5 Reasons I Chose To Work In A Youth Prison.

After leaving an abusive workplace. I was desperately looking for work.

Of course, I was developing other streams of income, but I still needed a job to sustain myself.

Never thought I would end up perusing a career in Youth Custody. However, after retrospecting, understanding what it's all about and the kind of impact I would have on the youth, I thought to myself,

Let's dive into some reasons as to why I chose to work in a youth prison and what it means to me

1: I Was Seeking a Challenge

I'm not expecting a smooth ride. This was especially clear to me in the interview stage, where I was required to engage in a role play with an actor posing as a youth in custody.

All the shouting, aggression and blame expressed towards me was something I would have to face on the job.

However, the most satisfying part, was manoeuvring and de-escalating the situation. Bringing him to a calmer state and shifting his perspective.

My sense of accomplishment came from, helping him feel a little better about his situation and giving him a sense of reassurance that everything is taken care of.

I'll go into de-escalation techniques in future posts in this series.

This is the challenge I was looking for, the challenge to work with mentally and emotionally difficult people and situations.

Helping the vulnerable turn their lives around, and giving them a chance to truly life once again.

2: Helps Me Understand the Impact of Good Mentoring

Learning the skills to provide good mentoring is difficult but rewarding.

Often times, children grow up in circumstances that are quite violent or at least they've witnessed domestic violence in some way.

This is especially impactful because, such young people might not have been exposed to the right mentors during their development. Or at least someone who can give them hope and positive reassurance during difficult times.

Someone who can give them a strong sense of direction towards a positive path.

Someone who inspires them and diverts their energies towards their passions, interests, hobbies, and ambitions. Helping them stay away from crime as a result. Since crime might be an outlet for them, especially without proper mentoring and intervention put in place early on.

Although I might not be able to relate with them on everything, in the sense that, I might not have been through exactly what they have been through,

but I've certainly felt, what they have felt.

3: Huge Potential for Change, Something I Would Love To Be Part Of

These youths have grown up in circumstances and conditions that simply weren't in their best in interest.

In fact according to Youth Justice System data from 2016, found in my job website.

• "38% of those in custody come from a care environment.
• "One third had mental health issues."
• "50% of 15–17 years olds have literacy and numeracy levels similar to that of 7 to 11 year olds."

After I read these statements, I couldn't help but empathize with what they're going through. When they react in a certain way, I can understand the root cause of why that might be.

It's one thing for someone to grow up that way. However, it's our responsibility as youth workers to give them the mental, emotional and practical tools to give them the best chance at rebuilding their lives.

"No matter how dirty your past is, your future is still spotless?" Drake

4: I Can Handle It, Pick Up the Sword and Rise Up to the Challenge

I feel that this is the ultimate truth, simply put.

I've been through enough that I can truly handle it, or at least have the mental capacity to endure whatever is being thrown towards me.

This is because I see it as a challenge more than anything.

The challenge being: How can I get this individual to shift their perspective from negative to positive.

The challenge of turning lives around, to reduce the chances of them re- offending in the future.

I feel that, this is what true accomplishment in my job really looks like.

Once they're out, they should be able to have enough resources to navigate their lives. Making it something beautiful and memorable.

Nurturing them to make something of themselves, allowing them to be proud of themselves and of the life they are to create for themselves.

5: Last but Not Least, Relocation

I was getting a little tired of my own city, which is why this job allows me to relocate to an entirely new city.

Exploring new ground and begin life with a fresh new slate.

I understand that, this point doesn't really have anything to do with working in prison. However, I mention this because a change in my life is taking place and my job has a lot to do with it.

This correlates with an article that I had written in the past about how a messy room ruins your mind.

It's clear proof on how our environment affect us.

Infact, did you know that a messy room affects our mind.

Closing notes.

So there you have it, I'm actually thinking of starting a new series around my experiences of working in youth prison and some of the struggles people commonly face in such environments.

Of course, I can't cover every detail due to guidelines and security reasons. It's vital for me to keep that integrity. However, I'm sure I can provide general insights and my learnings.

I'm sure it'll help some people out in terms of giving them a better view point on youth and child development.

In this story, I've mainly covered my motivations on exactly why I chose to work in a youth prison. It's something that would change and develop me as a person, it weirdly motivated me to hit the gym too.

I've just started and waiting for my first day.

I look forward to this journey ahead, I look forward to creating a positive impact in the lives of those that need it most.

Take care, till the next post.