Are there any programs that would help a young troubled adult instead of jail time?
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Are there any programs that would help a young troubled adult instead of jail time?
I have 17 year old nephew who has recently gotten an aggravated battery charge and a simple burglary charge. He has had a very troubled childhood with a drug head dad and a mom that is on drugs and a thief. He was abused as a child and has seen way more than he should have at a very young age. I took care of him for about a year, and he needs help, not necessarily prison. I was wondering if there were any programs that might get him the help that he needs?
Asked on September 12, 2011 under Criminal Law, Louisiana
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Your nephew is lucky to have you on his side given his upbringing. But I think that you may need to take the extra step here to really help him. By that I mean that you should petition the courts for guardianship - he is still a minor which is a plus in all respects given his present criminal circumstances - and then you can explore the programs available for him with his defense attorney. You have not indicated if in fact he has a underlying drug or alcohol problem himself. If he does getting him in to a program before his next court appearance - i.e., voluntarily - will help him with the Judge. I would contact the department of social services here as well and maybe he can be taken from his home and placed with you as well which would be a plus for him. They would also be able to tell you about any programs that fit his needs. Good luck to you.
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