Hello and welcome to the Juvenile section of PTO! I have just been given the opportunity to help build this forum into a wonderful support area as it was intended to be for Juveniles and their supporters. Wont it be nice to have a place to go that is truely geared for our young ones? Please take a moment to introduce yourself and share your thoughts and experiences as I begin my dream of having resources and support right at your fingertips! Ill go first...

My name is Mary. I am from Michigan. I have been dealing with Juveniles for 4 years now. I have a 14 year old son who is finally doing his best to stay out of the system. (two more younger than he) I had come to the point that I personally had to put him in just to get him away from drugs and the negative friends who supplied him. I have tried many many resources before that final step and was so scared as a parent to make that final step. I mean...who would lock up their own child?? :confused: What happend in my case was that the judge STILL was going to let him come home and I had to stand there and plead with her (in front of everybody) to keep him. It was the hardest thing I had ever had to do but my hands were tied. I had to try and save his life! The drugs took him over. We got his attention and he is home now. He spent his whole summer in a detention center and is now on tether and in an Intensive Outpatient program for his drug addiction. It takes up so much of his time that I dont worry as much but boy did I feel like I was sending a kindergardener to school for the first time since he went back. Its like starting all over again. He has to find the strength within himself to steer clear of those negative friends, the drugs that are redily available to him and all the "past history" that he has come back into in school. Its going to be rough and I stand behind him 100%. He is doing very well. I am his backbone. I am his strength. I am his mom.
All this because I love him and want him to have a chance in life as a healthy adult.
He has joined us out here on PTO and will be helping us grow too! Giving others like him advice and support. His introduction will be coming soon. (Right after he goes to school, Program, gets his house chores done and football practice.);)
Heres to good things happening!!!

Hi, My name is Peter Haugen, I am 28 years old come Christmas and i have spent way too much time within the Minnesota Department of Corrections within my short life so far.

I was raised in a single parent family with my mother. When i was 14 i first started hanging out with the wrong crowd, Stealing cars, burglary, breaking into bars, just out to party. I got sent away young and didn't like being locked up, but at the same time i didn't mind being away. For some dumb reason i made friends while being sent away. ( Very Dumb). It is so sad when a child who might only have ran away from home, gets sent to a half way house or sent away for a period of time, who then gets a roomate who steals cars or breaks into houses, Like I, I learned new tings, the wrong things, and learned different ways i thought i could make a quick dollar.
I ended up going to prison, the day i got locked up i couldn't even call my own mother knowing that after all the years she had always stood beside me, always been there for me, but yet i couldn't call. She had stood beside me through thick and thin while i was sent away as a child. She never stopped caring when it was her that i hurt the most. I never stopped to realize how much i really hurt her, and i didn't realize how my actions affected her. Most importaintly i never wanted my younger brother to be in the same situation that i was in. He is four years younger than I. I never wanted to see him have to go to prison. But in 2002, he caught a burglary charge and wasn't looking at much time until he decided to break out of the county jail and break into someones house. He tied the man up and stole his car. For that he ended up taking the same road that i once took. The road to prison. I can't help but feel somewhat responsible for some of the things that he has done in his life because he looked up to me and i was a role model for him. BUT really was I? I didn't do anything to help him, I didn't try to warn him off of the dangers of what those choices and where they could lead, and now he is going to spend the next ten years in prison. I have come to realize that i am not totally responsible for him being locked up. He chose to do what he did and he does accept that. I just wish that i could have reached out a little more to help try to avoid that. This is why i try and activly go to the High Schools in the area and speak to those same kids and hopefully reach out to one of them. Hopefully they won't make the same mistakes that i made, and hopefully i can help deter them from making some of the same bad choices that i made with drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure.
So i ask all of you who read this to reach out, help your sibblings, your family, lend a helping hand, and most importaintly a voice. Be the voice for all of us. To help reach out....


Thank You


Peter Haugen

Hi, my name is Beth. I used to be a SpEd teacher at a program for juveniles incarcerated as adults in Pennsylvania. My students were 15 to 21 years old. Most of them had been locked up since they were about 15. Some had been locked up, counting juvenile facilities, for most of the time since they were 7 or 8 years old. I got totally disgusted with the PA DOC because they would parole my students with no birth certificate, no social security card, no school records unless they had earned their GED, no work history, no clue how to apply for a job, and some of them no idea where to find their families -- put them on a bus to a big city and say "see you soon!" Who was surprised when they came back in a couple of months?
Since I have left the DOC, I have kept in touch with a lot of "my kids". One of them became so much a member of my family after he paroled, that my husband and I legally adopted him. He's 24 now, and back upstate on a technical violation. So, I know what things are like from the point of view of staff and parent. Pennsylvania keeps their juveniles pretty safe in the state system, but as far as rehabilitation, they have a long way to go. There were so many things that my son had to learn when he hit the street for the first time in seven years, at the age of 21.
My eventual goal is to open a halfway house in Western PA to provide support for others like my son and my former students.

Welcome to PTO and so glad to see you on here. I know i am a little fashionably late on the welcoming committee but i am glad that you stopped by the Juvy forum. I think you will be a great asset to this forum being as you worked with juveniles.

Thank you...

Peter

Thanks for the welcome! I was beginning to think that no one ever posted in this forum!

My name is Tina. Wow..this is a nice site for people to talk and relate. Well I just have some general questions. I know nothing about prison. Juville hall, nothing. i have a Best friend who is turning 18 this month. I'm 23 and I use to babysitte her when she was younger. We are really close, and Never have i thought that she would fall into a situation like this. She's been locked up in the CYA in Ventura CA for about 10mths now. I miss her dearly. I haven't seen her since the day before she was locked up, and It would be really nice to one day reunite with her soon. The crime she committed was wrong, of course, but I don't think the time she has to serve is right. SHe will be released 2007. She has never been locked up before may I add. I just had some general questions.

How or what should I do to visit?
How do I get in contact with her?
Can she make phonecalls?
Can I send her stuff she needs?
Do you think she'll get released earlier?

Thanks alot for all your support.

hi everyone my name is jessica and im new i'm 15 and my boyfriend is in juvenile hall..he's being held in los padrinos juevenile detention center in downey, ca....

Welcome Perromount Hyna!!! You will find lots of support in here! Look around check out your state and ask questions if you need to! We are the best support team out on the web!!

Hello, my name is Ron. Since everyone else seems to be putting thier age, I turned 23 a few days ago:) I am a Youth Corrections Officer, and a grad student on the side. I deal with Juveniles 40+ hours a week, and have been doing this job for 7 months now. My job is probably 20% corrections, and 80% social work.

I really believe that I now have a pretty good idea of what the "delinquent juvenile" mentality is for the most part. I spend a lot of time kicking back and watching how these kids talk, and how they interact with each other.

The one commonality that I've seemed to notice throughout all these kids is they are WAY too overconfident with themselves. They believe that they can get away with anything, and they don't seem to think about consequence. Also, respect if everything to them. They will go to foolish measures to ensure that people don't disrespect them. I saw a kid scheduled to be released in a few days assault another kid, just because he "dissed my hood".

After 7 months, I feel pretty grim about the chances of these kids "making it". They have deep patterns of deliquency that seem to be impossible to break. Also, all the pgorams that we do to help the kids-they become experts in saying the right things to impress us, but it's just lip service. Its a revolving door-most of the kids released come back within a month or two.

But, there are SOME kids that I feel have a chance. Some who authentically want to break the cycle, and quite possibly may. I'd like to believe that perhaps I can offer some guidance to those kids, than again, maybe not.. Who knows.

Anyways, anyone who has questions feel free to ask me. I'm not an expert, but I've put a lot of thought into this, based specifically on first hand observation and experience with juveniles.

