Although these two articles were published in the 1990s, there are still some relevant facts related to African American males and youths at risks in today’s world.
Reclaiming the Lost Generation: Strategies for working with African-American Males. The Advocate,Publication of American Mental Health Counselors’ Association, 17(6), p.11. (1994)
This topic is appropriate these days when most of the prisons are overflowing with African American males. Concerns have been shown by Governor Schaefer of Maryland, U.S. Attorney General Reno and by therapists, social workers and other human service officials. It is very commendable that we are all concerned. But it will go a step further if we all start focusing on the solutions to the problems that started before the advent of civil rights.
As a therapist who has some years of experience working with youths, children, families and males “at risk.” I have come to the conclusion that the best vaccination, antidote and medicine needed to make a turn-around for African American males whom I classify as “endangered species” are unconditional love, education, empathy, unconditional respect and concern for their progress coupled with confrontation. I have seen this group of individuals turn around for the better by using the above skills.
Positive Strategies for working with Adolescents at Risk. The Advocate, Publication of American Mental Health Counselors’ Association, 17 (5),p.9 (1994)
I have had experiences doing groups with adolescents of different ages before, but it appears as if dealing with “youth at risk” demands special, unique talents and skills. Patience, persistence, perseverance, endurance, abundant love and confrontation, when backed with unconditional love and understanding, works wonders.
Adolescence have been defined as a period o variable onset and duration that marks the end of a childhood and lays the foundation for maturity. developments occurs at three interrelated levels – biological,psychological and social. Biologically, onset is signaled by the final acceleration of skeletal growth and the beginning of sexual development. Psychologically, onset is characterized by an acceleration of cognitive growth and personality formulation. Socially it is a period of intensified preparation for the forthcoming role of young adulthood. Girls enter puberty earlier than boys.
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