Working with abused, unloved or abandoned youth

An abused, unloved or emotionally abandoned child will try to keep adults at an arms-length and will go out of their way to keep from becoming emotionally attached. If you have an occasion to work with such and it is a known situation so you are not called upon to report the situation there are some guidelines for working with them.

• Reaching out and reaching them will be slow and painful.
  
• Be prepared to be abused or attacked by the youth in some fashion. Only by perseverance can their resistance be overcome.
  
• They may try to set you up either to keep you away or to find out your “real motives” for being nice. They will find it difficult to trust and accept you.
  
• Be prepared to go the second mile for them. Only when they finally start asking “why” will there be progress.
  
• These kids need your love more than any others.