Ron

Hi all,
I have posted here before with most of the "story" if you call it that of my "nephew" legally i guess he is my cousins son, but our families grew up very close and all of our kids call us Aunts, uncles, whichever. Anyway, My nephew is 16 now, though his father lives close by he has been raised by his grandmother, probably a little spoiled and i am sure there were issues of to why he didnt live with his dad. He started getting in trouble very young, went into a "new construction" home with some friends and vandalized it, he was put on probation, he did several other things after that, was skipping school, got involved in smoking "pot" and hanging with the wrong crowd. I should say that the sterotypes of the type of kids that are this way, are mostly wrong, Dusty was raised in a very upper middle class Christian home, had everything he wanted, except maybe the attention from his dad. After several instances of troubles he went to live temporarily with his mother, that didnt work because her and her new husband were too strict, they home schooled but there was no time for games, when they werent in school they were in church. So he went back to live with my Aunt, I honestly cant remember what he did a year and a half ago to have him placed in Juvenile hall the first time. I belive that he violated probation but not sure what else was involved, he was sentenced to 6 months, but spent a good deal longer than that in. He was finally released last November with tears and promises. In January he turned 16. Not long after he stole my aunts debit card, took money out of the account and ran away, when the police found him he tossed a bag of pot, so they arrested him for destroying evidence. He was given probation again, very strict, NO skipping school, could not get his Drivers License until he was 18, no trouble or he would be sent to a level 8 facility. Well 2 weeks after his sentence with 20.00 in his pocket he went into a store and stole a pair of 16.00 earrings, the store pressed charges, the police let him go home with my aunt, the probation officer told them he would most likely be sentenced to 2 years, until he turns 18. His father came down on him pretty hard and during the night Dusty ran away, he was found the night before he had to be in court, and the judge found him guilty and but him in lockup until sentencing. In the week since his court date my aunt found out that his 15 year old girlfriend is pregnant. Her mother of course is furious, so my aunt has offered her to come stay with her and have the baby.
Dusty was sentenced today, he got lucky i guess, the judge gave him 7 1/2 to a maximum of 12 months if he completes all the programs they offer, etc he can get out in the least amount of time. He was sent to a high level or level 8 facility, though it would be near the Ocala Florida area that facility is full so he is most likely going to be sent to Hastings High Risk. I do not believe that he will get the "least amount of time" since he had problems from before, he was depressed, hardly ate, and acted out.
I believe he honestly needs help, counseling, and i BELIEVE he deserves to be where he is at. i do not make excuses, I guess the hardest thing for our family is that we have NEVER had any family member in trouble. I myself have two sons, age 12 and 20. and my cousins all have several children, so we are unaccostumed as to what to exactly expect.
Anyone have any suggestions on ways to help him? other than letting him deal with this and being there if he needs to talk? I dont want to enable him further, dont want him to have any feelings that i feel he was "wronged" by being put in there.
What are the visiting criteria for juvenile?
Thanks
Lin

Niteowl...welcome and thank you for your kindness to our youth of tomorrow. Hang in there. These kids are tough. I dont know what they have put in the water the past 20 years but man these kids are like parhana!! My son is one of those "testers". He went in at 13 with a drug problem and is learning that the system doesnt mess around with little boys who think they can "control" their peers and staff. What they learn now seems like horse pucky to them now...but they do hear what is being said. Children are sponges (no matter how tough their skin is) Stay strong and positive...the results will rub off...Maybe not with them all, but you will see it in time. If there is only one...know that for the rest of that childs life, you will be a part of him/her. Thanks for all you do!

Armywife...
Dusty was raised in a very upper middle class Christian home, had everything he wanted, except maybe the attention from his dad.This is one touchy area. The problem sometimes IS getting everything they want. We are middle class. Christian. and yep, you guessed it, no attention from Dad. My son (if you read my intro) is currently back in the system. It didnt take long for him to go right back to drugs. Right back to the friends he was banned from. My sons father seems to be the main issue with my son. He wants so bad for his dad to accept him, to pay attention to him. To spend time with him and to bond with him. The problem is that his father has his own way and my son has a hard time accepting the fact that he can not change his dad by the behaviors. He has to change himself. This is an adult acceptance that we must enforce and encourage in him because he needs to worry more about himself instead of others. "we are powerless over others"
Be there to talk to him. Let him share things even if you dont like what he has to say. Followup as much as possible with the center he is in and find out if they have counceling. (real counceling) He needs to know that he is loved even though it is not the way he wants to be loved. (thats the hard lesson) It takes a long time. My son is now 15. He stopped cutting himself but he still trys to play the system just like niteowl said. Make sure he knows he can count on someone, even if its not you and if they do have family meetings where you are, see if he can add you to the family meeting list so you can attend. Here in Michigan, we have personal planning meetings where the family members and the child plus the councelor and therapist are in group meetings to continue to keep each child on the right track or at least discuss the weaknesses and work on a plan to build strength. Im not saying its a perfect program, but its what we get.that didnt work because her and her new husband were too strict, they home schooled but there was no time for games, when they werent in school they were in church. So he went back to live with my Aunt, I think this is where he decided the "if I dont like it, I act up and change it" It sounds like this was the setting he needed...Problem with this is - As a parent, Its really really hard to stay solid and firm and consistant when you are at your wits end. Its easier for us to just let go. I have had to report my son several times and it sucked! But I had to do it for his health and safety. I watched my son now get placed in 7 different areas now. Do I feel he is in proper placement...No, but he has to figure out how he got there and that there IS a reason for that. Children these days have a problem with authority. That is why they have such a hard time listening and following the rules. Man if I could just say that my son is going to be OK and know it, that would be a blessing. I dont know. He is forced to make adult decisions at 15 when he should be out here getting his drivers licence and going to dances with his friends. I do believe though that if I continue to stay consistant and let him know that what he does in NOT normal childhood activity that he will eventually understand. He is angry at me BUT he still calls me every week. He still sees me at every visit and he knows now that I am not backing down...because I love him.
In a nut shell this is what I would recommend:

Parent Meetings (geared toward understanding how to support your child without enabeling them and keeping yourself healthy emotionally in the process)
Group Therapy with the child
Family Planning (because he is young and expecting)
Alanon Meetings (to understand drug use - very helpful)
Alateen (if there are other teens affected by his drug use)
Read - CoDependent No More by Melodie Beattie (for yourself)
Love, Encourage and Hug the child often
Strength and Firmness will build respect (even if he fights it for a long time, consistancy is the key)
Home Contract (wherever he stays when he is released, make sure there are a clear set of rules with consequences that are enforced)
Activities (he must be able to stay focused on something)
See, in these times, we dont have time to stop and smell the roses. We all have to work and go to school etc. The merri-go-round never stops to let us off. We need to find the time for our youth. They wernt kidding when they said it was a full time job to raise kids! Yikes...I am working a full time job, have two other children at home who both have activities. I juggle everyday. My focus is halfway and I keep my strength by attending meetings of peers who share the same worries as I.
I wish you luck and please PM me if you need to talk or anything I may be able to help you with. ANYTIME. We are here for you...thats what support is all about. ((((HUGS))))

Thank you so much angeltob. I am sorry that you seem to be going through such a hard time with your son as well. Everytime i look at Dusty and my boys i just have to say, "there but for the grace of God go I" i feel blessed that my 20 year old has stayed out of trouble, graduated from high school and holds a job, and that so far my 12 year old seems right on track to pursue the dreams he has for himself. WE are EXTREMELY strict on him while still allowing him to make some of his own choices. He has wanted to go into the Air Force Academy since he was 8 years old, and he is doing everything he can to make his dream come true. All i can do is pray that what he sees of Dusty and his problems will keep him from taking the wrong path.
As for Dusty, he will be sent to his Level 8 facility within the next 2 weeks, its 30 minutes from my house and over 2 hours from his grandmother (mom)'s house so i will try to visit if i am able and as much as i can. He just seems to have always had some problems. As i stated earlier, after his dad got custody he was in the Army in Germany, single, so he had to leave Dusty with my Aunt, when he came home, he married had 2 kids and lived a few miles from Dusty and my Aunt, he did offer to let Dusty stay with him, but i think by that time, even at 7 or 8 years old Dusty knew whom he could play better. My Aunt has been treated for Depression for years, and i know that she is an enabler for him. She allows people to walk all over her, always has, well except for her two oldest kids, they were treated pretty strict.
I worry that since they ended up only giving him the shorter sentence of 7 1/2 to 12 months instead of what they stated at least until he was 18 (which would be 2 years) that he feels he has an advantage. He insists that he will get out and he wants to take care of his child. I hate the thought that at 16 with his life he is going to have a child, with a 15 year old mother, I know he isnt ready, and i do worry as well because so many people i have read that end up spending years in prison started the road by spending their teen years in Juvenile facilities.
Thank you for you offer to listen!! i am sure i am going to need it!! as things get more solidified and we know exactly what is going on, i will update you and take things from there.
Thank you again and God Bless.
Lin

New here-Maxx 36 yr old male-been working as a low paid staff member in a few juvenile placements/treatment facilities---they are jails for kids


been doing this work for about 5 yrs and I'm disgusted with it all

kids are not kids they are hardcore criminals -mostly from Philly


staffing situation is crazy-hiring 21 yr old little females to work in a violent hands on facility-people are getting hurt everyday and the thugs do whatever they want

if the victems only knew how easy these kids have it inside--basketball,movies ,pizza, candy, soda and they get to lift weights all the time to get even stronger than they already were:angry:

Maxx- welcome to PTO. I feel that you can be an asset to us and look forward to your posts. Many of our members don't know about the inside.

