***I don't theoretically disagree with serperating a violent person from society until they can get back to their inherent, 'right' mind. It's what happens during their temporary incarceration that is in question. I don't think it's helpful at all the way we are doing it in jails or programs. Both are grossly lacking anything useful. To punish them further for their lack of conscience, is not a very conscientious thing to do- in fact extremely disrespectful.
Well, I think that to say that these programs don't provide "anything" useful is an over generalization. For a great number of these children, the Programs, believe it or not, are better than the environments that they came from. Shocking, yes, but a reflection of life in our modern society as well. I also see the need for these programs for purposes of separating violent children who are, yes, on their way to our "fine" penal system. These situations exist and in many cases these programs are just a stopping ground for those who are on their way to an extended downfall. I understand that these two cases are just a small minority of the number of children who are placed in these programs. So, what do I propose?
Absolutely, there needs to be some standard nationwide that declares how and when a parent can place a child in ANY program. Now, here's where many of you will disagree with me. I am a human rights advocate. I do believe that there are standards that ALL humans need to abide by, however I am not a huge youth rights advocate. I do believe the parent should be allowed to parent. And that means, to me, that the child, to some extent must abide by the discerning decisions that their parents make. Discerning being the key word there. It does require effort and work to parent and let's admit that a large number of our society is afraid to do that. Does this take rights from children? No. It does however place the absolute burden on a parent to be thoughtful and tough on behalf of their children beginning in the early years. What a giant responsibility that too great a sector of our society neglects or perhaps just under prioritizes. This is why I believe we have these children without conscience. They have for so long not had parents who correctly taught and guided them. I don't know. Maybe we need to begin teaching classes on how to be parents right in the hospital delivery rooms. We really only have about 13 years to train our children in terms of their core values. After that, the world bombards them and it's really a hit or miss game.
In terms of the kids that are already in high school that clearly missed the core value lessons? Again...I don't know. I wish did have the answer. The ones I come in contact with, I definitely demand their respect. And this is something that I will give back to them, but that is not a requirement on my behalf. I have heard too often, "oh you're disrespecting me!" Well, your acting a fool child. I have a college degree and a good job and I know that I can make it in this world. Let's start with respecting those around you including yourself and earn some good old fashion respect. Not everything in this world can be given to you. Let's try teaching by example, loving our children, and by that I don't mean giving them whatever is whithin reach, and teaching them to work for everything including respect.
