William

Will has experienced every aspect of the system. He began with PINS Diversion, transitioned to PINS, then to Probation and on to placement. He was also placed several times in secure detention. From there he went to OFCS placement.

His draw to drugs and alcohol along with his propensity for violence left him in desperate need of services. It also left him frequently violating the services in place to help him.

It was a typical occurrence for Will to get into physical altercations. His empathy for people took a back seat to his anger and rage. Will did not care about the consequences of how he was living.

His anger followed him to placement. It took him some time to get used to the structure, rules, and accountability of OCFS. He eventually achieved the proper stages and was discharged to live with his mother and brother.

While discharged, Will got into an argument with his mom and got angry. He left the house and went across the street to the local gas station. He had one thing on his mind. He wanted to get drunk. Will saw a case of beer open in the store and stole the beer out of it. He was caught and charged. Because of Will's negative legal involvement he was revocated and returned to OCFS. Also taken into consideration was his continued drug use, failure to follow curfew, and escalating school problems.

Will was held in jail awaiting transfer back to OCFS. To him jail was easier than being in program.

After Will was revocated and spent some time back at OCFS, a referral to Seneca County Youth Advocate Programs OCFS Reunification program was made.

YAP worked with Will and his mom to prepare him for his second chance in the community. Strength assessments, and safety plans were developed. A parent Advocate was assigned to Will's mother, as well as a separate Advocate for Will. Will and his family needed support to continue the level of structure required to keep Will safe in the community.

Will established a strong bond with his advocate and the YAP staff. He began to care again about how people viewed him. He and his advocate began to give back to the community. For Will, it was finally an opportunity to help the community rather than make it worse. They participated in a can drive to raise money for the church, they shoveled driveways for the elderly, and participated in a clothes drive. Will was helping people instead of hurting people.

Will also obtained his GED while in the program. He has completed one semester of college and has plans to continue. He is going to college for a degree in social work.

Right now Will is preparing to move out on his own and continue his success. He is looking forward to finishing college and giving back to the community in a different way. This time to the kids who are struggling in the same way he and so many others have struggled.

Will is working with YAP VOICE to give presentations to Caseworkers, youth and other service providers about his experience and what worked to help him be successful. He is also a co-facilitator for the ART groups in Seneca County YAP.

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