My name is Kelli and actually I have been a member here for about 2 1/2 years because of my connection with the adult system. The love of my life was released in May we are doing really good! Unfortunatly, in March my son was convicted of vehicular homicide because of an accident where he lost of control of a vehicle he was driving and his friend who was driving another car died. They gave him 2 1/2 years for it. No drugs or alcohol were involved thank God!!!! But it really has torn our family apart. He is 17 and really doing quite well. We are very lucky and get to see him every weekend. Its so sad and we all miss him very much!

I hope he is smart enough to just do his time and move on with his life


I've seen a lot of kids get locked up for lets say a 9 month max term, then the kid can't handle being told what to do while locked up--has no respect for authority figures or other inmates

the kid then does something stupid like assaulting someone,tries to run or whatever--then they are so shocked that they got more time added on


the bootcamp was a 4 month program--mouthy kids and/ or fat kids who didn't want to do the excercises ended up getting kicked out of the program and doing 9 months to 2 yrs in a dorm type prgram--STUPID


thats a very long sentence for the charges--we had a kid who actually was drunk and wrecked his car killing 2 of his friends--he did only 4 months in our bootcamp and then was on probation:rolleyes:

My name is Shana. I am here on behalf of John Silva who at 15 years old was given Life Without Parole. I am grateful to have found so much support within PTO ... My prayers are with everyone on this website who has a child or knows a child effected by the justice system. I firmly believe children should be tried as juveniles, no matter what their crime. Give them the chance to have a life, and if they mess up after they reach the age of adult hood then yes try them as adults, but never before that. Taking a child who is 15 and giving him life without parole is inhumane. Adults today get far less than that. Why is this?

Amen!!! I agree! I think it is horrible that a juvenile has to look at the rest of his life behind bars yet, he is not old enough to vote, drink, join the military, or in this case, even drive! How do we decide that they are old enough to face adult charges when as americans we say they arent old enough to make adult decisions? It makes no sense at all!

Hi My name is Jen, im 15 and my boyfriend just got put in Juvy, and i dont know what to do :((( I miss him SO MUCH..i dont know how long he will be there for but hes been there for 3 days and he hasnt called me so i figured he CANT call me... this is the worst thing to happen to me.

I know for my son.... While in Juvy he could only call home until he reached level 4 then he could call other people. Sorry sweetie that you have to go through this. ITs hard but remember its hard on them too. They need people to stand by them, write, call etc. I know for my son, he feels like the world moved on and he is stuck in there. Its not easy but remember, you will find a lot of love and support here at PTO. How much time is he looking at if ya dont mind me asking?

i dont know how much time he is looking at but i hope its not long. :(
i dont THINK it will be that long bcuz i dont think he deserves that. His mom keeps telling me " i dont have any information about him" she hates me anyways so idk.
im so worried about him im scared he thinks i will leave him or something, which is NOT gonna happen, i dont even have the address to write him at cuz his b.itch mom isn't giving me ANY information im so upset/mad/depressed/stressed/worried. ughhh. hopefully ill get through this thooo =/

My name is Randi Lockhart. I am 27 years old and studing to be a juvenile parole officer. One of the main reason is beacuse I was in a lot o ftrouble as a youth and I want to really help the kids like no one really tried to help me. I have vowed that i will fight juveniles being sentenced to life in prison with or without the possibility of parole. I think that if a juvenil edoes a crime heinous or not they should be tried and sentenced but not to life or death row. So many kids are not even given the chance to rehabilitate wait thats not the right word , they are not even given the opportunity to live and learn what is truely right and wrong. Well I hope that one day I will make a difference and not a huge one maybe but a difference in the Texas Juvenile system which at this point in time SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! I would also love to help anyway i can now. Just waiting for the degree before I can become a parole officer for theese lost souls.

Hi, My name is Jennifer. .Im 17 years old and my boyfriend is located in M.Y.I in cheshire CT. . I need any advice i can get . . I'm not gonna be able to visit him until i turn 18. . He's my age also!

jenlynn,

Honey there is only so many places he may be. How many juvenile facilities are there in your area? Have you tried calling there yourself? Its easy I think it is here anyways. You should also be able to look it up online if you want you can in Washington state. If you PM me the info I will try and help you if you cant figure it out for yourself.

RickZwife,

All I can say is stand by him. Its so hard for them feeling all alone. I know its hard on us too. I have been doing this for a long time. First, with my man and now sadly, my son. He is also 17. Doing 2.5 years. All he wants is people to be there. Cards and letters go a long way in these situations. And they come to mean so much to us also. Its not an easy road but its worth it. You will find a lot of love and support here at PTO. PM me anytime you need to talk.

I'm Laura. I have a 17-year-old friend who's been in prison since September. We met in May on a psych ward and she made a huge difference in my life. I hope I can make a difference in hers by supporting her while she's in.

Thats a great attitude! That is what they really need is support. Everyone needs to know people care and love and support goes a long ways for them!!!!

I have a son in CYA I miss him so much my heart hurts daily.. I feel he will come out worse then when he went in...I am looking to chronicle his story maybe to help another family not have to go through this..

It is so hard I know, nothing will be right until Josh is finally home. It will be longer now as they have charged him with a new crime attempted escape 1st degree and are trying him as an adult on this one. He will be 18 in April.

I have friend that is locked up and he is 16 and his friend shot somebody and paralyzed them and he took the fall for him and now he is in lock up for I think about 19 years and I have no idea where hes locked up at I know its in Kansas and his first and last name but I dont know how to get ahold of him or get information on him Can someone please help me?

hi my name is Walter and I hope someone out there can help me with information. Information about the South Carolina juvenile system would be best but right now I am desperate for any thing. I am living with someone that has a 13 year old daughter that thinks the juvenile system is just a vacation spot where the cool kids go. I have tried reason, logic, money gifts, books, the school, and everything I can think of to encourage good behavior. We recently learned that her mom has cancer so at some point I will be responsible for her totaly. While her mom is still able we have decided to turn our home into a juvenile facility or as close as we can simulate one. I have lots of questions and very few answers. For instance what does the state supply and in what quanties, like clothes, tooth paste, shampoo, towels bed linen, money. How often are these items replinshed and at whoes expense. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance

My name is Andrea, I'm 18 from Arkansas. I'm a juvenile justice advocate and a member of Justice for Juveniles and Kids In Court. I'm deeply opposed to trying juveniles in adult courts and am ashamed that we do it so frequently in this country. Together we can all make a difference for these teenagers.

I need help....my 14 yr. old granddaughter thinks she wants to go to Juvinelle...this is in Texas....I have never been involed in the correctional system and don't know exactly what to tell her....this is not a joke or prank...this child is serious...I get the idea she thinks it is a vacation...please respond...Thanks...

She will surely find out that it is not!!! My son went in the system three years ago...and we are still trying to get him clean, sober and behaving. If she thinks its going to be a vacation...take her to the probation officer in your area for youth and explain that to them. They may have a "free trial" for her.
Good luck!

