Contents

INTRODUCTION2

AGENCY OVERVIEW3

Clients/patients4

Activities performed4

Clientele activities5

My observations5

CRITIQUE OF EXPERIENCE6

Reason6

Surprises/the unexpected7

FUTURE DIRECTIONS7

Placement at Hartford Juvenile Detention

Introduction

My experience at Hartford Juvenile Detention Center was a combination of Individual/Administrative. I interacted with the kids a lot without someone overseeing me. There were a number of times where I would play spades with the kids all night, participate in open recreation with them which would involve a number of activities such as basketball, dodge ball, bingo, or video games (Only level one kids were allowed to participate in Open Recreation). CT Ballet which is a Juvenile Justice Outreach program comes twice a week and reaches out to the youth. The kids get taught how to play a song on the drum, and to find their own rhythm/beat. I've been working with him on ways to control his anger. So it makes me really happy that I've helped two kids in some way.

The second part of my internship is administrative. I do a lot of filing, making copies, and making phone calls to parents. One of my tasks that I do often is called a “Permission to treat. “ If the child had a headache, or a cold we wouldn't be able to treat them until the parent gave us permission to do so. Although I'm very good at completing this task, it is not my favorite. There are a total of 26 questions, and the parents get annoyed. To give you an idea: One of the questions: “Do you have any concerns about your child sexual behavior?” Apparently I'm not the only one who doesn't like to do this task. Everyone seems to wait until I get there.

Agency overview

I wasn't able to gain a lot of information on the history from the internet or from the staff believe it or not. This facility is new, and opened in 2003. The Juvenile Detention Center was originally in the Court house on two floors which is adjacent to the new building.

Services & sites- The Detention center is located at 920 Broad St, in Hartford CT. I have to be honest and say I felt a little uneasy driving on Broad St the first time I went to meet with my Supervisor. The area is an urban area, and looks a little run down. And the Detention Center is located in the middle of it all. It was surreal in that sense. And all outside visitors have to be approved by that person before entering the facility. It's a huge responsibility being in that position because there are so many rules you must follow. Might I add after working there I noticed the staff hates working in the control room. Thankfully everyone has to take turns. You need a key to enter every room in the facility. The facility has 44 rooms, and 88 beds. It has four units Alpha, Beta, Charlie, and Delta which are all located on the 2nd floor.

Clients/patients

Clients/patients- The facility is made up of mostly adolescent boy's ages ranging from 12-17 (although ...