|
When you walk into Amber Knudsen’s office, you’ll quickly notice the colorful and creative drawings that surround her. All created by the youth she’s helped during her time with Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice.
For the past 12 years, Knudsen has worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist. Her job is to assess and help meet the mental health needs of youth who enter the detention facility.
It’s like being a triage nurse,” says Knudsen. “I’m not the mental health person you meet at 3 p.m. on a Thursday in their office.”
Many youth assigned to Juvenile Justice are there because of a home or school issue. However, Knudsen says there’s more crisis work now than when she started.
“I’m good in the storm, I’m good in the tornado.”
Youth can be struggling with anything from drugs to suicide. Knudsen is also a support for staff who intervene when someone is experiencing a crisis in the facility. Knudsen is quick to point out the amazing work of her colleagues.
“People are here because they care about kids. Detention is a consequence. We’re not here to punish or create more harm.”
The number of youth in detention varies, but the work doesn’t.
“Sometimes it’s ten, sometimes it’s two. Just because we have ten doesn’t mean it’s more stressful than having two,” says Knudsen.
That stress can be a lot. Knudsen works as a Zumba instructor and enjoys working in her garden to decompress.
“It feeds my soul.”
And just like the colorful drawings on her walls, Knudsen enjoys being a bright spot for the youth at Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice.
“They’re kids. They need our help and support.”
| 