I am new to these forums, actually any forums. I don't really know much about how they work. I am visiting this site because I have a 17 year old daughter that has been getting in progressively worse and worse trouble and she is currently being held in a JDC and may even end up being charged as an adult and go to prison. I have never been through this kind of thing before. It is so hard. I thought maybe getting a chance to hear from others in similar situations would be helpful. I feel like I have lost her completely. Please keep her in your prayers.

Welcome Lighthouselady!!! I am sorry to hear about your daughter. You will get exactly that and more out here on PTO. Look around. Check out your own state (kansas) forum and do some searches of your own with the PTO search engine. Its fantastic!! You will find people who have experienced exactly what you have. Others who have been where your daughter is. You will even make some friends. I guarantee it. Ive been here for two full years now because my son is in the juvenile justice system and have come full tilt, tilted sideways and am now in the process of getting myself on the right track after breaking down over my sons problems.
Good luck to you and your daughter. Enjoy all the loving and understanding people out here on PTO and...PM me if you need to talk.

My name is Andrea, I'm 18 from Arkansas. I'm a juvenile justice advocate and a member of Justice for Juveniles and Kids In Court. I'm deeply opposed to trying juveniles in adult courts and am ashamed that we do it so frequently in this country. Together we can all make a difference for these teenagers.


I agree, my son was tried under his newest charge as an adult so as soon as he is done with his juvenile sentence he has to go to the adult system. Its crazy!

My son was picked up at the age of 17, had his 18th b-day in a county jail, and by the Grace of God will be home in 18 days!! If it weren't for SAI his release date would have been 2/2008. He started in trouble at the age of 17 and was picked up and incarcerated at the age of 17 1/2. All I can say to all friends and family........Never give up Hope. I know that with past history for some it is hard to do but there is always hope. Support, love, and letters will help.

If they are 16 or above, even younger in some states, area's with previous they are waved into adult court most of the time and will serve an adult sentence. Sorry to be so blunt but it is true. My heart goes out to you all.

Bookie,

My son on his first arrest, 17, no priors, was charged as an adult. I wonder though if they charged him as a juvenile would he be alive today? I believe, deep in my soul, that he was caught and incarcerated to save his life.

hello everybody, I'm 17 almost 18 and my boyfriend has been in juvy for about 2 months now, hopefully only one left to go. I think I am handling it pretty good, the main thing I hate is that I can't go see him because I'm not "family". but I would like to give some advice to anyone new to the same kind of situation I'm in. when you're in a situation where you can't visit them, it's important to keep in touch with the communication you CAN do. Try to write them as much as possible, if his/her facility lets them have pictures they help them a lot too (my boyfriends will, they just can't have any kind of nudity(their under 18 anyway!) and they can't have middle fingers, gang related signs, or peace signs(wow). Next option there usually is would be calling. In my case he can only call my house phone, and they're collect, and it's $11.25 for 15 minutes(and that's all you get a day), I only except the calls 3 nights a week because of the price, but if they call on a night you can't except the call, if when you answer(like if you have caller ID mine says "out of area" so i know it's him) you can get a quick message to him (like "I love you" or "I miss you"). and do be careful of how much the charges you're rackin up are, mine so far is well over $200, so majority of my money from graduation is going there!). Lastly, there's the home-passes, where they can earn 24 or 48 hour "home-stays" so if he/she gets one of those, make sure if at all possible to go down there with their parent when they go to get them, or at least go see them at their house. My last bit of advice is, no matter how depressed or lonely you are when they call, or when you're writing them, try not to let it show, it just depresses them even more(This is coming from experience!) it's okay to say that you miss them and wanna see them but if you go too much more than that you'll upset them. I hope this is helpful to at least someone. My only regret is that I wish I would have found this site earlier, because from what I've read everyone is really helpful and understanding, so feel free to talk to me, and I look forward to being a part of this site.
~lauren~

hi well when i was 15 i went thru a troble making strage n i got senced as an adult i did 2 years state it was horeable i mean i knew ppl but it sucks if she does good luck but you only loose your child commpletly if you let go n give up hope completlly

I never give up even on my sons friends. I will be there for them always but doesn't mean that I bail them out. Tough love SUCKS! Good luck!

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this site but maybe not so new to the juvenile justice system. My son, who is 16 now, has finally landed a "real" sentence in the Ohio juvenile department of corrections. I've read through your posts and feel your pain and confusion and hurt. It's good to know I'm not alone and that all the emotional ups and downs are normal. My DH and I have been jumping through hoops for the Ohio juvenile system for well over 3 years now. We are on a first name basis with most of the office staff at the local youth detention facility and all the prob officers. My son, Kevin, is a good boy when he's not high on weed. I just can't seem to break through to him that this is NOT tolerated or allowed or acceptable! When he is using he is aggresive and confrontational. His last charges got him a felony DV (since he's a repeat offender) with 6 months minimum in the Ohio correctional facility. He is over three hours away from us now and visitation is VERY hard to do. I have horrible thoughts and images going through my head all the time but this site has helped alot! We finally saw him for the first time this week and he is whole and in one piece and not broken or bleeding. BUT...he also is not (from what I understand) getting the help and counceling the courts lead us to beleive he would get. DH and I have tried every program available in our area for drug and anger management. So far we seem to be stuck. NOTHING impresses him anymore. And getting information on what is happening and how he is doing is next to impossible! I just wish there was more communication with the parents. My son has tons of patience. He can ride out a sentence like an angel (the staff love him) and then come home with the same attitude he went in with. As much as he is where I think he will get the most help and maybe learn a few things right now, it is tearing me apart inside to know I, his mom, put him there! He now has a record with his DNA onfile to follow him around through his adult life and the guilt is ripping me apart. Thanks for making a site just for juveniles that lets us know there's others out there who feel just as we do! Many Thanks!

Dark,

The hardest thing for us parents to understand is that we did the best we could. We do not tell our children to go out and do drugs, steal stuff, drink, etc. We do what we can. Guilt is not what you need. Knowing that he is safe and isn't using should comfort you. The counseling will probably take time. I hope that he learns some things while he is there. My son went to prison at the age of 18, he turned 18 in county jail. I myself took him to turn himself in..........no it didn't feel good at all. I knew though that if he didn't go in he would be running forever and continue on the path. Even though I took him the first time and he was put on probation he still managed to mess it up and prison was his sentence. They moved him 10 hours away and I didn't see him while he was in prison. He was bless with boot camp and spent almost a year incarcerated. He is out as I type this but it is his choice to get it right. I wish you luck and send you prayers. God Bless

Good Morning Everyone.

Thanks so much for the warm welcome. You all have no idea just how much it helps to know you're all here!

My name is Heather. I have a 16 year old son who was recently sent to the State Training School in Eldora Iowa. The judge sentenced him to 6 months, but the JCO is telling me it will probably by 8 months. They don't want to transition him back into our school system with only 2 months of the school year to go.
He is a good kid who is making very stupid choices. I don't know how much of his behavior is directly related to the choice of friends he has had lately. And how much of it may be related to substance abuse. I am not a naive mom, I just want so much to believe in my kid.
He was on probation last year for assaulting me and his younger brother. He served almost a year on probation without any trouble. About 2 months after he was released from probation, he and another boy he works with decided to take the deposit from the place they work instead of putting it in the bank. It was almost $700 that they took. I believe that charge was an aggravated misdemeanor. He was sentenced to probation and had to attend a day treatment program. About 2 weeks after he started the day treatment program, he snuck out of our house and met up with another boy he knows. The two of them broke into a business in the town we live in and stole about $2,000 worth of electronic equipment. This time it was a felony.
I just don't know what to do. It has taken me a very long time to realize he is where he is because of the choices he has made, not anything I did or did not do for him.
I have received quite a few 4-5 page letters from him in the last few weeks. He seems like he is doing well and trying really hard to make the program work for him.
Is it wrong of me to still be worried about what's going to happen when he is released? His biological father has not had any contact with him since he was transported to the State Training School, although he did visit him when he was in the Detention Center for about a month. My husband is not very supportive either. He has neither visited the Detention Center nor the Training School. I feel like I am in a constant battle with my husband. My first priority is to be a mom and protect my son. It's very hard not to feel very angry at him for not being supportive. I know we were "burned" by my son pretty badly, but it's about time to move on, I think. He can't make the changes if my husband is not willing to give him a chance. I just don't know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kyle's Mom,

I feel like you are living the life that I have/am living. My dh did support me to a point while my son was "in". There were many times that we fought about my son...even fought about his release. The one thing that my dh and I agreed to do before discussing my son was pray before we discussed him. My dh did visit him while he was in. He did accompany me most of the time when I went for his court stuff. When it came time for my son's release my dh remodeled a room for him to stay in.

