Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Juvenile Justice??? The system and our kids

Today when talking to friends about our kids and the legal system I was reminded of an editorial I wrote with my Special Needs Network co-founder (it's below). It was disheartening when Nicky was 8, but now that he is ten and inching closer to being a teenager it's getting scarier. A friend of mine said that she was afraid her son would get shot by the police one day. She envisioned someone - who just committed a crime - would stumble into her unaware child, ask him to hold a gun, he would say "yes", and then the police would come running in and yell "Stop", her son wouldn't understand and he would be shot. Only when it was too late would they know, he had no idea what was happening.

For all that we have on our plates, and I know it's a lot. The truth is we have much to do and much needs to be done. Our kids are positioned to be victims of the justice system, this is not a fearful projection, but a documented reality. It scares me just to think about it. Because I am so afraid of this I have taken some little action. I have introduced all of my neighbors to Nicky so they can be on the look out for him, should something ever happen on our street. I've attended police training programs where the officers on the street get information on how to recognize our kids. And now that I'm thinking about it I think I will take Nicky to our local police station and introduce him around. Who knows maybe one day it will save his life.

Here's the editorial that got me all wound up again!!!

(Los Angeles, CA – April 2, 2007) – What happens to children who have been diagnosed with autism or some other developmental disorder? They grow up. And, more often than not, somewhere along the way they get into trouble with the law.

An excellent case in point is the controversial July 2002 beating of 16 year-old Inglewood, CA resident, Donovan Jackson. When his father was admonished by local police for driving with expired license plates on his automobile, young Donovan was severely beaten and slammed head first onto the trunk of the police officer’s vehicle for supposedly not adhering to their commands. The incident was videotaped and it was later learned that the visibly confused and scared young man was developmentally disabled.

On any given day, approximately 130,000 youth reside in juvenile detention and correctional facilities nationwide. Studies have consistently shown that anywhere from 65 percent to 70 percent of these youth have a diagnosable mental health or developmental disorder. Approximately 25 percent are experiencing disorders so severe that their ability to function is severely impaired, according to data released by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice.

This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the U.S. Department of Justice reports many of its juvenile justice facilities are inadequate in their response to the needs of developmentally disabled youth in their care. These and other reports have shed light on an issue that virtually went unnoticed for decades.

Even worse, as in most other areas of the justice system, African Americans are disproportionately represented. Comprising approximately 15 percent of the total national youth population, African American youth represent 40 percent of all juveniles in detention and 60 percent of young offenders serving time in adult state prisons.

In addition, according to the U.S. House of Representatives, many of these youth are detained or placed in the juvenile justice system for relatively minor offenses and end up in the system simply because of a lack of community-based service options. And, that’s where the problem starts.

Two years ago, we formed the Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) to bring attention to the epidemic of autism and other developmental disorders. Working on a grass roots level to create immediate- and long-term change for families, SNN continues to seek to raise awareness about developmental disabilities, especially in the African American community, and to offer resources and other ways to navigate through the bureaucratic red tape to obtain services.

Defined as a neurological condition that occurs in children 15 to 19 months of age, autism is a developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and socially interact with others. Four times more prevalent in males, autism is now considered a public health crisis that has reached epidemic proportions, along with other mental, physical, or learning disabilities.

Statistics released earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that autism is more common than previously believed with one in 150 children being diagnosed on the autism spectrum versus one in 166 two years ago.

Mothers of autistic children ourselves, we were astounded at the difficulty in finding services for our children. We were equally astounded at the numbers of children of color being diagnosed, or misdiagnosed with autism and the fact that most of these children were being diagnosed two years later than the general populous.

We now know that the only scientifically proven way to guarantee positive outcomes for children with autism and other developmental disorders is early diagnosis and intensive early intervention. Called applied behavior analysis, this early intervention is a very systematic way to teach our children about how to cope with our environment and must begin at a very early stage when the brain is still developing. We have to teach them how to function our world.

Unfortunately, most children of color are not generally diagnosed until age five years, while others are diagnosed and begin treatment by age three years. Later diagnosis equals later treatment, coupled with the fact that people of color generally have fewer resources from the start.

