Kids in jail
By nelly5
@nelly5 (1424)
United States
May 22, 2008 11:31am CST
I started working in a Juvenile detention center about 3 weeks ago. It has been such a great experience, I absolutely love the job and can't wait for my training to be done so that I can be into the job full force and doing things on my own.
So anyhow, what I am wanting to point out here, is that not all of these detainees are bad people. First of all, they are kids, secondly, many...well most of them, have lived the kind of life they are living because of the way they were raised. Many of them, have parents and/or siblings in and out of jails/prisons and that is all they know. Some of the detainees have no parents..meaning their parents have died, abandoned them...or even abused and/or raped them for years. Yes, there are those few who have come from the "cleaver" home and do know right from wrong and simply have made a wrong decision and now they are dealing with the consequences of their actions. Last night for the first time, two detainees really opened up to me and it felt great to know that he/she knew that I was there to listen to them if they needed to talk. How do you view people who are locked up? I know many, many people who believe that people in jail are "trouble" or simply "no good". To me, that is such an unfair statement. Everyone makes mistakes and most of us have broken a law, and maybe we just have not gotten caught. What is your thought on juvenile detainees? Thanks in advance for any response!
2 responses
@dizzblnd (3073)
• United States
22 May 08
I also know tat children are a product of their environment. I TRY not to be too judgemental.. that is not my job. Somebody more powerful than me has that job.
I, instead try to be understanding, caring, sow love and respect to those who are having a rough time.
So many kids are being left to raise themselves today. It is very sad. Even if the child DOES live in the "Cleaver" household, it does no good to that child if the parents don't give a d@mn and don't raise them properly.
I congradulate you for having the time, patience, love, understanding, kindness and all of the other qualities it takes for people like you to ake a difference in these kids' love. Consider those words my hug to you. I don't think I could do what you do :) THANK YOU
@nelly5 (1424)
• United States
22 May 08
You are so very correct, children are a product of their environment. You are also right, that it is not our job to judge these children. I agree with you that even those children coming from the "cleaver" home may have problems because the parents do not care enough and raise them properly..but then again, that wouldn't be the "cleaver" home. Thank you so much for your appreciation for what I do, it means a lot, I don't believe people realize how much work it really is at a facility like the one I am working at. I mean, I do love it and I am so very happy to be doing what I am doing, but it is a lot of work and seeing and hearing about what some of these kids go through can really be stressing and very emotional. Thanks again, and have a great day!
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
23 May 08
I do not believe that all of them are bad people. I do believe there are some, that given the chance, will not change. The majority need a break and steered in the right direction. There are usually reasons for their acting out, even though it is not right, and they new better, but all of us have at one time or another needed a second chance for something.
1 person likes this
@nelly5 (1424)
• United States
23 May 08
Unfortunately I have to agree with you, there are those, who will not change even after given chance after chance. But I believe that the officers working in a place such as the one I work in, should at least attempt to make an impact on any child they come into contact with. We should be positive role models for these children, sometimes we may be the only positive role model in their life. Thanks for the response, have a great day!