As far as being burned by your son there is something called forgiveness. It isn't easy to forgive all the time but for you, your son, and your dh it is something that needs to be done. Once your dh forgives it will make his load much lighter for his own sake.

Fears of release and what your son will do once he is out.....I know that all to well. The way I get by day to day is prayer. I pray that he is lead to do the right thing. I pray for his salvation. My son has to do the right thing and I can't think about the "what if's" It makes life miserable once we do that. Once I start the "what if" game I have to make an effort to stop and pray and know that God is in control. I hope this helped you. I am proof that you can get through this season. BTW my son went in when he was 17, spent about a year (to include county jail, prison, and bootcamp), he got his GED, and is out on parole now.

God Bless

MicheleCJr
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I can't tell you how much it means to know there are other parents going through the same thing. I live in a very small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, but only gossips about it, doesn't really try to help out in any way.
I am looking forward to a visit to the State Training School this weekend. I work every other weekend so can only make it on the weekends I don't work. It is a 4 hour round trip. They do allow siblings to visit, so I am able to take my 13 and 4 year old. They love to see their brother and I think it's theraputic for all 3 of them. I am trying to keep our family as "normal" as possible while we are separated.
By the way, my husband was born and raised Catholic and claims to be a good Christian. How can I help him to see that being not only a good Christian but also a good person depends on forgiveness. Also, my son has joined the Bible Study group in his cottage and asked my to send his Bible. Very Encouraging!!!
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!!

Kyle's Mom,

Sorry this post is so long but I felt the need to post this scripture. One of the ways that I live my life is to forgive others (again it isn't easy but I do try....I also ask for forgiveness even if I feel as if I am not in the wrong). The scripture below may help your dh since it is so powerful. It states "forgive and you will be forgiven" I can't even imagine if God didn't forgive me of my sins. I would surely be going to hell if I wasn't forgiven....so it is right to forgive so that I may also be forgiven. If your dh sees scripture to guide him, he may reconsider. Praise God that your son is seeing that He is the only one that is with him night and day!


Luke 6:37-42

Judging Others

37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Be Blessed!

hey im lindsay-ive had friends go in and out of jail and prison lately. my uncles in wasco for i think 5 more months.
but myself am being charged with
possession/driving a stolen vehicle
resisting arrest
possession of narcatics parafanilia 2nd offence


(the person i was with stole the car the night before and i never met him before that night but he jumped out the window while the car was still moving after cops started fallowing us and got away so 12-14 squad cars, 5-6k9 vehicles, a helicopter,a trip to the er being handcuffed to a bed getting stitches in my leg for a cut that almost tore down to my bone, 6 and a half hours of sitting back and forth between the curb and back of squard cars they didnt catch him (even though they saw him in the beginning), didnt believe any of my story and thought i was lying to them about everything they finally took me to the station but on the car ride there remember 6 and half hours later he kept askin the same questions and being a dick like he said himself "i dont like you and i am gunna be a dick add in more charges cuz im the fucking po-lice and i can" i finally said i refuse to answer anymore questions until either my mother is called and notified(they didnt call her til we got to the station at 7:15am i was in cuffs at 1am) or i had anattorney present they cop just said "thats fine you wanna be a little bitch and get an attitude your going to juvi" so they booked me called my mom just to say "this is torrance pd and im calling to tell you we have had your daughter in custody all night and she is going to juvi you can contact them for more info goodbye" but at the last minute juvi told them they couldnt take me cuz of the seriousness of my cut so he was forced to release me to my mom but now i still have to go to court for 2 felonies and a mistamiener i was pretty much at the wrong place at the wrong time!

i think its garunteed i am going to be charged as anadult because i got to court dec 19th and i turn 18 jan 11th

i just have no clue what is going to happen but i think it will end up being jail time what do ya think?

also does anyone know where i can find my mug shots and records online where i dont have to pay i live in los angeles county if that helps anyone


thank you
lindsay

Hello to everyone in the juvinile forum,

I have had to deal with the juvinile justice way to much and I truly feel for everyone in this situation.I have 4 sons and all of them have had run ins with the law and all have spent some time in the detition center and other programs, boot camp ect.And then Shawn our 17 year old was sentanced as an adult on his 17th birthday to 2 1/2 years in prison as a juvinile offender and is now in Sumter CI boot camp.I have read all of your post and I understand everyones pain if anyone needs info on Florida juvinile programs please feel free to ask me or if you just need to talk.PM me anytime.

Shawns mom

hey im lindsay-ive had friends go in and out of jail and prison lately. my uncles in wasco for i think 5 more months.
but myself am being charged with
possession/driving a stolen vehicle
resisting arrest
possession of narcatics parafanilia 2nd offence


(the person i was with stole the car the night before and i never met him before that night but he jumped out the window while the car was still moving after cops started fallowing us and got away so 12-14 squad cars, 5-6k9 vehicles, a helicopter,a trip to the er being handcuffed to a bed getting stitches in my leg for a cut that almost tore down to my bone, 6 and a half hours of sitting back and forth between the curb and back of squard cars they didnt catch him (even though they saw him in the beginning), didnt believe any of my story and thought i was lying to them about everything they finally took me to the station but on the car ride there remember 6 and half hours later he kept askin the same questions and being a dick like he said himself "i dont like you and i am gunna be a dick add in more charges cuz im the fucking po-lice and i can" i finally said i refuse to answer anymore questions until either my mother is called and notified(they didnt call her til we got to the station at 7:15am i was in cuffs at 1am) or i had anattorney present they cop just said "thats fine you wanna be a little bitch and get an attitude your going to juvi" so they booked me called my mom just to say "this is torrance pd and im calling to tell you we have had your daughter in custody all night and she is going to juvi you can contact them for more info goodbye" but at the last minute juvi told them they couldnt take me cuz of the seriousness of my cut so he was forced to release me to my mom but now i still have to go to court for 2 felonies and a mistamiener i was pretty much at the wrong place at the wrong time!

i think its garunteed i am going to be charged as anadult because i got to court dec 19th and i turn 18 jan 11th

i just have no clue what is going to happen but i think it will end up being jail time what do ya think?

also does anyone know where i can find my mug shots and records online where i dont have to pay i live in los angeles county if that helps anyone


thank you
lindsay

Lindsay,

Just because you are going to be 18 doesn't mean you will be charged as an adult, because you were 17 a juvinile when the crime occured,now they may charge you as an adult because of the crime itself and if you have a past criminal record thats up to the DA.I wish you well.

Shawns mom

Lindsay,

Just because you are going to be 18 doesn't mean you will be charged as an adult, because you were 17 a juvinile when the crime occured,now they may charge you as an adult because of the crime itself and if you have a past criminal record thats up to the DA.I wish you well.

Shawns mom

yeah i can almost guarntee i'll be charged as an adult. but as far as my past ive had.
-5 or 6 run aways
-possession of controlled substance:marijaunia parafanielia less than 2 ounces, a pipe
-pety theft
-possession of tobacco


so i have no idea whats gunna happen i just want to find out as much as i can so i can prepare myself for the worst if it happens also so it wont be such a shock to me

Hi There...I dont even know if anyone will see this...it seems to have been a while since anyone has left a message , but oh well...I am a mother of 5, my oldest girl is in right now, and I'd love to meet others going through the same thing, or maybe have in the past even. I live in a prison town, and my fiance is in one of ours...(CCC).So needless to say, I am not exactly living in friendly territory. I look forward to meeting some new people.

