Jackie

Jackie began getting into trouble in the 4th grade. At 10 years old, he was witnessing what drugs and alcohol can do to a family. With only his mother and siblings left at home, Jackie began acting out in school. Disrespecting teachers and going to detention became the norm for the next five years. School was his major difficulty.

Once in high school, Jackie began taking bigger risks. While with his friends, he broke into a house and took their property. Jackie and his friends returned a few times and earned several burglary charges. Despite the fact that all of this was pending in court, Jackie got into more trouble. While walking home from school after being kicked out, he stole a tennis ball out of the back of a truck. He was confronted by the police and gave them a fake name.

Once they placed him in the patrol car, Jackie broke open the door and ran. When captured, Jackie was charged with resisting arrest and giving a false name. On a separate occasion Jackie was charged with graffiti for carving his name in a desk.

By the time Jackie arrived in court to face his accumulating charges, he had given up. He didn't care if he got sent away. He laughed and told jokes on the bus all the way to the facility.

Once there he faced a rude awakening. He didn't have the same freedoms of home. He had to respect authority and was held to a whole new level of accountability. He suffered physical and emotional abuse while in facility. This was nothing like home to him.

For Jackie it was a difficult adjustment. He would talk when he wasn't supposed to, go where he wasn't allowed and disrespect program rules. This delayed the personal discharge goals he set for himself. Due to his choices and behaviors, he was not able to make the appropriate levels.

A YAP referral was made to assist Jackie and his family to be reunified. Two advocates were assigned. One advocate was identified for Jackie, to help him with his goals, and another advocate for his mom to assist her with visitation at the facility.

Jackie was discharged from OCFS shortly after. YAP worked with Jackie and his family to help him transition home smoothly and follow OCFS after care regulations.

Jackie's advocate worked with him to achieve his goals. Jackie improved his school grades, did not violate the terms of his discharge from OCFS, and regained a respect for authority.

Jackie was doing so well after being released, OCFS petitioned the court to end custody early.

Jackie has even mended his relationship with his school. They gave him a chance to prove himself and he did.

Jackie has been successfully discharged from YAP and continues to make positive strides in his life. He is currently attending school, getting good grades and is looking for employment.

One of his biggest achievements is being able to show those that didn't think he could succeed just how wrong they were.

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