The juvenile justice system is one that is meant to help juveniles who are heading down the wrong path learn to correct their ways and become productive citizens. While many parents might try to keep their children out of the system, it can do some good if the child is willing to put forth an effort. Of course, there is nothing wrong with trying to get the child probation instead of being sentenced to serve time in juvenile detention.
One man’s story might help some people who are going through the juvenile justice system in Virginia. The man’s foray into the criminal life began when he was 9 years old. He says that he would shoplift and that things just got worse from there. His day of reckoning occurred when he stole a pistol from a hobby store. He said that he was relieved when the police knocked on his door and he was arrested. He says was feeling anxious and was ready for a change in his life.
Instead of being sentenced to juvenile detention, he was give five years on probation. During that time, he worked to get his life back on track. He went to school at Norfolk Junior High and was involved in activities there. Sadly, his journey hit another bump in the road when he was in high school. He became addicted to drugs and troubles began to surface. He worked hard to overcome his troubles and entered into a rehab program for his addiction.
The man now lives in South Dakota where he works as an addiction counselor. While he did have some problems as an adult, he says that he learned a lot about himself during his time on juvenile probation.
It is important for anyone who is going through the juvenile justice system to weigh the services that can be obtained through the system before trying to get away from it. These services are often beneficial for juveniles who need a life change.
Source: Norfolk Daily News, “Ex-Norfolkan turns life around after getting sober,” Tammy Marshall, Feb. 16, 2016
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