Child Abuse & Neglect
The following is a summary of two focus groups (According to the Children’s Consortium, Inc.):
Who are these children?
- Between the ages 7 – 21 years old
- Family problems/ Ineffective family structure/ Parents lack skills
- History of Trauma/ Abuse/ Domestic Violence/ Dependent
- Neglected
- Substance Abuse Issues
This is just the beginning of a long list that creates a sense of what types of environments and issues these youth come from.
Where are they? (How many are there?)
- Admiral Shelter 30
- Crescent Shelter 20
- Brown 16
- Lippman 08
- Foster Homes 200
- Detention 100
Other Places – Unknown Number
- DCF Offices
- At home
- With relatives
- With friends
- Homeless families
- On street
- Transient (bouncing from place to place)
- Mental Health facility
- Sexual Assault facility
- Medical facilities
- Drug Programs
- School – Teen Parent Programs
- Adult Jails
- With exploiters
What are their needs?
- Someone to support them
- Mentors Role models
- Positive Relationships
- Engaged, Consistent Case Managers
- Guardian Ad-Litem
- Competent Care Taker
- Guidance
The list of needs is simple pleasures that are taken for granted but are vital at these ages to be able to live harmoniously among others. This is something the Quality of Life Council believes we shouldn’t be deprived of.
So what is working now?
Juvenile Justice has been evident for a long time so next demonstrates what has been working for us and will continue to grow.
- Mentoring
- Diversionary Programs
- Court Order Placements
- Truancy Reduction Programs
- Small group homes
- Boys & Girls Clubs
- After School Programs
- Improved Home Services
- And many others…