Spring Break
New program aimed at helping at-risk teens
The term-long class has student mentors that earn credits and give teens a positive outlook
Rachel Spitler
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: News
Acting as teachers and mentors are seven OSU students, most of whom are interns from the Human Development and Family Sciences program. Steiner said that they have been an integral part of the class.
"Even though we have had way more mentors than students, they've kind of acted as role models for the students. It gives them a chance to see what young adulthood can be," Steiner said.
Human Development and Family Sciences intern Stephanie Clark said that she has been enjoying her experience with the students.
"Not only is it teaching them life skills," she said. "It's showing them that somebody really cares, and that we're here for them."
The Oregon Family Support Network is a nonprofit organization that began in 1991 "by families who just wanted to help other families," Steiner said.
The organization offers support groups all over the state for families to come and share their experiences. Dinner and child care are provided, and the meetings are a chance for parents to learn about parenting, and share tips
"Raising a child with behavior issues can be exhausting," Steiner said. "It's probably the hardest job in the world."
She said that children with emotional problems struggle more than adults do because they haven't yet learned to control their thought processes.
"It's not like what the media portrays," said Steiner, citing the typical TV image of mental illness.
"It's a malfunction of the brain," and can be mastered, Steiner said. She added that most people encounter adults who have overcome mental illness every day without realizing it.
However, some young people never get the help and support they need to make it that far and can ultimately wind up in a mental hospital or prison.
One issue the Teen Life Skills class discussed was Measure 11, which specifies a list of crimes (mainly violent crimes) for which 15-year-olds can be tried as adults. Some of them have a minimum sentence of 70 days in the State Penitentiary.
"Even though we have had way more mentors than students, they've kind of acted as role models for the students. It gives them a chance to see what young adulthood can be," Steiner said.
Human Development and Family Sciences intern Stephanie Clark said that she has been enjoying her experience with the students.
"Not only is it teaching them life skills," she said. "It's showing them that somebody really cares, and that we're here for them."
The Oregon Family Support Network is a nonprofit organization that began in 1991 "by families who just wanted to help other families," Steiner said.
The organization offers support groups all over the state for families to come and share their experiences. Dinner and child care are provided, and the meetings are a chance for parents to learn about parenting, and share tips
"Raising a child with behavior issues can be exhausting," Steiner said. "It's probably the hardest job in the world."
She said that children with emotional problems struggle more than adults do because they haven't yet learned to control their thought processes.
"It's not like what the media portrays," said Steiner, citing the typical TV image of mental illness.
"It's a malfunction of the brain," and can be mastered, Steiner said. She added that most people encounter adults who have overcome mental illness every day without realizing it.
However, some young people never get the help and support they need to make it that far and can ultimately wind up in a mental hospital or prison.
One issue the Teen Life Skills class discussed was Measure 11, which specifies a list of crimes (mainly violent crimes) for which 15-year-olds can be tried as adults. Some of them have a minimum sentence of 70 days in the State Penitentiary.
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