ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
63% of all children entering juvenile detention facilities are African American. Please review the testimonial below about how my book addresses the mental health issues affecting our youth.
Ms. Burney,
Hello! I am a subcontracted counselor with DJJ – I recently read your book, “If These Chains Could Talk”. I was informed of it by one of the kids in my group for juvenile felons and delinquents (although I hate that word!). Thank you for your words – we have been reading it in group and the young men are sometimes visibly shaken from hearing the letters – some of them lived that life.
Again, thank you and also for your service to our community!
Angela Atkins, M.Ed.
Mental Health Counselor Intern
904-993-1894
One Response 
Leave a Reply 
Betty Seabrook Burney represents District 5 and joined the Duval County School Board in November 2004. She is a Raines High School graduate, holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. Currently, Ms. Burney is an education consultant for TPG, Inc., and Seabrook and Associates. She is a member of the NAACP Education Committee, Wayman Chapel AME Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. 
Discuss "If These Chains Could Talk"
Education Alternatives- Meet a Virtual Principal: How to Lead from a Distance September 3, 2010
- A Classroom Canvas that Encourages Community September 3, 2010
- The Future of Teacher Prep Programs, Part Three September 2, 2010
© Betty Burney, "If These Chains Could Talk"- All Rights Reserved. | Powered by Wordpress & Blacksonville
When we begin acknowledging that our CHILDREN (not “kids”) need to be treated as children, when we begin to pay more attention to our CHILDREN (not “kids”) and their real needs instead of buying them all those electronics, expensive designer clothes and shoes, and begin sitting down and spending time with them every day, instead of allowing them to have so much time alone.
When we start teaching them manners and how to dress, and how to respect themselves and others, how to talk to people, especially their elders, we will be on the right path.
When is the last time you (talking to YOU, mom and dad) again, when is the last time you sat down together and just TALKED with your CHILDREN (not “kids”)? When is the last time everyone in the family, the parents and the children, sat down at the same time, all together, to share a meal and conversation at the breakfast or dinner table?
Do they have guidelines that you enforce? Do they have chores to do? Do you go to church and take your children with you? Do you teach them godly principles? Do you attend the Parents-Teachers meetings at their school? Do they have any kind of responsibilities, or do they pretty much do as they please 24/7?
We (former generation parents and grand- or great grand-parents, aunties, uncles, etc.) were NEVER afraid to spank when necessary, and we were NOT afraid of the big bad wolf, the DCF, because once a child falls into the hands of the police, become incarcerated, the abuse they receive is far greater than a spanking (that the DCF seems to feel is the worst thing a parent can do to a child—not kid).
The harsh punishment that is meted out inside these facilities goes above and beyond what parents do in keeping “law and order” in the home, and is done by people who DON’T love them enough to chastise or punish fairly.
Worse yet is that, oftentimes children die in these facilities under “mysterious” circumstances and parents never get any justice or closure for the murder of the unfortunate child.
Definition of the term or word, “kid:”
1.
a. A young goat.
b. The young of a similar animal, such as an antelope.
2.
a. The flesh of a young goat.
b. Leather made from the skin of a young goat; kidskin.
c. An article made from this leather.