The Children's Other Christmas

The time is now 1:45, and I know they are still in school. I look back up and smile to myself...."Looks like its going to be ok today" I think out loud. I insert my special key that opens the big metal door to the PeaceWalker Unit, a Unit designated for male youths in their teenage years who have trouble controlling their anger and emotions. This is one of 6 Units on what looks like a college campus on the outside, yet on the inside, sits a good mixture of youth whose problems stem from neglect all the way to sexual abuse. The ages here range from as low as 10, all the way to 18, male and female. It is here where I work as a Senior Counselor.

I clutch my notebook and enter the unit with greetings from fellow counselors who work as my staff. My counselors is a group of 5 men who all take the same approach I do in handling the job. "Make it home" is the key three words we use to get through our days. We compare notes to make sure we are consistent with our handling of the children so that we aren't lacking in communication with our clients. Whatever I don't know, they know, and vice versa. We sit down during our pre-shift meeting and hear the good news first. Some kids earned more priviliges due to their level going up (levels are considered steps towards their positive reactions to treatment), some are allowed overnight home visits. News that makes us proud; the counselors cause a commotion as they take credit for assisting in making the positive changes in the child's life. Some children earned their way off of restriction, which to them is considered 'lockdown'.