CONTENTS 

Editorial:
What makes a person write an article?  3
Thom Garfat

Contextual dialectics in relational work with youth    5
Kiara Gharabaghi

Crystal meth    10
Olivia Lasting and Grant Charles

Abstract
Although not a drug of choice in all countries crystallized methamphetamine (crystal meth) is of concern in an increasing number of communities. While there is an increasing body of knowledge about crystal meth as a relatively ‘recent’ drug that has not yet spread to all jurisdictions there is much that we do not know. In this article we provide an overview regarding what is known as well as identifying gaps in our knowledge. Specifically we discuss usage patterns, the physiological effects of this substance, treatment issues and some of the recent concurrent issues associated with crystal meth. We conclude with a discussion of the gaps in knowledge.

Child and Youth Care in the Community Centre    20
Dave Martin and Gary Tennant

Abstract
Core elements of community based Child and Youth Care include building partnerships with parents, schools, service providers and youth while helping to resolve individual problems and helping to build capacity. CYCs work to create a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where young people have a sense of connectedness and have opportunities to develop their skills and form positive relationships peers, caring adults and community. In this paper, we describe the role of Child and Youth Care in the community centre.

Accepting gifts from youth:
Reciprocity makes a difference    27
Carla E. Alexander

Abstract
This article presents information on the meaning and impact of reciprocity of caring in relationships between workers and youth. Excerpts from a series of research interviews are used to show the power of gift giving in our work. Questions are raised about the validity of policies which deny such acts of caring between workers and youth.

The importance of theoretical perspective, role and beliefs
in child and youth care: A personal reflection    36
Angie Cottrell

Listening to animals    41
Carol Matthews

Moneyman    43
Garth Goodwin

Books: Residential child care     45
Jack Phelan

History repeats itself and moves us forward 46
Carol Stuart

History repeats itself and moves us forward    46
Carol Stuart

Attracting resilience: Helping kids do better     51
Hector Sapién

Abstract
Throughout my life I have been touched by the lives of many kids as a child care worker, therapist, child care administrator and, of course, as a parent. I have worked in residential treatment centers and psychiatric children’s hospitals, as well as therapeutic foster care. I am the proud father of two young men who are adventuring through their teenage years. I am compelled to now pass on what I have learned along the way. The details may be different among our differing living circumstances but the human struggles are what thread us all.

Poems     58
Bev Anderson, Kim Thomas

Intensive interaction with autistic children     60
Chris Walter

Abstract
This article will describe my implementation of an interactive approach for children with autism termed Intensive Interaction (Nind and Hewett, 1994) which attempts to work in such an inclusive and empowering manner. After evaluating the core literature supporting this approach it will describe how I developed this approach with inexperienced workers in a Camphill community setting. The Camphill Schools is a therapeutic community in Scotland which offers holistic education and care for children with learning difficulties.

Parenting perspectives: Messages    71
Leanne Rose

My third career    73
Wendy Cahill

Gestures and moments that change our lives    75
Thom Garfat

What makes a person write an article?

What makes a person write an article? It is a lot of work. It takes time from other things. And ultimately it is not very rewarding — no money, limited (if any) fame, seldom a comment. So, one wonders, why do it? Unless of course the author is involved in one of those academic settings where one is rewarded for such things.

Well, I cannot pretend to know what goes on for other people. But for me it touches parts of my life — part obligation (people do nag, beg and plead and after all, I am committed to the growth of the field), part ego (I do love seeing my words in print, ego satisfying as that may be), part hope (really, maybe it will be helpful to somebody, some where, some time — Hey, one can hope!) and part a sense that it comes with the territory, it is my responsibility, I think, sometimes to share what I am thinking in the belief that sharing leads to greater knowledge. I believe that we are all in this together and, like members of a team, we all have a responsibility to let our voice be heard. Like the people in this issue have chosen to let their voices be heard.

And also, the thing, is, I love the voices of people who write regularly in our field — think Brendtro, Charles, Fulcher , Fox, Fewster, Gannon, Krueger, Rose, Smith, Stuart, Unger, VanderVen, Ward , etc., etc. I love how they have evolved their voices over time — becoming, in print, more of who they are as we know them to be. ‘Finding voice,’ ‘speaking voice,’ ‘giving voice.’ So, because I love to hear their voices evolve, I want to be a part of that — to discover me through the writing about me and my experiences — because it seems to me that is a part of what happens — one discovers their Self through writing, just as one does through reflection and other forms of acting in, and on, the world. Selfish, eh?

Selfish it may be. But, hey, why not? If in your selfishness you are attempting to give to others, what is wrong with that?

I am grateful to everyone who has written for this issue of Relational Child and Youth Care Practice. While they, like me, may have satisfied some part of themselves in writing for publication, they have also made clear their commitment to the field through giving of their time, intelligence and thoughtfulness in the hope (belief?) that in some way, however small that may be, to the betterment of the lives of children and families. And that, my friends, is a fine thing they do.

So, as you read your way through this issue, let yourself reflect on what these authors have done — given of themselves, their time and energy so that we might have cause to reflect on our own practice and hopefully improve it just a little. And perhaps you might wonder if you, too, might not like to give back to the field in this way. For there is always room for more and you will always be welcome here.

Thom Garfat