Pat's Answer

Hi, welcome to Ask Pat and thank you for getting in touch. 

You said you have just been released from a detention centre a few days ago and you’re worried about going back there. Going to a detention centre and being released from there are big changes for you to cope with and it’s understandable you might feel the way you do at the moment. Have you spoken to a trusted adult about how your feeling? This could be a parent/carer, coach, aunt/uncle or teacher.  

You mentioned that you want to stay out of trouble and never go back there. If you choose to talk to someone you trust, they could support you and together, maybe you could come up with a plan to help you stay focused on what you want to do. You could start this plan yourself if you wish and then share it with them. A place to start with your plan could be to think of the things that you like and enjoy doing, this could be a new hobby or meeting new people. See how you can get involved in these things and who the people are who can help you to achieve your goals.  

Check out this article on the Childline website that you might find useful: https://www.childline.ie/getting-help/  

If you’d like to chat more about what is going on for you in your life, Childline is here for you. Childline is free and non-judgmental and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone on 1800 902 743 or text 50101 or web chat at www.childline.ie .  

Best of luck with everything. 

Take care, 

Pat