When children are being deprived of love and attention they may develop a bad self image of themselves. The lives these youths live are filled with turmoil and heartache. There is a group of people who are trying to keep many of these at risk youths from falling into despair and acting out in ways that will hurt them now and in the future. This group has developed programs where children can discover themselves by using the power of art. The hope is that an angry teen will find a positive form to express this anger.

The programs have been designed for those youngsters who are between twelve and eighteen. They generally come from severely dysfunctional homes where the love and attention they need is often lacking. The youths in turn have been acting in destructive ways to get their frustrations out. Some will have their lives destroyed by the decisions they have been making.

The children that the activists can be found in certain places. The teens are the ones who frequent the family court system or might be in foster programs. They can be found in alternative schools that cater to youth who have trouble staying in a regular school.

Some activists believe that if these children are given alternatives to their destructive behavior they might be able to recognize that they can make good decisions. The activists want the teens to be able to let people know and feel their anger without actually being angry.

When most people are creating art they are revealing a part of their soul. A person is allowing others to see a part of them that they may have always kept hidden. Through this form of expression they can release some of the turmoil that might be bothering them.

A child can use a couple of different methods to express themselves. Some children use a paint brush to show the secrets in their soul. Others may pick up a pen and author a play that lets others know how they are feeling. There are many paths one can choose to battle the demons inside them.

There are professional artists who are involved in programs like these. They are able to teach a child the skills she needs to create the image she wants revealed. These professionals should be able to relate to the trials and tribulations these a child might be facing. The relationship that can be built among the participants can be a catalyst for positive change.

There are many children who are neglected and have become angry with the way they have been treated. To express their outrage they sometimes make decisions that can ruin their lives and negative affect the lives of people around them. Some people are hoping that by establishing a program that lets the children release their aggression through the power of art, they may be able to head down a different path in life.