The teen years are often characterized by impulsive behavior and unwise choices. Statistics tell us that many teens engage in unprotected sex, binge drinking, drug use, and violent altercations – dangerous risks. Of course this is not the case for everyone and I choose to focus on the notion that we can help youth take calculated risks. We can encourage our youth to take calculated risks. We can encourage them to boldly pursue their dreams despite their current circumstances. We can empower them to leave the safety of their comfort zones for the satisfaction of goal achievement.
Calculated risks are thought out and have the potential to lead to a better quality of life. Success takes action. Our level of success in any endeavor is directly related to the level of risk we are able to endure. We have to leave our comfort zones in order to progress. Courage is necessary if we want to move forward.
Student Service Learning versus Community Service
Student Service Learning (SSL) is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning. SSL includes phases of preparation, action, and reflection. Two of the best practices in service learning recognized in the state of Maryland are that the student achieves curricular objectives and the student reflects throughout the experience. With volunteerism or community service there are no established academic guidelines, the planning and preparation phase may not be as complex, and school documentation is not required.
Research suggests that youth who engage in volunteering and other positive activities are more likely to be successful at school and to avoid risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, crime, and promiscuity. Youth are most likely to volunteer because they are asked–and when they are asked. Meaningful civic engagement helps students develop workforce ethics and leadership skills. The Teen Toolbox recognizes the potential of all youth to make meaningful contributions in their communities.
Global Youth Service Day
I tuned in to Oprah’s Lifeclass: The Tour with Bishop TD Jakes this past Monday night and was delighted to learn about Jimmy Graham, tight end for the NFL New Orleans Saints. I’m not a football fan but I am an advocate for youth in foster care and I was captivated as Jimmy shared his experience as a teen in the system.
If you’ve been following our blog, you know that we are commemorating National Foster Care Awareness Month 2012 with a focus on teen males in the foster care system. We are raising awareness about the needs of teen males in the foster care system in two special ways:
(1) Hosting our First Annual Pack A Backpack Drive to donate backpacks and personal hygiene items to teen males in foster care
(2) Using our BLOG as a platform to share real life stories about teen males who are about to age out of the foster care system and foster parents who are helping teen males successfully transition into adulthood
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest if you must, But don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a person turns about,
When they might have won, had they stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow.
You may succeed with another blow.
Often strugglers have given up
When you might have captured the victor’s cup,
And you learned too late when the night came down,
How close you was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the cloud of doubt.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worst that you
Mustn’t Quit!
~Author Unknown 
Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Children who have been abused and neglected are at risk of continuing the cycle of abuse with their own children.
It is estimated that a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau. (2010). Child Maltreatment 2009:
- During Federal fiscal year 2009, an estimated 3.3 million referrals, involving the alleged maltreatment of approximately 6.0 million children, were received by CPS agencies. Of these referrals, 61.9 percent were screened in for a response by CPS agencies.
- The overall rate of child fatalities was 2.34 deaths per 100,000 children
What Can You Do?
PARENTS
- Be available. Keep the lines of communication open with your child.
- Learn about healthy child development and set realistic expectations for your child.
There are no prerequisite courses for becoming a parent and children don’t come with instructions. Child abuse affects families of all ages, races, ethnicities, and social classes. The week of June 6-12, 182, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives resolved should be designated as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week. Members of Congress requested the President issue a proclamation calling upon Government agencies and the public to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. In 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a result, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted across the country during April of each year. Earlier this week President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring April 2012 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The official White House Press Release states that “During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to break the cycle of violence, strengthen support for all who have been affected, and empower our young people with the best we have to offer.”
A Platform For Teen Males in Foster Care
May is National Foster Case Awareness Month. The Teen Toolbox is opening our blog as a platform to spread inspiration and hope by highlighting the stories (successes and challenges) of teen males in the foster care system. We invite you to SHARE YOUR STORY. If the difficulties of life in the foster care system have not prevented you from achieving your goals or helping others move forward and you would like to be interviewed for a blog that will be released during National Foster Care Awareness Month please contact me at: NickiATtheteentoolboxDOTcom for additional information.
We want to hear from:
- Teen males who are currently successfully transitioning out of foster care
- Foster parents who are helping teen males move toward productive independence
- Triumphant male foster care alumni who were emancipated youth or who aged out of the foster care system
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
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