My 15 year old son Jose is going to court tomorrw this is his 7th time in this time he is going with a Felony Assault charge... I was told that he will most likely go to CYA... Can anyone tell me about CYA? Patty:(

Hello,My name is Sheila ,Lake county,Ohio and my son is serving time as a "guest"of the Ohio Department of Youth Services.He is serving a 1-3 1/2 sentence.While his story is probably similar to many of your own I need help finding support & rehab after he gets out.I very afraid that because of limitations that may be in place he will revert to behaviors that put him in this position to begin with.I'm talking about finding a job so he can pay restitution,getting transportation to and from work(public transport is not viable),Avoiding the others involved,Continuing his education,Learning how to be a responsible young man.Note:my son was in extensive counseling for several years prior to his offences,no prior juvinile record.He is ADHD,OCD,Minor ODD.A major part of couseling was "confinment to home" and 24/7 monitoring by school and family.Subsequently he does not know how to behave as a typical teen.(friends,girls)Any reasonable suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am the grandmother of a 14 year old, who I have adopted as my son, also.
He was taken to a Youth Correctional Facility today and I would like so learn more and feel more comfortable that this may indeed help and not make situations worse for him. Can you tell me how to go about receiving more information from others who have experienced this fearfully unknown walk in life at a young age.

I tried so hard for months to find a foster home that could help him with continued counseling, but in our small rural location, no such place was accepted by the court and the Judge felt he must take this route. I miss him very much and wish I could have made a better option for him. My husband died in May and he was my grandson's best friend and role model since birth. His grief and hurt from being give up for adoption from my daughter has made him feel rejected, abandoned by both grandpa and mother and misunderstood.

Please, tell me what is the intake like, how long might it be before he will be able to call me and what can I do to make this horribe transition in life easier for him, thus making me feel like I am doing something positive.

Appreciate a reply or any support you might give.

my Son Is 14 Years Old. I Have Been A Single Mom Almost All His Life. Last Year He Started Getting Into Alot Of Trouble At School. We Have Been In Court Twice Now For Him Stealing At School.
Each Time They Have Put Him On A Small Probation.
He Failed A Drug Test And I Now Have Him In Councelling.
He Know He Lies To Me Constantly.
He Hangs Around The Wrong Kind Of Children.
I Keep Him Punished Most Of The Time But Then Feel Sorry For Him And Give Him A Little Freedom Just To Have Him Do Something Else.
He Has Only Met His Dad Once. He Has Been In And Out Of Prison Most Of His Life.
I Try My Best To Be A Good Mother. I Work Hard And Have Now Started College (juvinile Justice). I Want To Work With Children With Behavorial Problems.
I Give My Son So Much Love. I Constantly Try To Talk To Him And Let Him Know How Much I Do Love Him.
I Feel That I Am Loosing Him And Don't Know What To Do.
He Just Doesn't Seem To Care About Anything Anymore.
His Grades Are Poor. He Will Not Partisipate In Any School Functions. He Is Smoking.
I Really Need Help. He Is The Only Thing That I Have In This Worle. He Is My Life. My Son
Any Advice Would Be Appreciated...
*sammi*

Anybody have or had a son at hillcrest Juvenile Hall

Child shrink arrestedBy Dana YatesA well-known San Mateo psychiatrist was arrested yesterday after a year-long investigation into allegations he molested young patients for four decades.

Dr. William Ayres, 75, was arrested at his San Mateo home at approximately 6 p.m. yesterday on 14 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. He was booked into San Mateo County Jail where his bail was set at $1.5 million, said San Mateo police

Capt. Mike Callagy.

The 14 counts relate to “several” patients who saw Ayres between 1988 and 2005. There are “numerous” victims who saw Ayres before 1988, but he cannot be charged for those alleged crimes because they are beyond the statue of limitations. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling making 1988 the cutoff for the statute of limitations was decided in 2003, when San Mateo police were already investigating one allegation against Ayres.

Ayres was once a highly regarded psychiatrist. He is the past president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and served on the Children and Families First Commission of San Mateo County.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in honor of Ayres’ service to the commission in 2002, just before he resigned from the organization.

“This is an unprecedented case [in San Mateo] because it’s taken place over several decades,” Callagy said.

In 2002, a victim reported the alleged abuse to the San Mateo Police Department. He told police he was abused by Ayres while being treated as a teenager in the 1970s. He told police he was molested multiple times by Ayres. While investigating the allegation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the statue of limitations spans to 1988, leaving police without an opportunity to charge Ayres.

The victim pursued a civil case against Ayres and settled out of court in July, 2005. The case drew media attention and resulted in numerous other victims coming forward to report sexual abuse by Ayres, Callagy said.

Based on the number of reported cases, San Mateo police obtained a search warrant allowing investigators to seize more than 800 names of patients. The search warrant was executed on March 10, 2006 at Ayres home and storage locker. Working with the California Department of Justice, investigators spent the last year tracking down former patients to determine if they were victimized by Ayres, Callagy said.

The case remains active. Former patients who feel they were victimized by Ayres are encouraged to call Callagy at 522-7652.

“This case highlights the fact that even the trusted adults in your child’s life can perpetrate crimes against children. We encourage all parents to keep open lines of communication with their children,” Callagy said.

If your child has been sent to Hillcrest Juvenile Hall than you need to read this.

Please read

..> A well-known San Mateo psychiatrist was arrested yesterday after a year-long investigation into allegations he molested young patients for four decades.

Dr. William Ayres, 75, was arrested at his San Mateo home at approximately 6 p.m. yesterday on 14 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. He was booked into San Mateo County Jail where his bail was set at $1.5 million, said San Mateo police


Capt. Mike Callagy.


The 14 counts relate to "several" patients who saw Ayres between 1988 and 2005. There are "numerous" victims who saw Ayres before 1988, but he cannot be charged for those alleged crimes because they are beyond the statue of limitations. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling making 1988 the cutoff for the statute of limitations was decided in 2003, when San Mateo police were already investigating one allegation against Ayres.


Ayres was once a highly regarded psychiatrist. He is the past president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and served on the Children and Families First Commission of San Mateo County.


The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in honor of Ayres' service to the commission in 2002, just before he resigned from the organization.


"This is an unprecedented case [in San Mateo] because it's taken place over several decades," Callagy said.


In 2002, a victim reported the alleged abuse to the San Mateo Police Department. He told police he was abused by Ayres while being treated as a teenager in the 1970s. He told police he was molested multiple times by Ayres. While investigating the allegation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the statue of limitations spans to 1988, leaving police without an opportunity to charge Ayres.


The victim pursued a civil case against Ayres and settled out of court in July, 2005. The case drew media attention and resulted in numerous other victims coming forward to report sexual abuse by Ayres, Callagy said.


Based on the number of reported cases, San Mateo police obtained a search warrant allowing investigators to seize more than 800 names of patients. The search warrant was executed on March 10, 2006 at Ayres home and storage locker. Working with the California Department of Justice, investigators spent the last year tracking down former patients to determine if they were victimized by Ayres, Callagy said.


The case remains active. Former patients who feel they were victimized by Ayres are encouraged to call Callagy at 522-7652.


"This case highlights the fact that even the trusted adults in your child's life can perpetrate crimes against children. We encourage all parents to keep open lines of communication with their children," Callagy said.

Well my brother is 18 and in harrisburg iyc. he got 6 years and went june 1 06 the first time he can get out would be dec of 08 so i just hope all goes well with him..
jen

when did michigan decide that youre an adult at 17, yet cant buy cigarettes or vote??

Nothing is working my son is 16 he is now locked up for the 6th time he has been in and out of Juvenile hall since he was 13... I am so scared that his next stop will be CYA... Patty:(

Hi, my name is Michelle. kinda new to this, just trying to get all the information i can and maybe vent a little too :)... My 17 yr old brother was just sentenced last month to life in prison.... without parole!!!! quick story is him and his friend were walking home from micky ds and saw a man picking through the trash, they started messing with him and took it a little to far. eventually the man picked up a shovel and hit my brother with it. they started fighting and my brother says he was afraid because no matter how hard he hit the man he wouldn't stop coming after him. unfortunately my brother had a pocket knife tool that he always carried, pulled it out and stabbed the man with it quite a few times not knowing that it could kill. yes he was wrong for a LOT if not all of what happened, but life omg come on.

