Case Studies

A Somali teenage girl and other youth participated in a “dine and dash.” With no prior arrest, she was referred to our diversion program. During one-on-one meetings with the girl and her mother, our staff discovered some larger family issues. The girl had repeatedly run away from her home. Her parents struggled with a response, especially her father. 

 

Recognizing it was critical that the father participate, our staff held the mediation session at their home. While initially agreeing, the father then backed out, but staff eventually convinced him to attend. Staff, as a Somali male, referenced cultural and religious values to make their case, explaining it was his duty because she was his blood. He could wish the problem away, but his daughter’s behaviors would only escalate. 

 

Staff explained to the father that he needed to accept and love his daughter and be involved in her life. The father cried, hugged his daughter and apologized. The girl paid restitution and completed community service hours. In our follow-ups, the family continues to do well, with the girl having no new offenses.

 

This story illustrates why a culturally specific program that includes a focus on family dynamics is desperately needed. A mainstream response may not have identified the root cause or worked effectively with the family, especially the father, without understanding this shared culture. 

 

As a result of our work with youth, CMM will achieve its long-term goal of reducing or eliminating cross-cultural and intergenerational conflict between African immigrants, refugees and their descendants and mainstream communities.

 

Our goal, as always, is to support youths’ success in schools, lay the foundation for future educational and employment self-sufficiency in the Somali population, and support community harmony and well-being.