I want a career that will help kids; what courses do I need?

by Lauren M
(Perth, West Australia)

I'm a year 12 student and I am very close to the end of time for school and have to start thinking of a career. Helping children and young adults is what I think I would like to do. But I don't know how to go about it, which is why I thought I'd ask you for help, seeing as it's what you do for a living.

I'm currently writing a year 12 report on child abuse. What I have done so far is so sad. It's even choked me just to write it, which is why I want this as a career. I want to help the children who are being abused by their parents/carer/other member of family.

I originally wanted to go to Africa one day, to help the young children over there. May sound a little extreme, but when I watch the news and see their faces, it kills me every time. But I need to start here and get experience before I think of going there.

Could you please just give me an idea of what sort of courses I need to take in order to help them. I've read your blogs and what you have done for some of these people is truly amazing!

Reply from Darlene: Lauren, I first want to commend you for wanting to help children and young adults. We need more young people like you in our world, young people who are informed and will make a difference.

Before I delve into your question, I must clear up one misconception: I do not make a living at helping people who were abused. I trained and was certified through the Canadian Red Cross RespectED Program as a violence and abuse prevention educator. I have conducted professional workshops and volunteered in high schools to facilitate violence and abuse presentations on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross. At the same time, I created my child abuse effects website. Initially, I was able to do both. As my volume of traffic continued to soar, it became apparent that I would not be able to maintain my website and work with the Red Cross. When I realized I was reaching far more people every day through my website than I could over the course of a year with workshops and presentations, I decided my most valuable contributions would be through my site.

It was with a heavy heart that I made the decision to discontinue my Red Cross work. And though I continue to be a strong supporter of the Canadian Red Cross RespectED Program, I now devote my time to violence and abuse prevention and education through my website.

The remainder of my answer to this Ask Darlene question "I want a career that will help kids; what courses do I need?" can be found below.

Email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses AND website/blog URLs in visitor comments are STRICTLY prohibited, and could result in being banned from making further comments on this site.