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Helping troubled teens stand on their own
Carlee Freeman |
At 21, she has barely left her teen years behind, but with two years of training in criminology and counselling at Douglas College’s Youth Justice Program, she is ready to be that supportive person.
“There’s a lot more for kids to deal with these days,” says Freeman, who lives in Surrey and works with teens as a Reconnect Worker for DeltaAssist Family and Community Services.
“Teens face incredible academic and social pressures.
“Sometimes their parents can’t or don’t provide them with what they need. Having positive interactions with someone can give them a little boost when they need it. “
Reconnect is a provincial program that offers services and support to youth. The DeltaAssist Reconnect Program covers North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen. Youth who want help just have to call. It’s one of the only support programs for youth that youth can refer themselves to, though the program does accept referrals from other agencies and counsellors.
“We listen to the youth in a non-judgmental way and then we act as an advocate for the youth,” says Freeman. “Whether they want to find a job, learn about birth control, explore their education options or anything else, we help them gain access to the resources they need.”
Freeman meets with her clients about once a week and helps teens deal with problems ranging from “suicide down to just not fitting in.”
Some of her clients have left their homes and require help meeting basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. Others are trying to meet other goals, like improved fitness or job skills.
“Society should take a pro-active approach to helping youth, before they get caught up in serious trouble,” says John Fleming, the coordinator of the Youth Justice Program.
“Programs like Reconnect help youth stay on track, by providing support to teens who might be at risk,” he said.
The Youth Justice Program at Douglas College prepared Freeman to work specifically in this field — with her criminology training she’s well-versed to deal with legal issues, and the counselling courses have prepared her to be a good listener.
“The instructors at Douglas College really opened themselves up to helping us,” says Freeman.
“Some teachers are just there at the front of the class and then they leave. My instructors didn’t just say, ‘You should have a wellness plan.’ They helped us all of the way. They follow through.”
Freeman was a member of the Youth Justice Program’s first graduating class in June 2003.
Feedback about the program and demand for its graduates was so favourable that the college decided to expand the unique program, starting new sessions every year instead of every two years.
After finishing the Youth Justice Program, Freeman took additional courses at the college to earn her diploma in criminology.
Now she helps teens weather the rough spots. “I want to help youth become their best selves,” she says, “by helping them overcome the obstacles that are holding them back.”
To learn more about Douglas College’s Youth Justice Program attend an information session. For more information, please call Youth Justice Program Coordinator Ray Chapman at 604.527.5724.
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