Nothing is working my son is 16 he is now locked up for the 6th time he has been in and out of Juvenile hall since he was 13... I am so scared that his next stop will be CYA... Patty:( I know what you are going through my son too... was in and out of juvenile hall until he finally got sentenced to CYA and now he is in prison he was sentenced 31 years. He was sentenced to so many years partly due to his past. I tried to tell him to stay home but he would not listen. They make there our choices so do not ever blam your self for his actions. I know it is easier said than done. My son and I are now very close i just wish it didn't take him going to prison to wake up. Hang in there I wish both you the best of luck.
Sincerely
nitamac

Hey everyone! My name is Zach and I live in southwest Missouri. I am originally from right outside of St. Louis, Missouri and moved here when I went away to college. I am currently a college student majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychology. Along with being a college student I am also a juvenile corrections officer for a juvenile detention center. I have been an employee for the past two years. My job is rewarding and very challenging, but I love helping to make a difference in the lives of the juveniles. The detention facility I work in is a holding facility where juveniles are awaiting court as well as waiting to go to placement. Our facility is different from a lot of them and is a model facility. We put a lot of emphasis on rehabilitation.

My career goals are to be a counselor for at risk teenagers, particularly those that are getting in trouble with the law, and to work on lobbying for changes in the criminal justice system, particularly in sentencing and prisons.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and I know quite a bit about the system, so I will help as much as possible... I also hope to grow as a person because of this site.

Nothing is working my son is 16 he is now locked up for the 6th time he has been in and out of Juvenile hall since he was 13... I am so scared that his next stop will be CYA... Patty:(

hi,
well,mom u can get ready(no offense)becuz its coming.is CYA a prison??? my exact same age mayb around 10,11 yrs old out of control,drinking,drugs,stealing(from as well as others),gangs,playin hooky from school.i was always in emergency room with him,he broke window out abandon building,(gang stuff,to join i guess)people was shooting at him.when he broke window with his fist his arm got full of glass was still in his arm,he had 16 stitches.it didnt matter to him.it may have happen another way,u know what i sayin,he was in fights alot. time we got back home he was back out the door within 10 minutes.i guess to show off his arm being wrap up in gauze,i love him to death.like urs n & out detention mayb more than 6x.i beg for help with him from DHS. anyway u wouldnt believe some of the things he did.he in walnut till 2010.i am praying for him to stay safe from harm n that we (family) survive this.the last 4 yrs for me has been,i cant find the right word. i learn a lot over the years b4 he started acting out,i am still learning about myself,my family.seem like he just didnt care,really i know he didnt.judge matthis say "Tough Love"..i call police on him many,many x.he had all kinds of stuff in my house,i am serious.no matter how much i love him it didnt matter.he listen to his HOMEES,lol.my son think being n prison is something good.i am thinking all those times n detention wasnt good but not like being in prison for boys.this is just my own opion.noone knows what i am feelin .we can (as mom)only do so much.i pray i c my son free again n i hope he has learn something about life..and would u believe he has few talents.u know like drawing,poems,writing other things like rap or similiar.i do what i can for him,when i can.his food,light,gas is free!i visit when io can(when they allow it)kids will use u,they know ur weakness,they pay close attention to u even when u think they not.i had to hide my purse,cigarette,jewelry n what ever else that i knew he would get.somex i couldnt even remember where i put it.i pray for all who is going through this with family.we will survive.keep faith in god,thats where all your strength.my son is 18 youngest of 3 boys,i have 22 yr ol daughter,1 son 29,26i am not givin up on him,never whether he change or not.we write mayb 1,2 x amonth.i am not gonna support him when he doing wrong. take care all!:)

I work at a youth facility. I think that no matter how much you love your children they do what they want. there are kids with no parents and others with very concerned parents. I think that all u can do is stand by them and help pick up the peices as they go.

Hi Introducing myself here ......
I am a Mother Grandmother I live in New Zealand and write four prison pen-pals in USA one of whom was tried as an adult at age 16 and sentenced to life without parole he is now 45yrs old and I am co-ordianting a support group to help him regain his freedom so you'll probably see me ducking in and out this forum asking questions gathering / sharing information etc

:)Blessings

Hello, My name is Nicole and I am 17. I just got out of a Juvenile Prison Facility a few months ago. It was not my first time being locked away for awhile. I was there for 13 months. The facility I was at was not one where the inmates got to slack off and watch movies all of the time. It was strict and very hard. I have finally learned from my past and am setting goals for myself now. I have spent overall 2 years of my life behind bars and it was just a waste of my life. I can actually say that the juvenile system worked for me slightly since I am now scared of going back. At the places I was at it was set up like an actual prison and there were many people in there that weren't ones you would mess around with. There were numerous fights that would break out and even other crazy happenings. (I was attacked with a chunk of glass before). Needless to say I am a different person now who wants to make something of her life. I am currently not able to get a job due to various felonies and I am upset with myself for doing the things I have done in the past. I am glad I am free though and I look forward to being able to lead my life in the right way.

Hi everyone. My name is Stephanie. I have brief experience with the juvenile justice system. I used to work for an agency that ran a school program in the county's juvenile detention center. I tutored, did reading tests, worked 1:1, and also mentored some of the youth. I also made friends with the caseworker there who I'm still in touch with to this day. It was an eye-opening experience that has always remained in my mind and heart. I learned a lot about how many things impact youth: from family, friends, gangs, the media, emotions, and so much more. There's a lot that I don't know and I love to learn. I believe that we need to reach out to those involved in the juvenile justice system so that they don't become adult offenders. Everyone's situation is different, and while the system is focused on punishment, we need more treatment, help, assistance, and programs to help these kids so that they don't end up in the same facility. I miss the kids and I'd love to go back one day and help them. Some kids will do what they want, but there are others who really want to straighten their life out and do good. Working there definitely made me appreciate my own life and want to give back.

My son is 16 and currently in the county juvenile detention facility. My boy is a thief and has been stealing from people since he was five years old. My wife and I have had him in individual counseling for years. We have also participated in family counseling. We have had almost a dozen counselors give up on us because no matter what happens, no matter what changes we as his parents make, no matter what program we put him in he refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions and he refuses to change his ways.

My son has seven misdemeanor arrests for theft and one felony arrest for burglary of a habitation. We had cut off his internet access at the house so he broke into the neighbors house to use her internet connection and steal some cigarettes. He would have more theft arrests but in Texas you can't be arrested if you are under the age of ten. He does not have a drug problem or at least we have never suspected him of using drugs and he has never failed a drug test. He has no respect for other peoples property. If he wants it and it's not bolted down he will find a way to take it is how it seems to us.

Up until the burglary when he went to court for a theft pretty much nothing happened that mattered to him. They would fine him, maybe order he attend a class, and warn him that this was his last chance. He didn't care about the fine or the class because the parents have to pay the fines and he's good at zoning out in the classes. The last chance warning didn't phase him because he heard it every time he went to court.

When he went to court on the felony burglary they put him on intense supervision probation. That didn't have much impact on him because he was soon arrested for another theft. The probation violation got him another "this is your last chance" warning which had no affect since he had been told that at least half a dozen times before.

His last arrest got him placed in the county juvenile detention facility for violating his probation. He spent 60 days in lockup and then was released because the DA had not filed charges on him. When the DA did finally get around to filing charges on him he was placed in the county's boot camp program. He's been in the boot camp program for eight weeks and they kicked him out of the program and moved him back into detention yesterday. We don't know for sure what will happen next but his attorney told us to expect them to send him to TYC (the Texas Youth Commission.)

All the arrests have been legitimate. He is a defense attorneys worst nightmare and an investigating police officers best friend. Ask him about a crime he may have committed and you will get a truthful answer.

If anyone here can tell me what to expect when my son is transferred to TYC I would really like to hear from you.

