b'Mindful Moments: Guiding Youth Who AreJustice InvolvedWhen I think of being mindful with our youthwho are justice involved, I think of a teenagefemale who was bouncing back and forthbetween her mother and fathers house.They are hours apart, so switching homesmeant switching schools, counselors, etc. Itwas a mess. She was having a hard timeliving with either of her parents, becausethey needed more resources than sheneeded, to be honest. Photos courtesy of the Choctaw JHWC TeamOne morning, she called me because she was about to explode. I told her to wait onme at her house I was on my way. I picked her up and she immediately let all of herfeelings fly. She was speaking so quickly, trying to get it all out as fast as possible. Afterlistening to her, I asked if she was hungry. We went to a restaurant for a quick bite toeat. I had a busy day that day, but I let her sit with me so she could cool down. Sheexpressed that she wanted to stay with me a bit longer. I explained that if she stayedwith me, she would be put to work on her terms and conditions that shes been puttingoff, e.g., an essay and a cultural project. She agreed to do the work. After, I let her knowit was time for me to take her back home. She nodded and thanked me for getting herout of the house. Looking back, I could have easily looked at the full schedule I had forthe day and not made time for her. And she could have easily gone down a differentpath. We wear so many hats someone to confide in, counselor, a shoulder to cry on, abreak from home, etc. Sometimes a little extra effort or a little extra time can go along way with these kids. Being a JHTW Coordinator is more than checking boxes ofterms and conditions. Truly wanting these kids to succeed, to grow, and to learn moreabout their ancestors/culture is so important. Mindfulness isnt really measurable, but Ipromise you: these kids remember that more than they remember an essay they wereforced to write. That, perhaps, is success. Britney Bush is the Juvenile Healing to Wellness Coordinator II and following the vision ofChoctaw Nation of Oklahoma: Faith, Family, and Culture. She and her team have beenactively serving low-risk youth, holding space and creating wellness plans, in their JHWProgram. You can learn more about their eligibility and contact information by visiting:https://www.choctawnation.com/services/jhtw/15'