Photoessay #255 - Team Meeting Marathon

I did a parent group team meeting marathon this weekend. I love being on teams, it's an honor serve on each one. Each family in our group is encouraged to ask 4 or 5 people to serve on your team. Considered a long term commitment for all involved. The team meets outside of the regular meeting to concentrate on that family's situation. So many original ideas come out when dedicated committed people put their heads together. Often the teams will meet weekly at the beginning and then spread the meetings out as the situation settle down. It's so helpful to have a team, you just can't pay for that level of attention and commitment. Even more helpful to serve on a team. It's easy to dish out the advice, hard to take it yourself. That's why, in our group, you have to have a team before you can serve on one.

But this weekend I did 5 1/2 team meetings. That's a lot even for me. I'm going to provide a montage of the situations that I considered over the weekend. I have to respect confidentiality. To me, it was no big deal, but others do NOT want their private situations exposed. I honor that, that's why the picture only features me. Taken at one of the regular weekly meetings in the small groups.

The issues considered in the team meeting marathon

Family having their second meeting. First meeting emphasized an At Risk Youth petition for their 17 year old daughter, former honor student, dropped out of school stays most nights with physically abusive drug dealer boyfriend. They didn't want to do an ARY, other possibilities? Discussion of wilderness programs and emotional growth programs.

Mom of 16 year old daughter who is an admitted heroin user. Can there be recreational heroin use? Her life may be in danger.

Team that's been together for over 4 years considering 15 year old daughter who stayed out all night recently. Otherwise attending school and has babysitting job. Parents looking for appropriate boundaries.

Couple with 16 year old heavily using son on the cusp of school failure. New team. Dad doesn't want to do ARY, believes that son will always use marijuana. Somewhat hesitant to act.

Cursory meeting with parents of 17 year old son currently incarcerated for robbery, likely will serve 4 month sentence. Son has been in custody most of the time in the last few years. When out, is determined to abuse as much as possible. Will parent set their own boundaries that he may not return to their home?

Long established team with 16 year old daughter who has been doing well but recently has been acting out, staying out all night on two occasions. Parents withdrew privileges, took away car. Things settling down. Daughter would like to go to college, parents not too familiar about college but eager to learn.