Thanks

Let me tell you a story, I had the best kid in the world. He was into hockey, football, baseball, went to a private school and was an honor student. At 15 1/2 yrs old he took drivers training and compleated the course. He had a cute girlfriend. It was Oct. Terry and Cheryl were going out with my nephew and his buddy, I told Terry to be home by 10pm, that weekend we were going out to buy him a car, the kids left, it was after 10 and I was worried, not long after I recieved a call from the Trenton Police saying Terry had been arrested. I went down to the station and he was arrested for assult with a dangerious weapon ( apparently Cheryls old boyfriend Joe seen them and had a piece of a pipe and went to hit Cheryl with it,Terry took it from Joe and hit Joe) so we had to hire a lawyer and went to court. The judge sentenced him to a school in River Rouge Michigan. He was picked up by a person call a tracker at 6am and brought home at 6pm. Couldnt leave the house and the tracker would check back and see if he was home sometimes a phone call and not in person.
The kids in this school were all boys and had some pretty sad stories. Terry's tracker seemed to be a nice man, he was in his mid 20's and seemed to like Terry. Mr. Anderson would come in when he dropped Terry off after school and ask could Terry go with him to check on the other boys just to get him out of the house some. I agreed to it. Now, not only was this man Terrys tracker, he was also his mentor.
After a few months went by I started seeing a change in my Terry. Finally he broke down and told me that a few of the "mentors" trackers had been using the kids to steal things and then the "mentors" would take these items to the pawn shops and give the kids drugs booze and money out of their take for the day. The mentors would keep 3/4 ofwhat they got and give the rest to the boys. Terry was afraid of these guys now and they were demanding more (my wedding ring was one item that my son took for them) among other items. So now I pulled him out of the court ordered school and the woman who ran it was putting out a writ on Terry if I didnt produce him the next day. She said he was safe and they would look into the accusations. I kept him out and hid him at a friends house until I could get some answers. I had Mr Anderson on tape admitting to this, (he didn't know I had taped his and Terry's conversation. He called Terry to let him know something was going down at the school and told him to keep his mouth shut. He also wanted to know if I knew anything and Terry told him No, He said he didnt think I did, because I ddn't act any different when he called. (I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle him).
I called the man in charge (Ken Devine) of Terry's case and he listened to the tape and was upset, said for me to call him back, we'd talk again, and he understood why I pulled Terry out of school. I called Terrys attorney and we had a meeting at the school. Terry had a court hearing scheduled for the next week. I called Mr Devine again and he said he couldnt talk to me anymore everything had to go through his boss...I hung up.
To make a long story shorter Terry was arrested for not being in school they had a warrent put out on him he was arrested shortly after his court hearing, they put him back into another school in Detroit. They turned my son into a thief and a drug addict. I recieved a letter from "Marva Livingston" saying how sorry she was that this happened, BUT the MENTORS were hired as outside contractors and the state would take NO responsibility in this matter. What my son and the other boys did was very wrong, but what the "Mentors" and State did in my opinion was criminal.
That was in 1997, since then my son is in prison and has gotten more time for home invasion and larceny in a bldg than some murders. Had it not been for the State of Michigan placing my son in the hands of monsters things might have been different. I only hope the parole board will see him the next time he is up for parole because he is very depressed.
So, for you parents who are having trouble with your kids. Talk to them, love them and believe in them. Try not to let the courts intervene. They do not want whats best for your children
Linda

Hey im 20 years old and my boyfriend is 19. he is in juvenile prison for some charges he had when he was 16. he goes before the parole board in may and then we hope to get married! :)

glad to see good news..best of luck with it all

Greetings From New England .... My name is Juliet and Im new to PTO. I am currently a first year student trying to earn a degree in Criminal Justice. I am aiming towards juvenille justice, rehabilitation and advocacy, and also have a friend in the NH system. If anyone has any helpful information towards more specific jobs that would involve helping youths caught in the system that would be greatly appreciated! Our country really needs more rehabilitation and less incarceration!

HI my name is Lyne, I have a 18 yr old son who was charged as an adult at 16 for armed robbery, This case has been going on for 2 yrs. He had no priors, they never had a gun & the robbery was a silver chain from the victim. Monday May 12 he pled no contset & was givien 6yrs youthful offender. We did not want to plea but the only way to get youthful offender in FL is to plea & take a chance with the judge. We were all schocked he got 6 yrs. Can anyone tell me the process from here? He does not want to go to youthful offender program because he is afraid to loose his gain time because of fighting. He say it is real bad there. It scares me to death that he would be willing to go to adult prison because of the fighting at YO! is he right or is he just hearing to much crap in jail? Right now they have him in max. sec. county jail I don't think it could get any worse. He seems to think he is goin to brevard CI. do you know anything about that place?

Hey im 20 years old and my boyfriend is 19. he is in juvenile prison for some charges he had when he was 16. he goes before the parole board in may and then we hope to get married! :)
I'm in the same boat except I'm 21 and he's 19. Hope he gets out, it sucks them being in there. Mine has a hearing Tuesday, but they don't think he'll get let go. And to Lyne, as far as I know there is some fighting in there. Mostly done behind the councelors backs. My man has almost the same charge. He has been in 2 fights the last 10 mos, but he didn't get caught. Tell your boy to basically suck up to them and they will not believe the other boys if he does happen to get into a fight. That's how my man does it. And trust me, he is not one to get along with authority and he does it all the time. And to Juliet, sadly people in those jobs usually get less than $20,000 a year. They are NOT good paying jobs. I looked into it for a while, but alas, I cannot do most of that stuff because I'm a felon. You would think, being a felon would help you relate to the youths, but no, they don't want you to relate they want you to force them through the program. Maybe you'll help change that. Good luck! Just keep in mind that the juvenile system statistically does NOT work, but then neither does incarceration.

Thanks I will let him know....

Hi Thingstosay, my Son Dylan was in a youthful offender program and he was 18 as well. He was already in the djj system so he went to a juvie lock up 31/2 hours from home, the hardest thing there was that most of the other kids were really young 10-15 and very immature not caring when they were going home or what they did, and it was hard to not wanna shut em up, ya know? But Brevard c.i. is right next to Cocoa work release in Sharpes it is for youthful offenders 18-25. Hope you get the help you need...Good Luck

Hi

He will be 19 by the time they send him.... The adult prisoners (he is still in county jail) are telling him bad things about YO camps like they will take his gaintime from fighting all the time, that there are alot of kids who don't give a crap so they just start fights all the time... He wants to go to a work camp maybe do you know anything about those? I heard from his attorney that they are better if you can get in to one.did your son go to brevard?

Maxx,i'm confused as to who you are angry at,the system or the inmates??Seems to me that your frustration at the inmates needs to be redirected....let us know which facility this is,maybe letters to the warden,govenor,whoever, might get something changed.My grandson will be going to a CI in fl.and this is not the kind of place i'd like him in.I hope your anger for the system is not directed at the kids,they are NOT all hardcore criminals,help us help you change this into a safer place for you and our kids. Can't hurt to try.This whole system needs to be changed maybe this will be a start....CCGMA

im thinking that he needs to tell the truth and get out of there....what was he thinking????anyway go to vinelink.com you can find any inmate,anystate good luck!!!I have friend that is locked up and he is 16 and his friend shot somebody and paralyzed them and he took the fall for him and now he is in lock up for I think about 19 years and I have no idea where hes locked up at I know its in Kansas and his first and last name but I dont know how to get ahold of him or get information on him Can someone please help me?

my grandson was just sentenced to 6 years as a youthful offender in the state of fl. it was his first offence and he was only 16.drug dealers,rapist,and thugs get less time.the whole system here is messed up,in fl juveniles are direct filed by the prosicutors instead of going before a juvenile judge and letting them decide which court they should be in.it is so hard,my heart goes out to you,hopefully your daughter will be strong and smart and learn from this.keep your head up and fight all you can.as soon as she turns 18 your rights change and its really hard to help her.hopefully by then you will know what is happening with her.good luck,keep asking questions in this forum there is a world of help and support here.you are in my thoughts......I am new to these forums, actually any forums. I don't really know much about how they work. I am visiting this site because I have a 17 year old daughter that has been getting in progressively worse and worse trouble and she is currently being held in a JDC and may even end up being charged as an adult and go to prison. I have never been through this kind of thing before. It is so hard. I thought maybe getting a chance to hear from others in similar situations would be helpful. I feel like I have lost her completely. Please keep her in your prayers.

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