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Jeff Reid

Location: Nova Scotia

Biography
I have been working in this field since 1978, although my history of being involved with youth goes back several years prior as a volunteer. I was always interested in working with children and youth, I just was not clear about what direction my career path would take me at first. Like so many of us in the field, I started out with a B.A. (psychology), and decided to see what I could do before committing to more education. I started with the Browndale organization in Ontario, working with what were described as the some of the most disturbed youth in the province. As I gained some experience, I noticed two things, the youth were just young people needing time, attention, patience, boundaries and someone willing to hang in, and that most of the supervisory and managerial staff were not from a Child and Youth Care background and did not have the experiences from the floor. I returned to school part-time to complete a M.Ed. in Administration and Management and used that as a foundation for developing as a supervisor. I continued to work front-line until I felt that I had sufficient experience in Child and Youth Care to supervise other Child and Youth Care staff. I have supervised and managed programs in three different provinces, both from residential and community based perspective of CYC. Along the way, I have picked up a love of teaching, and teach courses for the Nova Scotia Community College in the Child and Youth Care Program.
I have been married to a lovely and understanding young lady for over 26 years. She has been patient and tolerated my silence about who I work with, accepted when the job came before her, and encouraged me when I struggled with the need for change. Together we have raised 4 wonderful children and are now working on the most wonderful of child care experiences, having a grandchild.

How I came to be in this field
My aunt saw an ad in a Toronto paper looking for people who wanted to work with children. I took the train up, went to a group interview, said I would not mind working in Central Ontario, in the Haliburton region, two days later I was up in Haliburton talking about start dates and house assignments.

A favorite saying
We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. — Anais Nin

A few thoughts about child and youth care

• I never imagined that I would still be enjoying what I do 30 years later, I get to learn something new each day;
• We need more men willing to make a choice to be nurturers;
• To be successful in this field, you have to be willing to take the risk of being wrong, and when you are, acknowledge it, apologize for it, and learn from it.

Last thing I read, watched, heard, which I would recommend to others
I have just finished reading a book called I Am Potential, eight lessons on living, loving and reaching your dreams by Patrick Henry Hughes. www.iampotentialbook.com

A favorite Child and Youth Care experience
Watching a young person cross the stage and accept her college diploma. (Five years earlier this young person was on the verge of being sent out of the province because her behaviours were deemed unmanageable and our program was her last chance.)

A few thoughts for those starting out

• You have to like, and I mean really like, kids;

• This job is like Neverland, there is a part of you that has to resist growing up;

• Always find at least one positive about every young person you are working with every day, and share it with them.

A recommended child and youth care reading link
https://www.cyc-net.org/cyc-online/cycol-0705-kellyshaw.html

My favourite child and youth care-relevant link and why
http://www.youthnewsletter.net/home.html
This is an annual newsletter created by Halifax youth in care, former youth in care, and youth on income assistance.

http://www.youthincare.ca
Youth in Care Canada (also known as the National Youth in Care Network) is an organization driven by youth and alumni from care.

A writing of my own
https://www.cyc-net.org/cyc-online/cycol-0301-reid.html

Influences on my work
My relationship with my grandfather; my wife Catherine; my own experiences growing up; my experiences as my children grew up; my mother; my love of travel; my willingness to risk; my desire to do and not accept "no"; my Child and Youth Care friends along the way.

Anything else
When you are no longer able to enjoy the youth, revel in the learning opportunities that they provide, and unconditionally care about them, it is time to leave because the youth deserve more.