Nothing to do with doodles...crime and punishment.

[Kyoko]

I worked ( In a process of quitting this job ) as a chemical dependency therapist for the people in a halfway house, probation or pre-trial, with drug and alcohol dependency. I was a bit scared when I first got this gig.....

Today was a sentencing hearing for one of my client. He is in early 20's, I beleive he was in special ed as a student. He sold cocain to support his habit, also to have friends and social status.

On the flip side, he was the most punctual, respectful and responsible client. Always kept in touch with me in regard to his scheduling, therapy, etc... He was a compasionate guy who stated that he could not sell any more since during his dealing period, he saw so much of horrific stuff in related to drug use. Watched people deteriorate, lose cars, jobs, etc... He said that he did not want to associate with anything to do with destroying people's lives.

When his probation officer took his electronic monitoring off of his ankle last week, so that he can get around and enjoy himself a little before the sentencing, all he wanted to do was to take his 3 year old daughter to the park and to the ice cream shop.

When his attorney asked me to write something on his behalf, my agency did not allow me to do that because they did not want any responsibility for anything. I told the attorney that he would just have to subpoena me, since I was not allowed to write.

 

OK, he is a criminal. But if your few words are going to make a difference in how long he would have to serve, and if you believe that he is truly regrettful of what he did, why not support him? I did not like the fact the agency simply did not want to get involved, eventhough it was OK to make money off of him by providing treatment. Criminals are human, too with dignity, family, etc.....

I am not saying at all to baby them, spank them a little and set them loose. Consequences are consequences. But, they deserve your support and compassion, too.

 

According to his level of crime, his minimum sentence was to be 5 years in federal prison. Judge reduced the level of crime because of his positive characteristics and employment history, etc.. He was sentenced today to the federal prison for 33 months.( I am very pleased with this...)

[Lauria Orr]

Good for you for caring.  I completely understand.  I surely hope he can use this time to work on his issues .  There are many who do...the opportunities are there. Especially if he wants to make the best life possible for himself and for his daughter. He will need a lot of support.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

That is a horrible position to be in...the lawyer should have subpoenaed you for sure. Addiction is a horrible thing.

33 months is a very long time but it is nearly half of what he could have gotten. It still disturbs because what might happen to his relationship with his little girl and how much influence he will get from the wrong type in prison.

There is no good scenario here.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good for you for caring! You do a tough job!

[Kyoko]

He said that he plans to brush up on his academics and possibly take some credited courses while in there. He siad that he is going to use the time as his learning period.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Bless you for doing this kind of work - I have a friend that is a probation officer and she has the most stressful job.  I'm sure that this young man will not forget your efforts to help him get on a better path.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm glad that the system can be a little flexible for cases like this one. I hope your client is able to learn from this experience and continue to make healthy changes in is life when he is released.

[Kyoko]

 Gay and lesbian youth has highest risk of suicide..... :-(

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I could not do this type of work, Kyoko.  I appreciate those who do.  My daughter is beginning her masters program in psychology - she wants to work with specific populations: drug addiction, veterans, gay and lesbian youth - all of which are tough areas.