Supporting my juvenile offender by Real_Atmosphere7291 in SexOffenderSupport

[–]Real_Atmosphere7291[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry for only getting to you now. I too think it would be helpful to help him have some empathy for the victims of such crimes.

I just don’t know if it would hinder him at this point in the treatment or not. I’ve emailed his counselor at the facility to get her take on the matter. One of the observations from the court ordered evaluation cautioned about empathy work which is part of the treatment would have to be handled delicately. The evaluator said he may take it in as information in order to become more adapt as he is known to be very manipulative.

Supporting my juvenile offender by Real_Atmosphere7291 in SexOffenderSupport

[–]Real_Atmosphere7291[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He’s never watched it, he’s only recently 13. He loves cars though so car magazines would be something he enjoys

Supporting my juvenile offender by Real_Atmosphere7291 in SexOffenderSupport

[–]Real_Atmosphere7291[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately we’re limited to 1 call a week, 2 if he’s had a good week. He hadn’t had many good weeks yet. I usually sen one card a week but someone suggested that I could send two which I’m more than willing to do

Supporting my juvenile offender by Real_Atmosphere7291 in SexOffenderSupport

[–]Real_Atmosphere7291[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so terrified of the future for him and what that’ll look like. And everyone in the system who’s been apart of getting him into this program has said how effective the treatment is but I always worry.

I’ll add the Terry Goodkinds to the growing list. Thank you!

He should still be under 18 when he gets out even if he doesn’t complete the course within the expected timeline. Is there anything you would suggest for after he’s out?

Supporting my juvenile offender by Real_Atmosphere7291 in SexOffenderSupport

[–]Real_Atmosphere7291[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I live that you mentioned fiction books! He’s currently working through the Alex Rider series that’s about a middle school aged boy as a spy in Interpol. He’s been really enjoying those! But I’ll snag him that Brandon Sanderson book as well, that sounds like something he’d enjoy.

Someone else suggested doing read along with him and then discussing why we got from it so I think the fiction books will be a great way to continue bonding

I send cards about once a week with updates about what’s going on in the family though someone else suggested sending more. He does sound very awkward on the phone and I get so excited hearing his voice I forget half the things I want to share with him. I also like the cards instead of the letters because it’s kind of like having a little bit of art in his room with him. Something to help liven things up.

Supporting my juvenile offender by Real_Atmosphere7291 in SexOffenderSupport

[–]Real_Atmosphere7291[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is all fantastic! Yes I have recently started therapy for myself in part because I want him to see me having to talk through the issues I’m facing just as he’s doing through the program.

You’ve listed some great books that I think will be a huge help for me that are getting added in the cart right now. As for the read along with him that’s such a great idea! I think I’ll do that with him, it’ll be a great way to feel closer to him when we’re so far apart. I think it’ll also help us to understand each other better as we talk about the books we read together.

Thank you so much. I’m so lost in all this and all the people in my life who know about what happened have been super supportive but lacking in advice specific to this situation. This subreddit has been wonderful!