[YL] Re: Handling Difficult Kids

[<cfreeman@csfa.org>;]

Response 1:
From: "Cindy Freeman" <cfreeman at csfa.org>

I work with program staff around the country, not directly with the youth.
However, one of our programs in Minnesota did what Meredith is recommending
and it worked. She formed a youth governing body that had responsibility
for setting and enforcing rules as well as determing the programming. One
of the youth even served on her board of directors. She has had great
success.

Cindy Freeman
National Director, ScholarShop
Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Response 2:
From: "Kevin R. Claiborne" <kclaiborne at nht.org>

I understand your situation.  My center is located in Washington, DC and
has all the 'flavor' that you described at yours...to help you in your
situation here's what I recommend:

Try to develop a sense of ownership of the center as "their place".  Assign
them tasks to keep the lab clean, vacuum the floor, wipe the desks, and
monitors.  Give each kid a membership card that is a certain color to
identify their proficiency level and as that rises, they are eligible to
get a different color card which allows them to do certain things.  Whoever
is the 'senior level'user in the room is responsible for maintaining order,
providing assistance and depending on their level, maybe even create a new
user account.  let the kids help in determing the rules and consequences
for breaking the rules.  Each kid is responsible for enforcing the rules
what affects one, affects them all.  Have special days (all-girl day,
all-boy day, parent child, bring a new member day, etc)  It's been my
experience that giving them some 'ownership' of the lab has worked wonders!
My behavior problems are WAYYYYYYYY down, respect level is WAYYYY up....not
just personal respect, but also respect for the equipment.

I wish you continued success!

Kevin R. Claiborne
Site Director
DC Campus of Opportunity
kclaiborne at nhtdc.org
www.nhtdc.org
202-396-0546

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