Jan 12
26
A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting
What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you?
For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file. You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing. The file that attempts to explain the reason they entered foster care, the length of time in the system, the changes in schools, the number of foster placements, health concerns, and any mental health screenings and diagnoses. The file containing this documentation is extremely important right? Essential even?!
I’m not speaking of the file that documents the thoughts and judgments of countless social workers, lawyers, doctors, and educators and barely contains the views of the youth in foster care. The accomplishments, aspirations, and support systems in a teen’s life are worth documenting. Every teen is unique and full of promise and potential. My teens document their lives in a professional portfolio — a visual tool that gives employers, recruiters, scouts, and mentors a complete picture of who you are. I believe that a professional portfolio can be an integral element not only in building skills and confidence in youth but also in helping them develop and maintain crucial personal and professional connections.
Posted in Packaged for Success Parent Toolbox Youth Worker Toolbox by .
Jan 12
24
Am I Really A Jack Of All Trades?
Many of us we are skilled in a variety of areas. Our culture has taught us to multi-task like our lives depend on it (often times it does). Throughout my career and definitely as an entrepreneur I have felt like a jack of all trades and a master of none on many occasions. I have helped clients with housing, food, medical assistance, and clothing. I have played the role of “work mom”, chauffer, parenting coach, stylist, and teacher. Some days I have worn the hat of scholarship consultant, academic advisor, counselor, tour guide, and career coach. I am truly a “do what needs to be done” kind of lady. In fact, two of my most used phrases are “get it done” and “keep it moving”. That’s good right? Well, usually it is.
A few years ago I had begun to run on “auto pilot” for a couple months. At times I would do a presentation or workshop simply because I had the knowledge or because I was asked. I was forced to be honest with myself and take a look at how I was spending my time. I realized that busy doesn’t always equate to productive. I needed to make some changes.
Posted in Packaged for Success Youth Worker Toolbox by .
Jan 12
19
How Do They Feel In Your Office?
When you visit a kindergarten classroom what do you see? You see student’s work all over the walls. When you enter a dentist’s office you generally find a variety of magazines and pictures of healthy mouths. When you walk into a teen health clinic you expect to see pamphlets and brochures related to health issues like STD prevention. The first time I entered a particular suburban high school, I was struck by the pictures of past students in caps and gowns on their graduation day. The photo gallery began at the entrance of the main office and continued down the main hallway and the hallway leading to the guidance office. The ultimate goal of each of these four locations is evident as soon as you enter.
Posted in Packaged for Success Youth Worker Toolbox by .
Many people are compelled to donate gifts to children and youth in foster care during the Christmas holiday season (myself included). After the Christmas gifts are barely opened we shift our focus to how we will usher in a new year. A new year exemplifies a new chance to start fresh, another opportunity to change our lives for the better. People around the world make their lists of New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are goals, projects, or kicking of habits that a person commits to in anticipation of a new year. Most people plan to stay committed to their New Year’s resolutions for at least the entire year but roughly 4 out of 5 people break their New Year’s resolutions, however.
Posted in Packaged for Success Youth Worker Toolbox by .
Jan 12
12
How Will Your Youth Serve?
In our work world, evidence-based practice and evidence-based research are King. Objectives, outcomes, and goals are commonplace. In my supervisory role I stress that we have to have proof that we are doing really works. I am a huge proponent of civic engagement and so as I was thinking about the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Day and the Youth Service America kick off a semester of service I decided to go a bit further and hit the internet to provide you with documentation that supports what I’ve seen in my experience and know in my heart is an effective aspect of youth development.
Posted in Packaged for Success Teen Toolbox Youth Worker Toolbox by .
Jan 12
10
Someone Like Me
January is National Mentoring Month. For many young people great role models and mentors are a part of their everyday lives. Relatives, teachers, and neighbors often serve in that role. Finding positive role models for youth in the foster care system is often more difficult. Luckily, role models and mentors don’t always have to be people that we know personally. There is something we can learn from everyone that we meet and every situation we encounter…positive or negative.
Posted in Packaged for Success Youth Worker Toolbox by .
I posted a status on my social media accounts a few days ago that read, “A degree can’t produce passion, compassion, and integrity.” I received quite a few “Likes”, retweets, and interesting comments. The responses I received made me really think about what that statement means to me and led me to write this blog post.
Let me begin by saying that I am one hundred percent pro education. Education encourages research and critical thinking and opens doors of opportunity. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work to support my theories. At the end of 2011 I came to the firm conclusion that The Teen Toolbox work will focus on improving the quality of life for youth involved in the foster care and child welfare system. Actually, foster care is not really a new path or target population for me. In fact, participation in a holiday drive for a residential facility for teen mothers in foster care during my senior year in high school is what helped solidify my career choice. The other option on the table was education. Yep, I was considering becoming a teacher. (Didn’t I tell you that I am pro education?) My passion for helping others, compassionate personality, and personal integrity led me to pursue higher education and more specifically the field of social work.
Posted in Packaged for Success Parent Toolbox Youth Worker Toolbox by .
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