1. Learning & Behaviour Charitable Trust NZ Southern Police District Youth Services Seminar Ma Tini Ma Mano Ra Rapa Te Whai Presented by Founder Moira Buchanan May 2008 www.lbctnz.co.nz Hope Train International

2. " Government must recognise that it depends on the community to deliver the best accountability, the best restoration and the best rehabilitation; and that the community depends on government to do all that it can to make these outcomes happen. If we are talking about delivery services to young offenders, victims and their families, then it is the community that is on the front line. It is the community that has the most to lose. We must not let it ( actually ourselves ) down. " unquote Finishing statement “Working Together” Nov 2007 Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft

4. Why are there so many young offenders ? There are many reasons, but the most significant are those who do not fit within the Education system (those with neurological challenges) and are very unsure of what is expected from them in our society.

7. Frequent Mood Swings Feel emotions intensely, higher highs and lower lows, low tolerance of frustration, puberty also has a place within the way that our young behave, within all sectors, lest we forget that we have been there too !! Or, have we not been teenagers ? Or do we chose to forget.

8. Youth are very bossy, more so in recent years, they will continue to take their lead from the many adults that influence them. M any exsisting co-morbidities are often Mis-judged for bad behaviours. These signs are characteristics of many that show signs of both Attention Deficit & Learning Difficulties , and are present at a very young age. ____ Anger, Frustration, High Anxiety, Depression, mis-placed energy, neurological differences and more

12. Learning difficulties in the context of Behaviour Difficulties

13. Spectrum of difficulties Dyscalculia Hyperlexia Autism Panic attack Anxiety Dyspraxia Dysgraphia Dyslexia Confused Depression, Mood swings Frustration And more Cheeky

24. Poor Self Esteem lack of understanding environmental & peer Influences frustration loner withdrawn a “little odd” in behaviour patterns pedantic absorbed in a particular topic literal Behaviour Spiral difficulty with communication To name but a few_________

26. rumbling stage ! Symptoms taps feet or is restless threatens bites nails tenses muscles voice changes lashes out withdraws threatens other students or adults

29. The Rage Cycle - eruption stage Symptoms rage, meltdown, storm impulsivity emotional destructive aggressive abusive unable to verbalise or act rationally attacks internal rage, withdraws self-harms

31. Rage Cycle - recovery stage contrite feelings sullen or withdrawn Denial: wont remember exhaustion desire for sleep blocking displacement despair Symptoms

41. … . target success every time. Don’t under-estimate the fear of more failure…… 1

42. Top priority for everyone is to always remember that the focus is to remain on the wellness for the child/ren , encouraging the parents and grandparents to participate in all meetings, voice their concerns and also what they may see as part of a solution. We all need to acknowledge that the parents know their children better than anyone, encourage conversation, listen to understand. The cry for Help from parents is a sign not to ignore, but to help with a network of support.

43. Team-work, understanding, c ommunication and focus are essential ingredients f or a positive successful outcome. e very time….

44. Thank you, for your time, attention and participation. We will succeed in making a positive difference in many lives, working together for the wellness of our nation’s next generation.