33 comments:

  1. I am so glad to have found your blog and I intend to start one of my own.
    I have a son with Aspergers and I did not know it until recently.
    He is in the juvenile system and I am trying to get him the help he needs
    and get him out of the wrong hands.
    Aspergers and Autism is not understood by the juvenile courts and these
    children do not understand their miranda rights and the expectations placed before them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HOW EDWARD LOAN COMPANY GRANTED ME A BUSINESS LOAN!!!
      Hello everyone, I am Oliver Johnson Moore from Zurich Switzerland and want to use this medium to express gratitude to EDWARD JONES for fulfilling his promise by granting me a loan, i was stuck in a financial situation and needed to refinance and pay my bills as well as start up a Business. I tried seeking for loans from various loan firms both private and corporate organisations but never succeeded and most banks declined my credit request. But as God would have it, i was introduced by a friend named Lisa Rice to EDWARD JONES LOAN COMPANY and undergone the due process of obtaining a loan from the company, to my greatest surprise within 28hrs just like my friend Lisa, i was also granted a loan of $387,000.00; So my advise to everyone who desires a loan, "if you must contact any firm with reference to securing a loan online with low interest rate of 2% and better repayment plans/schedule, please contact EDWARD JONES LOAN COMPANY. Besides, he doesn't know that am doing this but due to the joy in me, i'm so happy and wish to let people know more about this great company whom truly give out loans, it is my prayer that GOD should bless them more as they put smiles on peoples faces. You can contact them via email on {Jonesloanfinance@yahoo.com} or Text +1(307) 241-3712

      Delete
    2. Testimony on how i got my LOAN from fundingloanplc@yahoo.com

      I'm Isabella Tyson from 1910 N Halsted St Unit 3, Chicago IL60614 USA,, i have been searching for a genuine loan company for the past few months and all i got was bunch of scams who made me to trust them and at the end of the day took my money without giving anything in return, all hope was lost i got confused and frustrated, i find it very difficult to feed my family and vowed never to have anything to do with loan companies on net and went to seek of assistance from a very good friend which i explained all my experience regarding online companies with and said he can help me that he knows of a Godsent and well known company called FUNDING CIRCLE PLC, he stated he just got a loan from them although i was still very unsure about this company due to my past experience but i decided to give it a try and did as i was directed by my friend and applied, i never believed but i tried and to my greatest surprise i received my loan in my bank account within 24 hours, i could not believe that i would stand on my feet financially again. I’m glad I took the risk and applied for the loan and today i'm thanking God that such loan companies still exist and promise to share the good news to people who are in need of financial assistance because the rate of scams on net is getting very serious and i don't want people to fall victim when we still have genuine and Godsent lenders.. You can contact this Godsent company using the information as stated and be a partaker of this great testimony.. Email: fundingloanplc@yahoo.com OR Call/Text +14067326622 thanks


      Delete
    3. I AM FINIALLY OUT FINANCIAL BONDAGE THANKS TO MOORE LOAN COMPANY (mooreloancompany@yahoo.com)
      Or text +1(414) 454-9493..


      Good day everyone,I can’t hide this great testimony that took place in my life I will love everyone to know it and be a partaker of this, that is why I want to share it to the whole world by placing this advert on classifieds, I am Mr Morgan Smith by name, I live in Chicago, United State, I want to thank ROBBINSON MOORE for his kindness upon my family life, I never knew that there is still a sincere and trustworthy lender like this on the internet and on earth. Just some days I was in search for a loan of $ 150,000.00, As I was in search of funds to start up a business. I was scammed about $15,000.00 dollars and I decided not to involve my self in such business again. But a Friend of mine introduced me to a loan firm due to my appearance and doings and also my complains to her. And I told her that I am not interested in any loan deal anymore but she told me that there is still a sincere lender who she will recommend me to, And she gave me the details of this man who is called MOORE ROBBINSON. And I really put a trial and I am most greatful and lucky today, I was given a loan amount of $95,000,00 Dollars by this great firm MOORE LOAN COMPANY. If you are in need of a genuine, Sincere, durable and a truth worthy loan lender or financial assistance and also you know you can be reliable and trusted, capable of paying back at the due / duration time of the funds I will advice you to send your contact to them via email @[ mooreloancompany@yahoo.com] OR Text +1(414) 454-9493 .

