An Agency Gone Wrong

The concept of working with troubled youth (or youth in general really) is one that is to ensure not only the safety of the children but to ensure growth and stability. It is not to reinforce bad behavior by giving in just so you don't have to deal with it. When it comes to education, you don't let things slide just because "they're broken children". You can not begin to help/fix these children until you make sure they have the education required in life. Even if that education is "history, math, science, and language arts" these will help create critical thinkers who will be able to make decisions based on knowledge not just raw emotion. I have believed this from the day I began working with youth and I will make sure when I have my own children that this is passed down to them.


Agencies that are dedicated to the troubled youth should hold these standards at pinnacle of their mission. If they are not, then the agency fails. If a child can not get the education they deserve, how are they going to be able to make logical choices in life? How can they make "educated" decisions? If they have a "disability" that's alright. As an agency you step up to the plate and show them how to bat so they can hit that home-run and  get what they can out of the game called life! You most certainly do not say "could you give them a break". I know for a fact there are children out there in NYS that are not "regents" material and with or without a "disability" they will struggle with these exams. But, this is why teaching is so important.

I know of a few teachers, whom I love dearly, that have tried their hardest to ensure that these ideals are met. Unfortunately, they are constantly side-lined with their efforts. Yet the person who is probably the worst excuse for a teacher I've ever seen is glorified by the (education) administration. Tell me how in the world this is healthy for the children they serve? It just doesn't make sense to me at all.

When this is part of your mission statement, as an agency it may want to be followed. It may be a good idea to hold your administration and decision makers to these values and principles. They are supposed to be beneficial to the children served! To not follow these is an absolute injustice to these children. Stop fooling the community and state into thinking you're "amazing" when you've failed so miserably!


VALUES & PRINCIPLES
Hope - We believe in the possibility for growth, change and forgiveness. We nurture that belief in ourselves and in others.
Healing - We promote a climate where people feel safe and experience improved physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Caring - We show compassion in how we treat others. We show sensitivity to their concerns, problems or pain. We reassure them that they are not alone.
Respect - We see the best in others regardless of who they are. Our words and actions recognize the special needs and individuality of each person we serve or with whom we work.
Integrity - We are honest in what we say and do. Honesty and competence are fundamental in developing trust.
Responsibility - We hold ourselves accountable for our decisions and actions. We believe every person has the capacity to make decisions and understand the consequences.
Collaboration - We use teamwork to accomplish more than any of us could by working alone. We believe we can best serve and care for others by blending the talents and dedication of many caring people and organizations.
Stewardship - We make wise use of the resources entrusted to us.