This is a simple "self - check " to consider before you begin work with girls. You will not be in a position to help girls if you are facing issues you have not yet dealt with.

• Am I open minded about working with girls?
  
  
• Can I acknowledge and honor the tragedy the girls may have experienced as victims of abuse?
  
  
• Can I objectively work with a family where alcoholism is a prevalent factor? ~Do I understand the nature of the disease, accept it as a disease, and yet not excuse inappropriate behavior because of it?
  
  
• Can I honor diversity and celebrate differences?
  
  
• Can I remember being a teenager? Can I understand that as a teenager I did not experience the same stressors and pressures as teens do today? Do I understand they have good reason not to feel safe at home, school, etc? (Gangs, violence, etc - it's much harder to be a teenager today than any other time).
  
  
• Can I allow myself to establish a relationship with the girls I work with?
  
  
• Am I committed to helping?
  
  
• Have I dealt with my past?