December 18, 2009
A Doctor's Advice
Ask Youth First!
BY DR. WILLIAM WOOTEN
The Youth First web site, YouthFirstInc.org, includes a page entitled “Ask Youth First.” On this page, I respond to questions emailed to the site by anonymous writers from the Evansville area, the United States and a number of other countries. “Ask Youth First” has been visited by 7,820 visitors from 52 countries/territories and 50 states in the past year.
Visit YouthFirstInc.org and ask Youth First a question. Any reasonable question will be answered.
Questions:
Kayla asked Youth First: What does Youth First do to help homelessness?
Dear Kayla,
Prevention of substance abuse, promoting healthy behaviors, and maximizing student success is our mission. Homelessness is a late stage problem rather than an early consequence or early sign of problem behavior, but Youth First school social workers can sometimes help or offer guidance.
A team of Youth First school social workers serving over 40 area Southwest Indiana schools offer support to students and families struggling with a vast variety of issues. Many of these issues are risk factors for getting involved with, or consequences of, substance abuse. Family conflict, mental illness, anger, stress, poverty, family history of addiction/alcoholism, academic or learning difficulties, chronic illness, delinquent behavior, physical/sexual abuse and homelessness are just a few examples. Substance abuse, and the associated consequences, can often lead to homelessness.
Not many students visit Youth First school social workers with a primary complaint of “homelessness.” Nevertheless, a student can seek help from a Youth First social worker for this problem. Youth First social workers assist with a variety of issues including need for food, clothing and I’m sure they’ve worked with homeless kids to help solve problems as well. Referral to another agency for specialized attention would be one of the options considered.
Johnathan asked Youth First: How can I help you get your grant to stay in the schools??? It was really helpful for me, and I just want to help anyway I can . . .
Dear Johnathan,
I assume you are referring to the recently expired grants which funded Youth First social workers in Evansville public schools. I’m happy to let you know that we have received some new funding, but services were reduced compared to prior years.
Notes like yours are the “fuel” that keeps us going. It’s great to hear that things are going well for you. Youth First is helping over 30,000 individuals yearly, but the fact that you took the time to send this caring feedback means a lot. Sustaining our good work when grants, or other funding streams, expire, is hard work and requires individual, corporate, state and federal financial support and advocacy.
Individuals and families who have been helped can be effective advocates. I’m going to forward your message to Parri Black, president and CEO of Youth First. She may ask you to write letters or provide a testimonial that would inspire others to begin, or continue, helping. I know she’ll be in touch and will be pleased to hear from you. Thanks Johnathan. I appreciate your offer to help. Stay in touch and take care of yourself.
KO asked Youth First: This may or may not be a question you can answer. How do you deal with a porn addiction without letting anyone know??
Dear KO,
I can only make general suggestions based on the limited information you provide. You are dealing with some difficult decisions. Above all, I suggest you seek help.
If you are a student, check with the principal’s office to see if you have a social worker available in your school. The school social worker can evaluate your situation and, usually, make some helpful suggestions for assistance. Discuss “confidentiality” policies with her before your session.
If you are below the age of 18, and truly want to change this behavior, you may need parental consent for additional visits with a school social worker or to see a counselor/therapist/doctor outside of the school setting. If over 18, in most cases, you can be treated as an adult.
Your parents may honor your privacy if you seek help, but, on the other hand, they could also be a source of great support in trying to overcome such a difficult problem. Keeping any addiction a “secret” sometimes makes recovery more difficult. Support from your parents or another appropriate adult can be helpful. Take care of yourself by seeking help without further delay.
The opinions, advice and information contained herein are not intended to provide professional medical advice or treatment, but are merely responses to questions from unidentified persons without advantage of actual knowledge of specific facts, circumstances and history of such person; and therefore, all responses contained herein should serve only as a suggested guide or possible course of action based on the question. Responses provided herein cannot replace professional assessment a person may receive from a visit with a healthcare professional. Youth First, Inc. hereby disclaims any and all responsibility or liability, which may be asserted or claimed arising from or claim to have arisen from reliance upon opinions, advice or information disclosed herein.