Gangs. It's such a loaded word. And for good reason.
We hear on the news about knife gangs, moped gangs, gangs 'roaming the streets'. but what's it like in reality?
How does it feel to know a child you look after is getting sucked into one?
There are many people looking after a child in care, not just their foster carer and social worker, and even with all that support they can still get sucked in, especially if they're vulnerable.
Gangs, whether 'serious' or violent, or just 'a bit of fun', give a sense of belonging and comfort that a vulnerable child may be seeking.
A child we sometimes look after is involved in gangs, at a low level.
They know the negative and serious consequences of their invovlement, but you can't watch a child all the time. You can't shut them in and protect them 24/7. Ultimately, sometimes all you can do is guide and advise, set boundaries and hope they pull through. Sounds like giving up, but if you're too strict they will rebel sooner or later.
With this child we're trying to find alternatives for them to get into. Mainly sports. We're also trying to set boundaries on whom they socialise with and when. We talk to them quite openly about the future they could have, namely, going to jail. They go to counselling to try to help with their feelings of loneliness that being in a gang helps allieve. But for all we do, they are old enough to go out alone, get the bus to town by themselves, and make decisions.
What if it goes too far, and they can't be pulled back away from gangs?
We hope it doesn't come to this, and everyone is trying. Everyone is taking things one step at a time to hope they turn the right corner.
Problem is teenagers think they know everything and don't neccessarily believe adults who've 'been there, done that' who tell they what they're doing is not a good idea. It's a pity we don't have crystal balls to show the kids their future. Words and reality aren't the same thing.
The word 'gang' is powerful, but the reality of a child being in a gang can be devastating.
If you think your child may be involved, or vulnerable, step in at the earliest opportunity.
As for our young person, time will tell. We'll keep plugging away and hope the message sinks in.
All the best, Bristol Fostering.
Check out are FB Here
NB Bristol Fostering is a personal blog and not affiliated with any fostering agency. The author just happens to be a foster carer in Bristol, UK
We do recommend Bristol Council though as they're fab. Bristol Council fostering enquiry form
We hear on the news about knife gangs, moped gangs, gangs 'roaming the streets'. but what's it like in reality?
How does it feel to know a child you look after is getting sucked into one?
There are many people looking after a child in care, not just their foster carer and social worker, and even with all that support they can still get sucked in, especially if they're vulnerable.
Gangs, whether 'serious' or violent, or just 'a bit of fun', give a sense of belonging and comfort that a vulnerable child may be seeking.
A child we sometimes look after is involved in gangs, at a low level.
They know the negative and serious consequences of their invovlement, but you can't watch a child all the time. You can't shut them in and protect them 24/7. Ultimately, sometimes all you can do is guide and advise, set boundaries and hope they pull through. Sounds like giving up, but if you're too strict they will rebel sooner or later.
With this child we're trying to find alternatives for them to get into. Mainly sports. We're also trying to set boundaries on whom they socialise with and when. We talk to them quite openly about the future they could have, namely, going to jail. They go to counselling to try to help with their feelings of loneliness that being in a gang helps allieve. But for all we do, they are old enough to go out alone, get the bus to town by themselves, and make decisions.
What if it goes too far, and they can't be pulled back away from gangs?
We hope it doesn't come to this, and everyone is trying. Everyone is taking things one step at a time to hope they turn the right corner.
Problem is teenagers think they know everything and don't neccessarily believe adults who've 'been there, done that' who tell they what they're doing is not a good idea. It's a pity we don't have crystal balls to show the kids their future. Words and reality aren't the same thing.
The word 'gang' is powerful, but the reality of a child being in a gang can be devastating.
If you think your child may be involved, or vulnerable, step in at the earliest opportunity.
As for our young person, time will tell. We'll keep plugging away and hope the message sinks in.
All the best, Bristol Fostering.
Check out are FB Here
NB Bristol Fostering is a personal blog and not affiliated with any fostering agency. The author just happens to be a foster carer in Bristol, UK
We do recommend Bristol Council though as they're fab. Bristol Council fostering enquiry form
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