YDEV Cohort 8__Blog 1

WHAT DID I ALREADY KNOW: As a youth care worker, I learned quickly that focusing on a child's negative behavior does not fix that nergative behavior but instead looking deeper into their behaviors and see where they are lacking developmentally is a better approach. As a youth care worker it is important to provide the youth with opportunities for success. This can be done by providing them with the proper tools they need to be successful. A child who experiences a caring environment, had strong relationships, has expectations in place is more likely to succeed than a child who doesn't have someone setting clear expectations for them and providing a caring relationship. WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY & PRACTICE: I was unaware of the deficit- based programs that used to be in place. I also learned why they failed and what different approaches were used. These defecit programs focused souly on a youths specific behaviors. Rather tahn focusing on a child's need for strong healthy relationships with adults it foucsed on teaching them why not to have sex, or saying no to drugs. It focused on "at risk" youth rather than providing equal support and opportunities for them. WHAT DO I WANT TO kNOW MORE ABOUT: I would like to know more about how the funding was put in place when the approaches shifted. What type of funding was provided? Also, look deeper into this approach because so many children are still underprivledged and struggle to find support systems.