      Delete
    4. HOW I GOT CURE TO MY HERPES WITH THE HELP OF DR EBAKO NATURAL HERBS CURE WHATSAPP HIM ON +1 (213) 861-9461


      I can’t believe this. A great testimony that i must share to all HERPES patient in the world i never believed that their could be any complete cure for HERPES or any cure for HERPES,i saw people’s testimony on sites of how DR EBAKO prepare herbal cure and brought them back to life again. i had to try it too and you can,t believe that in just few weeks i started using it all my pains stop gradually and i had to leave without the HERPES DRUGS the doctor gave to me. Right now i can tell you that few months now i have not had any pain,delay in treatment leads to death. Here is his email: doctorebakospellhome@gmail.com his WHATSAPP number is +1 (213) 861-9461
      https://drebakocurehome.blogspot.com/
      http://drebakocurehome.over-blog.com
      he can also cure you from
      HPV
      HIV
      HIV2
      Hepatitis B
      Diabetes
      etc
      his Facebook page
      @drebakocurehome

      Delete
    5. I am here to testify about a great herbal spell caster called Dr.ezomo who
      helped me cure my HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS . I was infected with HERPES SIMPLEX
      VIRUS in 2015, i went to many hospitals for cure but there was no solution,
      so I was thinking how can I get a solution out so that my body can be okay.
      So One day I went on line on the Internet to know more clue about the
      Herpes Simplex Virus i came across a review of a lady saying that she got
      her Herpes Simplex Virus cured by A great herbal spell caster Called Dr.
      ezomo. And she also went as far to drop an email address and including Dr.
      Ezomo telephone number and advise anyone to contact Dr. ezomo for any kind
      of help. So i gave a try by contacting him . his email and explain my
      problem to him. He told me all the things I need to do and also give me
      instructions to take, which I followed properly. Before I knew what is
      happening after two weeks the HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS that was in my body got
      vanished . so if you are also heart broken by any deadly diseases like
      HERPES, HIV, shingles, low sperm count, HPV, Cancer, Hepatitis B, etc this
      great man is extremely the best in which I have seen and applauds and if
      you also need a help in curing any kind of disease, you can also email him
      via: dr.ezomorootandherbals@gmail.com or whapps number +2349069171173
      He can also cure so many sickness

      Delete
  2. To begin with, allow me personally to say that your page is great.

    we adore the theme that you have got. It was really effortless regarding the eyes.
    Appreciate your write-up additionally. Simply subscribed to your feed to
    assure we won't become missing out on any sort of the current. Great job! Cheers to a successful enterprise

    My homepage :: bad acne pictures

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.



    My site :: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVyxml5n0wo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Many of us believes, pleasant online business is definitely
    simply an easy option to create funds if you have got the right knowledge of every qxbid part about it.


    Also visit my blog post :: how to make money online with online video marketing

    ReplyDelete
  5. When some one searches for his vital thing, thus he/she
    wishes to be available that in detail, therefore that thing
    is maintained over here.

    Feel free to visit my web page; http://www.groppy.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are truly enormous ideas in about blogging.
    You have touched some nice things here. Any way keep up wrinting.


    Also visit my weblog - herbal male enhancements

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi I reach this website by mistakes after i was searching bing for acne issue,
    I produce to say your site is really priceless I furthermore really love the artwork, the amazing!
    . I don't have the valuable time at the event to completely browse your website but we have bookmarked it. I will feel in return in a time or two. thanks

    Here is my page acne scar lotion

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow! Finally I got a weblog from where I know how to in
    fact take helpful information concerning my study
    and knowledge.

    Here is my weblog :: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/somanabolic-muscle-maximizer-review-important-information-factors-in-nutrition-to-build-lean-muscles-247681.htm

    ReplyDelete
  9. My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was totally right.

    This post actually made my day. You cann't imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

    Here is my web site love poem tattoo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed
    reading it, you could be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will often come back in
    the foreseeable future. I want to encourage one to continue your great writing,
    have a nice day!

    Visit my site: wakacje

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar
    to this take a large amount of work? I've virtually no
    expertise in coding however I was hoping to start my
    own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any recommendations
    or techniques for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject nevertheless I simply
    had to ask. Thanks a lot!

    my web site: cheap world cup jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  12. naturally like your website howevesr you need to take a look
    at the spelling on several of your posts. Many of
    them are rife witgh spelling probleems and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth however I will certainly come back
    again.

    Also visit my web blog; fatt burning workouts ()

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's in fact very difficult in this active life to listen news on TV,
    so I just use web for that reason, and get the hottest news.


