Here's a little bit of information for thought. This message concerns the
large number of teens who have no father figure in their lives. Many experts
believe this to be one of the major factors with troubled teens who end up on
the wrong side of the law.
A portion of the idea here is not new. Many adults already volunteer their
time to serve as coaches and other positive, male-role models. Many of these
volunteers do more than teach baseball, football, basketball, etc. Many of
them throw in a few values and morals. The problem here is that one-on-one
attention is either very limited or non-existent. There are many other
programs where an adult may serve as a positive role model for potentially
troubled youth. Again, most of this is in a group setting, and individual
attention is usually lacking.
A new program is spreading around the country. It is called "Mentorship". The
volunteers are usually screened by the police to keep the child molesters
out of the program. This program is all one-on-one attention for a troubled
youth. The "Mentor" may take the child to work, go bowling, go to the
movies, take them home for a meal, help them get a job, go hunting, or do any
number of other things that a typical father and son might do. Contact is
regular and may be numerous times per week. In many areas, the "Mentor" is
given special training to deal with troubled youth. This is a tough job, one
which has probably never been done with this troubled teen. This is a real
challenge that many have accepted around the country. This program is
working, only because of the special people who have volunteered.
Tom Rightmer - Victims' Rights Advocate
... He wasn't his mother's favorite, and he was an only child.
--- Blue Wave/DOS v2.30
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