|
I worked on a locked unit in a mental hospital for children for about a year. Most of the kids were placed there because youth detention centers didn't know how to handle them. Lots of violence. Kids from abusive homes and some staff who thought that all a misbehaving kid needed was a "good take-down." Screaming. Gnashing of teeth. Restraining children. Safety coats. Seclusion. Dodging punches, kicks, and bites. Dodging human waste. It opened my eyes regarding the range of child misbehavior and severity of abuse some parents inflict on their children. Made me sad. It was not fun. I left when I felt myself getting used to working there.
|