I know you asked for a male perspective, but I had to voice an opinion on this based on my experience with group home employees. It does depend on the budget, the people that run them, and the neighbors. Are the owners opening these homes because they truly love the children, or because there is alot of money to be made (in some cases, homes recieve as much as 200.00 per night for each bed occupied, if not more). Beyond numerous certifications, by what principles are they training their staff? And are the neighbors understanding or are they quick to report the slightest movement that they see in an attempt to get the home shut down?
I think group homes can work because when all of these factors are operating properly, they provide a necessary structural environment for children that previously did not have any structure. The group home setting is very strict, but not as harsh as prison. They also get to participate in many outings and activities that allow them to channel their energy into something positive. Sadly, many of these children come into the group home setting with a "gangsta" or tough guy/girl mentality, have an overfascination with death, and don't see a future for themselves. Many of them are following poor "role modes" and do not want to change. From what I've seen, many of them end up in prison, boot camp, or running the streets. It's a hard job for group home staff members. That's why it's so important when we all encounter these children, that we make sure we are sending a positive message to them and that we are not prejudging them. Also, we need to work with youth that we know are headed in the wrong direction before they end up in homes.
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>>>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29-30
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