The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Answer

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

             The Miseducation of Cameron Post is centered around the denial of adolescent sexuality truth, more specifically same-sex attraction. In the movie, Cameron is found at the backseat of a car kissing Coley, another girl (DIRECTV, 2018). Consequently, she is booked into a Christian therapy center where she undergoes numerous dubious interventions to assist overcome the attractions prayerfully. However, these interventions do not work (Kermode, 2018). This paper seeks to evaluate the major issues I would consider to understand Cameron’s situation as well as while working with her and build a healthy relationship.

Structural Issues

            Structural issues relevant to Cameron Post and her situation revolve around cultural differences, homelessness, identity, LGBT (lesbians, gay, bisexual and trans-gender) community rights and freedoms, and sexuality. Revolutionary movements advocating for equal rights regardless of the sexual orientation of an individual as well as passing laws to protect every child’s rights are some of the issues to be carefully deliberated when dealing with Cameron. Cameron has been raised in a culture that shuns same-sex attraction and with her stringent Christian Aunt, she stands no chance to identify with the sexual orientation. As a child who has been drastically orphaned, she has been left to discover things on her own and understand her differences through engaging with others (Kermode, 2018). The difference in the manner she perceives sexuality must also be understood clearly to help her form the right perspective (Nacif, 2015). Finally, it is important as a social worker I understand her knowledge on the freedom and rights of the LGBT community and how she can ensure she is accorded these privileges without prejudice (O’Connell, Boat, & Warner, 2009). It should also be noted that from her parent’s demise and with the rigid stance of Cameron’s aunt and grandmother, she has nowhere to go other than God’s Promise or the streets (DIRECTV, 2018). Therefore, I will carefully consider this structural phenomenon for interventions to be successful.

Developmental Issues

            Although at an individual level homosexual adolescents pose high resilience and diversity when subjected to pressures of the society, some undergo a difficult period that may cause the adoption of maladaptive behaviors that may impact their performance in adulthood (O’Connell, Boat, & Warner, 2009). Developmental issues that I will need to be consider while working with Cameron Post include irrational behavior, undefined gender identity, sexuality identification and curiosity, and mental disturbance (Nacif, 2015). Cameron is a young person trying to figure her gender identity and their right sexual orientation in a society where freedom of human rights is held in high regard (DIRECTV, 2018). Besides, adolescence is a stage where young people become rash in decision making and may end up destroying their lives if they do not have responsive adult-youth relationships (MacNamara, 2019).

Attachment issues

Deficits

            One of the attachment issues that I will consider when working with Cameron involves closure with her parents' tragic death (Kermode, 2018). Teenage is a complicated stage in a child’s life and they need someone who can lead then through compassionately and in love (Nacif, 2015). The loss of her parents is at first a relief because they will never know that she kissed a girl. However, when reality comes knocking, the loss creates a void of loneliness, anxiety, and despair (MacNamara, 2019). She now knows that she has to forge a life in the cruel world means learning to live well enough alone and blend in lest she is thrown into the streets (Graham, 2015).

            The other attachment issue that I have to consider is same-sex attraction (Kermode, 2018). The fact that she has engaged in pleasurable moments with other girls means that she has mentally aligned with the practice (Graham, 2015). Therefore, for successful conversion therapy, I should be able to identify with her current mental stance and develop strategies to overcome without culturing hate and dejection (Ablon, 2014). Besides, understanding this attachment will facilitate open talks with Cameron and together create an identity that fosters healthy heterosexual feelings.

            I will also evaluate the attachment the young adult has cultured with others in the center and its impact on her personality and development (Kermode, 2018). From the video, it is clear that Cameron forged a close relationship with two other teenagers and together they engaged in smoking (O’Connell, Boat, & Warner, 2009). In centers, there are people of all types and if the social workers and counselors are not careful, there may be a translation of the negative habits and attitudes from one to another (Nacif, 2015). Such is the case with Cameron and should be center stage to her intervention journey.

Strengths

            Cameron is an outspoken child which makes her approachable. As one attached to her strong personality, facts, and a belief that one should have a reason for everything, a I will need to facilitate ease and trust to hold dialogues (The Mehrit Centre, n.d.). Besides, the fact that after her parents' demise she stood up and started forging a life, even starting to work are strengths that can be tapped to derive the best outcomes (Brown, 2013).

Issues of Consent

            For children and youths entering care under their parents' intervention, consent is required. Parents should decide on their behalf to facilitate therapy and guidance (O’Connell, Boat, & Warner, 2009). However, since Cameron’s parents are deceased, her aunt who is the caregiver is tasked with that responsibility and being a strict Christian sends her to God’s promise to be taught overcoming the “abomination” of same-sex attraction (Kermode, 2018).

Children’s rights dictate that their opinions should be heard about the type of care and intervention they are subjected to. Therefore, I will listen to Cameron’s views and document them to ensure the decisions arrived at are accommodating (Smith, 2013).

Key issues in building a working relationship

            Key issues I will consider while building a working relationship with the child include an understanding of her needs, concerns, and interests (Smith, 2013). The major goal of working with children and youths is to challenge oppression, promote equal opportunities, empower them, and allow them to participate (Damour, 2019). Therefore, to guide young people to make individual choices and decisions, incorporating their concerns, interests, and needs remain the foundation for building an effective relationship (Ablon, 2014). Therefore, as a social worker. I should be able to perceive things from Cameron’s perspectives and use their adult perspectives in planning how they can build a working relationship consciously (Brown, 2013).

            In conclusion, intervention for Cameron Post requires a deep understanding of not just same-sex attraction but also the impacts of trauma due to the loss of the parents. Her mental, physical and psychological development spheres should also be evaluated to facilitate forging a working relationship with the child and develop a consciously planned intervention strategy. Finally, the involvement of the child in decision making by listening to their views and engaging in activities that expose their personalities create a sense of trust, love, and care required to develop an enabling environment.