33rd / 424th District Courts

There's this kid. Was a cute "little boy" of about 12 when he came into the juvenile system but is now about 16. Call him John Dillinger for a pseudonym.

Once a tow-headed kid lacking family structure and getting into trouble, he is now getting kicked out of his 5th or so placement and I've just detained him. His problems are mostly basic behavior problems that manifest in poor school participation and poor grades, property
destruction, and destructive personal relationships. He's smart and for four years now I've had great hopes that he would make it intact into adulthood. With only a couple of years left to work with him it now appears that he has regressed in behavior to a substantial degree.

Do we acknowledge that there is little we can do externally to help him change? Do we give up? Not. Not yet at least. Maybe one day you throw in the towel but not yet. Not yet.

For the rest of the story ....