Answers From One Who Cares (Press, 16 February 1985)

In his sixth book, "Who Cares?", published by the Australia and N.Z. Book Company in 1984, Dr Felix Donnelly shifts from his previous identity as a priest to focus solely on his experiences with youth in residential homes in Auckland. The book, which spans 154 pages and is priced at $14.95, uses a casual and accessible writing style to explore the critical need for communication between generations—an issue Donnelly identifies as central to contemporary social problems. He emphasises that every individual's quest in life is fundamentally tied to the search for love, and for young people, it's vital that they can express this love meaningfully, a process reliant on having received it freely and unconditionally during their upbringing. Donnelly stresses that young individuals must feel valued for who they are, rather than for who they might become. He outlines that the most important skills to impart to the youth are those related to human relations, positioning the family as the primary environment for nurturing these skills. He identifies five key developmental tasks that adolescents face: acceptance by peers, independence from parents, establishment of sexual identity, understanding of intellectual capacity, and the integration of moral values. To address issues such as youth involvement in drug culture, Donnelly reiterates that effective communication skills serve as a protective barrier. He believes that fostering self-reliance, developing confidence, and setting achievable goals can help ensure young people lead fulfilling lives. A recurrent theme in Donnelly's writings is his critical view of religion, asserting that it has often caused harm to individuals, suggesting a dichotomy between his role as a minister and his disillusionment with institutional religion. Throughout the book, Donnelly aims to reach the emotional core of individuals, encouraging them to embrace their vulnerabilities in a world that can be unkind to youth. He acknowledges that while there are caring parents and adults, his passion lies in ensuring that young people are supported amid their struggles. However, the book does exhibit elements that might seem slightly outdated or overly emotional, particularly in discussions surrounding sexual growth. Despite his undertones of paternalism and a sense of distance from the youth he speaks to, he presents valuable messages encouraging respect between sexes and fostering emotional liberation. The compilation of essays and case histories in "Who Cares?" reflects Donnelly's extensive experience, and while they may come across as somewhat didactic, they reveal his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

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