Conference questions and answers

Henry Maier

Hello, I just returned from the International Child and Youth Care Conference in Victoria, B.C. At the end of Thom Garfat’s rich presentation on working with families, an account full of content about developmental group care, and also, following my presentation in regard to contemporary care services, there were a number of comments and questions raised by those attending these events. I think that the questions and observations that were raised might also be of interest to those who did not have the opportunity to be at hand.

Among others, the point was raised that staff within a program were encouraged not to share when asked about themselves “as if they had no past. I think that caregivers are fortunate when care receivers ask them about their childhood. Not to share about their own earlier life experience makes them into “nobodys”. Let me add strongly: “Nobody is a nobody”!

Another comment was about a particular care service which maintained that care givers should neither accept nor give gifts to the care receivers. I maintain that the exchanging of gifts is part of the natural relationship between care receivers and caregivers. When I give you a gift, I give you a part of myself. What are you rejecting, then, when you reject my gift?

Another puzzling point was whether careworkers should insist upon public support for their services. If that is not the case the administrator of the agency has all the right to make the charge that the communities have failed to provide public funds and support for the maintenance of the care program.

There were a good number of other questions raised which unfortunately brought to light that many services seem to be more preoccupied with bureaucratic management of care services rather than the care program which exists for the needed services of the individuals within the program.

In winding up this month’s column it is my urgent message that all administrators, consultants, board members, care givers and myself share in the effort which will make it possible to celebrate at the next International Child and Youth Care conference the achievement of public support and necessary funding for Child and Youth Care services as needed by those in care.

Good Cheers,

Henry