INDEX OF QUOTES
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Over the course of many years of involvement in the field of child care, in the various roles of direct service workers, supervisors, administrators, and educators, the authors are deeply impressed by the consistent and widespread appearance of a number of valued, even “heroic”, qualities among effective child and youth care workers. A list of these qualities would have to include the following:
Pragmatism: a realistic practicality in the use of means, a willingness to experiment in the service of a burning desire Intelligence: both cognitive and intuitive intelligence, a high degree of self-knowledge and the knowledge of how to use self in the helping task, coupled with a thirst for the accumulated scientific knowledge regarding development, pathology, human ecology, treatment, etc. Empathy: an enormous capacity for caring deeply about those in need. Commitment: the application of self, often with amazing stamina, Courage: the willingness and ability Many other associated qualities spring to mind as well – qualities such as discipline, self-motivation, joie de vivre, sacrifice – but enough has been said to suggest something of an “ideal type” of child and youth care worker, the kind of individual who can make a real, permanent difference in the life of a damaged youngster. Above all, it is a healthy personality type: balanced, well-integrated, energetic, capable of both love and work in truly impressive proportions. |
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