    My webpage; birthday quotes (http://asdtoscoligure.altervista.org/?p=3)

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just found this blog and hope it is still active. My husband just recieved custody of his 15 year old son who has been in and out of acute stay facilities and who has not recieved regular medical and BH follow up with his mother. He is now been introduced to the legal system while we are still trying to work on an actual diagnosis of suspected Autism along with ED, PTSD, and bipolar... all of which relate back to what we suspect is Autism never diagnosed nor addressed. How do we respect the legal system and the fact he did do something wrong with advocating for him.... please any sugestions!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. HOW EDWARD LOAN COMPANY GRANTED ME A BUSINESS LOAN!!!
    Hello everyone, I am Oliver Johnson Moore from Zurich Switzerland and want to use this medium to express gratitude to EDWARD JONES for fulfilling his promise by granting me a loan, i was stuck in a financial situation and needed to refinance and pay my bills as well as start up a Business. I tried seeking for loans from various loan firms both private and corporate organisations but never succeeded and most banks declined my credit request. But as God would have it, i was introduced by a friend named Lisa Rice to EDWARD JONES LOAN COMPANY and undergone the due process of obtaining a loan from the company, to my greatest surprise within 28hrs just like my friend Lisa, i was also granted a loan of $387,000.00; So my advise to everyone who desires a loan, "if you must contact any firm with reference to securing a loan online with low interest rate of 2% and better repayment plans/schedule, please contact EDWARD JONES LOAN COMPANY. Besides, he doesn't know that am doing this but due to the joy in me, i'm so happy and wish to let people know more about this great company whom truly give out loans, it is my prayer that GOD should bless them more as they put smiles on peoples faces. You can contact them via email on {Jonesloanfinance@yahoo.com} or Text +1(307) 241-3712

    ReplyDelete
  17. Testimony on how i got my LOAN from fundingloanplc@yahoo.com

    I'm Isabella Tyson from 1910 N Halsted St Unit 3, Chicago IL60614 USA,, i have been searching for a genuine loan company for the past few months and all i got was bunch of scams who made me to trust them and at the end of the day took my money without giving anything in return, all hope was lost i got confused and frustrated, i find it very difficult to feed my family and vowed never to have anything to do with loan companies on net and went to seek of assistance from a very good friend which i explained all my experience regarding online companies with and said he can help me that he knows of a Godsent and well known company called FUNDING CIRCLE PLC, he stated he just got a loan from them although i was still very unsure about this company due to my past experience but i decided to give it a try and did as i was directed by my friend and applied, i never believed but i tried and to my greatest surprise i received my loan in my bank account within 24 hours, i could not believe that i would stand on my feet financially again. I’m glad I took the risk and applied for the loan and today i'm thanking God that such loan companies still exist and promise to share the good news to people who are in need of financial assistance because the rate of scams on net is getting very serious and i don't want people to fall victim when we still have genuine and Godsent lenders.. You can contact this Godsent company using the information as stated and be a partaker of this great testimony.. Email: fundingloanplc@yahoo.com OR Call/Text +14067326622 thanks


    ReplyDelete
  18. RECENTLY CURED FROM HIV ..hello, i am very happy to inform you that i am finally cured from HIV virus with the use of herbal medicine, the herbal medicine cured me completely and i was tested negative after usege, i am using this means to inform other''s who have the virus that there is a cure for HIV. it is absolutley true, this is not a scam. i confirm it my self and i am a living withness to it. i was cured by Dr.Camala, only him i can recognise who cure hiv perfectly well the rest other doctor are scams . i will advice you to contact this great doctor who GOD sent to put an end to the sorrow life of HIV, his email is dr.camalahivadscure@yahoo.com WHATSAPP +2349055637784, he can also cure other disease as well.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I AM FINIALLY OUT FINANCIAL BONDAGE THANKS TO MOORE LOAN COMPANY (mooreloancompany@yahoo.com)
    Or text +1(414) 454-9493..


    Good day everyone,I can’t hide this great testimony that took place in my life I will love everyone to know it and be a partaker of this, that is why I want to share it to the whole world by placing this advert on classifieds, I am Mr Morgan Smith by name, I live in Chicago, United State, I want to thank ROBBINSON MOORE for his kindness upon my family life, I never knew that there is still a sincere and trustworthy lender like this on the internet and on earth. Just some days I was in search for a loan of $ 150,000.00, As I was in search of funds to start up a business. I was scammed about $15,000.00 dollars and I decided not to involve my self in such business again. But a Friend of mine introduced me to a loan firm due to my appearance and doings and also my complains to her. And I told her that I am not interested in any loan deal anymore but she told me that there is still a sincere lender who she will recommend me to, And she gave me the details of this man who is called MOORE ROBBINSON. And I really put a trial and I am most greatful and lucky today, I was given a loan amount of $95,000,00 Dollars by this great firm MOORE LOAN COMPANY. If you are in need of a genuine, Sincere, durable and a truth worthy loan lender or financial assistance and also you know you can be reliable and trusted, capable of paying back at the due / duration time of the funds I will advice you to send your contact to them via email @[ mooreloancompany@yahoo.com] OR Text +1(414) 454-9493 .

