FOUND MY WALLET!!

... that's the good news!

The bad news?

As suspected, my wallet was found in the bedroom of one of the youth at the group home. Now, I am faced with a difficult decision. When my supervisor called me to inform me my wallet had been found, he told me it was my decision whether or not I wanted to involve the police, and until I made a decision he did not want to tell me whose room my wallet was found in, so my choice would not be biased. While I had an idea who may have taken my wallet, regardless of the youth it was still a very difficult choice. I had to make sure my choice balanced out the notion of unconditional regard for the children, and "tough" love.

I discussed this issue with friends and co-workers at my practicum, and after a lot of thought and consideration, I decided that I would press charges on the individual. This was not the first time she had been caught stealing, and I felt that if she continued getting away with this, this also wouldn't be her last. As soon as I decided, I contacted my supervisor to inform him of my decision, and his response was very supportive, saying "I was hoping you would be strong enough to make that decision."

The hardest part of this whole ideal, is that according to the police, because where I live and where I work are in two completely different districts, it would be easier if I contacted them at work. What does that mean? I have to press charges on her, on Friday. On my shift. While she watches me give my statement. With my Car parked right outside just in case she decides to take out her anger on it. Wonderful.

Just a tad bit unnerving, to say the least. This whole situation has been. First the lack of support I felt from my team regarding this situation was enough, now I feel like once again I am alone in dealing with this situation. The night my wallet was found, I called the group home to follow up on what kind of conversation was had with the youth who found my wallet. The response? "What were we supposed to talk to her about?".... Ummmmmm... that she STOLE my wallet and that this wasn't ok, and what she has to say for herself would have sufficed. Their reply. "We were just going to wait for you to call the Cops so they could deal with it."

Thanks team. Thanks a lot.

Annyways... Im so done with working at this particular group home.. tomorrow will dictate whether or not I want to remain working with them or not... Wish me luck.

Will keep you updated.