While the component of Pastoral Care in ministries with youth is about helping to support healthy growth and development for the teen, often within a family setting, there can be times that we encounter youth with concerning situations. As trusting relationships build in ministry, we may find that people really open their hearts to us and share struggles that they are having personally or with a loved one. We might be told of substance abuse, addiction, unplanned pregnancy, depression, suicidal thoughts, physical abuse, neglect, violent behavior, excessive stress, bullying, rape, feelings of helplessness, serious parental conflict, and more. As caring people, we want to help....yet, when working with youth and families, it is important to recognize when you need to refer one for counseling. When you are in that situation, where do you call? Catholic Charities recently updated their list, so I am happy to share this with you to give you leads. I recommend that you give each place in your county a call and see how open they are (and welcoming they sound) for your referral needs. {See document below.} Also, be sure to see what resources you have in your own parish and a neighboring parish. Often psychologists, psychiatrists and counsels are members of our Churches. WHEN TO REFER David Switzer states that it is wise to refer when: 1. We simply don't understand what's going on with the other person, why the person feels and behaves as she/he does, even after we've had opportunity to talk with that persona bout what's going on. 2. We recognize that the person is psychotic or has a tenacious depression. 3. The person is suicidal or is making serious threats against someone else. 4. We suspect that the person may have some physical disorder, may need a physical examination, and/or may need medication. 5. A person is dependent on alcohol or some other chemical substance, including prescription drugs. 6. It had seemed as if this were a person appropriate to with with, but after a while we realize that no change is taking place, we're beginning to feel frustrated and we don't know what else to do. 7. We find ourselves beginning to shut the person out emotionally. 8. We feel consciously afraid because the person appears to be dangerous to us. 9. We feel angry at the person and aren't clear about the reason. 10. We want to take care of everything for the person and are not really helping the person to be responsible for him/herself. 11. We want to guard our relationship with the person and not let anyone else participate in significant helping with him/her. 12. The situation is primarily a family problem and the family pattern of interaction is complex. (Taken from Guides to Youth Ministry: Pastoral Care, edited by Sharon Reed) Thank you for all you do to help achieve Goal 3 of our framework for Catholic Youth Ministry:
(For more on this goal and the framework, visit this web page: http://www.usccb.org/about/laity-marriage-family-life-and-youth/young-adults/renewing-the-vision.cfm )
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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