    ReplyDelete
  20. HOW I GOT CURE TO MY HERPES WITH THE HELP OF DR EBAKO NATURAL HERBS CURE WHATSAPP HIM ON +1 (213) 861-9461


    I can’t believe this. A great testimony that i must share to all HERPES patient in the world i never believed that their could be any complete cure for HERPES or any cure for HERPES,i saw people’s testimony on sites of how DR EBAKO prepare herbal cure and brought them back to life again. i had to try it too and you can,t believe that in just few weeks i started using it all my pains stop gradually and i had to leave without the HERPES DRUGS the doctor gave to me. Right now i can tell you that few months now i have not had any pain,delay in treatment leads to death. Here is his email: doctorebakospellhome@gmail.com his WHATSAPP number is +1 (213) 861-9461
    https://drebakocurehome.blogspot.com/
    http://drebakocurehome.over-blog.com
    he can also cure you from
    HPV
    HIV
    HIV2
    Hepatitis B
    Diabetes
    etc
    his Facebook page
    @drebakocurehome

    ..........................

    ReplyDelete

  21. I am Harry Grace, from New York, USA I can’t stop thanking DR boadi for this Great thing that he has done in my life, I am so grateful to him, i was suffering from HIV virus for 11years,when i contacted DR boadi after reading the wonderful testimony that people has been sharing about him. I have being on medication and trying looking for cure to my ailment. I went through internet doctors and i contacted a Trade medical/Traditional doctor named, Dr boadi for help. He give me all his rules and regulations,that if he cured me that I should write about him on internet site and that is what I’m doing now. He assure me that he will cure me with his herbal medicine which he really did, and I’m now completely cured from HIV virus. What will i say rather than thanking him for saving me. Why suffering in silence when there is remedy to your diseases Dr Boadi also specialize in curing the following disease:
    *HIV/Aids
    *Kidney failure
    *Arthritis
    *Diabetes
    *Hypertension
    *Stroke
    *Obesity
    *Infertility/Impotency
    *Cancer
    *Eye Problem
    *Skin Problem
    *Fibroid Tumor
    *Ulcer
    *Prostate Problem
    *Asthma
    *Weight Management
    *Gonorrhea/Staphylococcus
    *Candide
    *Low sperm can
    *Weak erection
    *Weak ejaculation
    *Pile
    *Elephantiasis
    *Skin Infection
    *Paralysis e.t.c
    *If you want your ex back.
    *If you always have bad dreams.
    *Herpes
    *Hpv
    *If you want to be promoted in your office. For more information contact Dr boadi via email:(drgodstimeboadi@gmail .com), you can also call him on his mobile number or WhatsApp +2348144964531

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am here to testify about a great herbal spell caster called Dr.ezomo who
    helped me cure my HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS . I was infected with HERPES SIMPLEX
    VIRUS in 2015, i went to many hospitals for cure but there was no solution,
    so I was thinking how can I get a solution out so that my body can be okay.
    So One day I went on line on the Internet to know more clue about the
    Herpes Simplex Virus i came across a review of a lady saying that she got
    her Herpes Simplex Virus cured by A great herbal spell caster Called Dr.
    ezomo. And she also went as far to drop an email address and including Dr.
    Ezomo telephone number and advise anyone to contact Dr. ezomo for any kind
    of help. So i gave a try by contacting him . his email and explain my
    problem to him. He told me all the things I need to do and also give me
    instructions to take, which I followed properly. Before I knew what is
    happening after two weeks the HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS that was in my body got
    vanished . so if you are also heart broken by any deadly diseases like
    HERPES, HIV, shingles, low sperm count, HPV, Cancer, Hepatitis B, etc this
    great man is extremely the best in which I have seen and applauds and if
    you also need a help in curing any kind of disease, you can also email him
    via: dr.ezomorootandherbals@gmail.com or whapps number +2349069171173
    He can also cure so many sickness

    ReplyDelete