Houghton Mifflin Discussion Forums

Replies: 4

julie

Posts: 1
Registered: 4/4/10

Help!
Posted: Apr 4, 2010 6:00 PM

My son is 17 years old. He has already been in jail and rehab. Last weekend he was arrested for domestic battery against us, his family. Because he is still a minor, I had to bring him home. hmmmm......something is wrong there. Last month, he forged couple of my checks so he could get money to pay for his drug use. Today, Easter of all days, my step children were here. My son freaked out on me because he wants me out of his life. He left and after he left, I tried to explain to my step children the problem. We had kept silent with them until today. Well, now it is time for them to go home. Guess What! My middle step child's IPod was stolen. Or shall I say missing. Why can't somebody get me out of this nightmare. I have no problem letting him go but the authorities do. I have other children at risk by his behavior and it appears I can't do anything to protect these kids. Any suggestions? Emancipation is not the answer because the process will take longer than him becoming 18.

waterdance

Posts: 624
Registered: 6/10/09

Re: Help!
Posted: Apr 5, 2010 12:55 PM

Hello Julie, I don't know what you should do. Can you call the juvenile department? He needs to be locked up for awhile anyway. Also call the mental hospital for advice? Do not let him put you and the rest of the family in danger. Please write us back. Will we thinking about you, Deb

lilypad

Posts: 143
Registered: 10/14/09

Re: Help!
Posted: Apr 5, 2010 11:05 PM

File an incorrigibility petition in juvenile court. We were on the verge of doing this a year and a half ago for our now 17 year old. He managed to take the decision out of our hands by getting himself arrested for joy riding in a neighbor's car. He is now in a drug court program - we live in wayne county michigan. Different states/counties will have different programs and in Michigan they can actually keep kids in the system until they are 21. My son is finally at level 3 but if he messes up again he will go to boot camp. He too has stolen from us to buy drugs and alcohol. Every counselor he has seen assures us that he knows right from wrong but it hasn't stopped him from stealing from his family (and others). I hope you can get some resolution.

Molly

Posts: 163
Registered: 1/12/10

Re: Help!
Posted: Apr 6, 2010 12:59 AM

Hi Julie,

We know about stolen iPods. Money from siblings. You name it. We know.

Is your son still in school? If so, is there a social worker with whom you can speak? Is there any program you would be willing to send him to - a wilderness program, perhaps, or a therapeutic boarding school?

Molly

Posts: 163
Registered: 1/12/10

Re: Help!
Posted: Apr 6, 2010 2:18 AM

I was on the other computer when I replied earlier, and didn't see Deb and Lilypad's suggestions. Good advice from both.