Since it's founding in 1997, the CYC-Net discussion group has been asked thousands of questions. These questions often generate many replies from people in all spheres of the Child and Youth Care profession and contain personal experiences, viewpoints, as well as recommended resources.
Below are some of the threads of discussions on varying Child and Youth Care related topics.
Questions and Responses have been reproduced verbatim.
Listen to thisHi,
I am a Child and Youth Care worker and at my work place I have noticed a challenge with one of the interns who is providing children with marijuana. I don’t know how to deal with this and would like to hear any ideas or suggestions.
Thanks.
Precious Ratale
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You definitely have to let your supervisor know ASAP. If he/she is
your supervisor, then go above... That is totally wrong on every level.
...
Precious, with all due respect, the fact that you have to ask this question is concerning to me! I'm not sure what an Intern is. However, it is our job as CYCs and caring responsible adults to protect the children in our care.
If you feel that something is not right and you’re asking the question, then it is your duty to report said activity to your higher up. There should be no question about this unless there is more to the story that you have not shared.
Marijuana is still illegal in most places and definitely damaging to
children at any stage of their development.
...
Precious, with all due respect, the fact that you have to ask this question is concerning to me! I'm not sure what an Intern is. However, it is our job as CYCs and caring responsible adults to protect the children in our care.
If you feel that something is not right and you’re asking the question, then it is your duty to report said activity to your higher up. There should be no question about this unless there is more to the story that you have not shared.
Marijuana is still illegal in most places and definitely damaging to children at any stage of their development.
Terry Schussler
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Precious,
The only good thing you can do is to report the intern to your superiors. I believe induction was done upon their placement so you won’t be doing anything wrong by reporting him/her.
Regards,
Dineo
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Hi Precious,
This is completely unethical and inappropriate. You must let your manager know this is happening. Period. Even if marijuana is now legal where you are, staff cannot and should not be giving youth ANY mind-altering substances unless there is a prescription from a doctor! We would not give youth alcohol, medications prescribed to someone else, etc. or any other legal or illegal substance without a doctor’s consent!
Lorinda
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Hi Precious,
First and foremost, I am happy to know you are working in this field. Congrats!!
In terms of this situation, this is wrong in many ways. For one, it is crossing boundaries and two it is just inappropriate. The person could be causing more damage.
You will need to report this to the manager or supervisor right away. That is all I can say. I don't understand why they would do this but it is not ok.
I wish you all the best. Hopefully this helps.
Raghav
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Hi, the best thing is to report the intern to
your supervisor.
Jimmy Mills
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Hi Precious,
You don't say how long you have been doing the work as I think it can be quite difficult to raise the issue if you are relatively new. I always think we go into this work to do no harm and what is happening is certainly doing harm. Obviously it needs to be managed up. How many people are you working with – your colleagues? Is there someone you trust enough to discuss the best way of letting your manager know? Sometimes asking for advice helps get over the early hurdles. These values and ethical situations keep arising so I guess to spend time thinking and understanding issues now will be helpful in the future.
I wish you luck and thanks for being brave enough to ask – that tells me you will be fine.
Best regards.
Glenys Bristow
