Group homes all over the U.S. claim that they are helpful in trying to change or help youth make the right decisions in the streets. But are they really helping change the youth their societies? Many teenagers go into these group homes and come out falling back into the same situations and decisons they were making before they went in. Yes, there are youth, and adults even, that go through these kind of experiences in group homes and come out completely changed. Though, there are still the others that make no progress. Why would the government spend money on new housing and treatment for troubled youth, when many of them dont even want to change? There is also the issue about sending your youth out of state to a group home. Many kids would be upset and refuse treatment, especially since they are so far away from their families. Why spend the money on sending your child out of the state to have only a hope that they will come back changed. Chances are, that their parents will be missing them because it is their child.
11 comments:
In the case of a parent truley wanting their child to "change" and choose to send them to a group home, the parent would need to do research on the group home. Looking at the programs offered, success rate, and what type of people are in the home, should be a huge factor to consider before sending away your child. I feel like this is just common sense that a parent should do before any actions are taken (to save them money and not wasteing their childs time). Then thier wouldnt be the issue of the group home "not working".
As far as the government paying for these institutions, i think its neccessary. For alot of people, group homes are their only hope. Either they can't live on their own because of financial reasons or lack of mental stability. These people should be given the chance to atleast have a decient place to live, regardless if they cause destruction when back on thier own.
I agree with Andrea here, that it is necessary for the government to pay for new housing and treatment for troubled youth. I don't believe it's a matter of whether they want to change, but the fact that they need to change. I feel that maybe the government's approach on this is that they want the youth to feel as if they have the opportunity to change, and that the government is only thinking about the future of these kids.
I agree that the government needs to pay for new housing and programs for troubled youth, but maybe they could spend more money on research to come up with the best way for them to handle the kids and actually change them. On the flip side, group homes are also just a place to stay a lot of the time, and some aren't as focused on helping as others are.
Group homes may not be the best solution for helping youth make good decisions in life, but it gives these people at least a chance at changing their lifestyles. It's probably true that there are people who enter the group home without even wanting to change their habits. But I don't believe that it's a matter of whether the people want to change. I believe it's more about changing a person who's engaging in an action that's harmful to his/her health, whether or not the person wants to change or not. As for parents making this decision to send their kids to group homes, I believe that it's the hope that their child can change that drives them to make this decision even if the child doesn't want to go. If I were a parent, I'd take any chance I could to try to change my child if he/she was engaged in drug activity or anything like that. Even if it may not work, I feel that as a parent I should try to take every opportunity possible to help my child even if they aren't the most effective, like group homes.
This is a touchy subject as the effect of group homes on individual teens depends on that specific home and youth.
I think that seeing as the government is having so much budget trouble, it would make more sense, and also be more realistic if the government held out funding for group homes until it can be seen that there is some effective program.
I also agree with Patrick that the government could fund research to find ways to help troubled youth, be it group homes or some other programs.
Basically all institutions have those cases that don't benefit from the institutions' efforts. It's rare, if even possible, to establish something with a 100% success rate. Yes, these group homes don't change EVERYONE, but it is making a difference in others' lives. There are many schools with mediocre graduation rates, but that doesn't give any reason for the government to shut those schools down. Group homes aren't perfect, but then again, what is? Group homes are collaborative efforts in an attempt to help youth out of the streets. Without them, there would be many more unfortunate people out there. Do we really want to mess with this?
Although these homes may not always be effective, I think that it is the most in-budget way to address these problems. The well being of teenagers is definitely a worry of the government, but is more of a worry for families. Teenagers have tons of problems by definition, but many of these problems can be solved through the attention of his/her family. However, when this gets to be too much, I believe that there should be another option. Government funding for group homes is therefore really important, as it is a given that many will need its assistance. However, I do not know how far the government should go in trying to reshape the programs. Ideally, the government could spend a bunch more on innovating the homes to make it more successful and helpful, but realistically, where would that money come from? I would rather put more money into schools and education, where we could even reach the teenagers and hopefully prevent some of these problems.
I don't think this is a good way to help solve any troubled youths problems for America. In my mind, as I was reading this, I was thinking that this might turn into a big "Real World" episode. Also, putting troubled teens together won't necessarily help them change anything. They need professional help. I think the government might be going a little bit too far in trying to control private lives.
I think it is good for the government to fund this. It showes that they care. They are putting resources out there for young adults to change themselves. Its better than nothing. It is beneficial for the kids who do come out with it changed, and they should not shut it down for the samll amount of kids who dont change. If they want to change then they will, and if they dont then its on them.
I agree with Andrea, I think it is necessary for the government to spend money on youth groups homes because that could be all they have. And if the governemtn stops spending time and money on building new homes or keeping up the old ones, it gives off the impression that the government does not care about them and that could cause some more problems.
I also agree with Andrea on the fact that a parent needs to research anything when it comes to sending their children to other places. And by resarchingit, they can make the decision on what homes they feel will have an impact on their child. However I have learned through experience that you cannot change someone who does not want to be changed. So parents should choose a home that they think will uplift their child and hopefully change their mind, but these kinds of things cannot be forced, the child needs to want it to.
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