We first met “Gerard” as a 10th grader who had clearly been through more than most kids his age. After the death of his grandfather, who was his legal guardian, he was rejected and abandoned by the rest of his family. Soon, he became homeless and disconnected from school. When he got arrested, it was for a minor trespassing charge–he had been sleeping in the closet of a house that he thought was unoccupied. The homeowner found him the next morning and called the police, concerned for the young boy’s well-being.
Instead of receiving the help he desperately needed, Gerard encountered the full force of the juvenile legal system. Despite the lesser nature of his charges, his judge detained him for several days for his own “safety.” LCCR immediately advocated for his release, noting that jail is no place for kids and would do nothing to address his real need for stable housing. Gerard was soon released. Unfortunately, his brief detainment led to severe collateral consequences. He lost all of his worldly possessions, including vital documents, clothing, and the only picture he had left of his deceased grandfather. He was heartbroken to lose the few remaining keepsakes of his former life.
When he left jail, LCCR got to work securing a placement for Gerard in a local youth shelter. His lawyer, Sam, bought him a hot meal before driving him over there. The next day, feeling more secure, Gerard called LCCR for help. With only $50 to his name, he asked for a ride to Goodwill so that he could buy some new clothing. All he wanted was to be able to change into some clean clothes after showering. We took him shopping for essentials and clothes, utilizing money from LCCR’s Small Favors Fund. Additionally, we helped him replace his lost documents. We also helped him enroll in a HiSET program, enabling him to get back on track with earning his degree.
Throughout our work with him, Gerard seemed surprised that his team was genuinely helping him and treating him with dignity. As he opened up over time, we discovered that Gerard was a kind-hearted, brave kid who was simply trying his best to survive. He began to trust his team, and they helped him gain confidence in advocating for himself.
Gerard has continued to stay at the youth shelter and off the streets. His LCCR team hopes to close his case later this year. In the meantime, we continue to provide him with support, resources, and guidance.
In the past, Gerard thought planning for the future was impossible because his life was consumed by daily survival. Now, with a stable living situation and a supportive team, Gerard can begin to explore what he wants for his life.
Gerard’s experience highlights a broader issue within the juvenile legal system: even minor interactions with the system can have profound and lasting impacts on young lives. When we default to incarceration, even for very minor acts, we are harming the children most in need of help. Gerard didn’t need to be jailed for being homeless; he needed support and resources. His story underscores the importance of advocating for alternatives to incarceration, especially for kids like Gerard. Like any child, they deserve the opportunity to plan for a brighter future while supported by the community around them.
