Beginning of Second Last Week

When I got to placement on Monday it was right away very busy. The reality that this is my second last week is really sinking in. When I got to work I started to put together all the resources I had found last week. I finished the drug quiz I had put together for the boys group on Tuesday night. I found an activity for the girls group for tonight as well. I spoke with Dara about maybe doing a home visit with him if any come up that he would feel ok bringing a student with him on. This is one of the components of the job that I still have yet to do, so it's one thing I would really like to try and get to do if I get a chance to. I also called and set up a meeting with the JLO worker as I have not had a chance to do that either. Its set up for my last week; I hope it happens because I’m really excited to get to talk to her. I think she will be able to answer some of my questions that will help tie the whole program together for me, so that I understand how it fits with the juvenile system a bit better.

The first group of boys was fairly interesting to see. I stepped back a bit because I had not been building relationships with some of these boys as fast. They were working on communication skills and used team building games to help with this. It was interesting to see; there were a ton of behaviours from these boys, as they were pretty disrespectful to Eileen and Laura, making a lot of sexual comments, swearing, and very easily distracted in their own conversations about drugs and partying. They got through a couple games having about half the group buy-in at a time. After the group was over we all got together and talk a bit about how the group went. It's interesting and a good conversation because it's the real work that comes with youth work. Youth who seem to be crying out for support (these boys showed up every week, attendance was not a problem) but then getting them to engaged enough in programming that it feels worthwhile. Trying to pull out the positives and focus on the small steps groups are making when they can sometimes drive you crazy.

It was good to see the girls group again. I am already getting sad that I only have one more week with them. The activity I lead went well; the girls seemed to respond well to it and enjoy it. I am feeling very comfortable with this group, and as I do I am starting to see some of the personal issues these young women are dealing with in their lives come out more. There was a great deal of talk about drinking, family issues, and interest in having sexual relationships. Eileen is trying hard to get some sort of training or someone to come in with training but it's hard because these girls are really looking for it right now. There was some behaviours that came out during this session as well which was something I had not really seen from the girls. Eileen decided she was going to try and set up home visit with a couple of the girls as well, partly because she had not had much interaction with the girls parents as well so she just wanted to check in and make sure they understood the program.