused children.

Let us know how your juvenile probation experience goes.I'd be interested in hearing about it.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."