Update on my son...

[Stephanie in FL]

First, thank you for all of your prayers, thoughts and words of encouragement. They really mean a lot to my family and me right now.

Last night, we heard from the officer who arrested my son around 11:00 and he informed us that he was going to juvenile detention. Currently, he has four charges against him, two of them felonies, and one pending while they are still investigating to see if something was stolen, which would be a third felony. While this is very difficult for us, we pray that he can possibly get the help that he needs, since the charges are so serious. He has a diagnosed mental health condition and has not been going for treatment since he has the right to refuse. After speaking with law enforcement and the department of juvenile justice, they seem optimistic that he will get court ordered treatment. He did appear before a judge this morning and we will know more on Monday. Most likely, he will be held until arraignment, which could be for two weeks.

One of the difficult things for me is that I cannot go to visit him at this time. He is being held 70 miles away and due to where I am in my pregnancy, I cannot travel.

Again, thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for peace, wisdom, strength, patience, and love.

[Amy in Orlando]

(((Stephanie))) We'll keep praying for all of you.

[orangeblossom]

..........

[Basketmaker Amy]

I'll keep you in my prayers. ((hugs))

[OnTheBrink]

I can't imagine how stressful this is on you and your family. ((((HUGS))))

[Denise in IN]

I'm continuing to pray for you and your family. Praying that your son's mind and heart will be opened to the truth and receive the help and healing he needs. ((((Stephanie))))

[Chris in VA]

My son was ordered to treatment--it really is a good option. I hope it works for him.
Let me caution you--do not use a Keystone treatment center. We have had a very bad experience overall there (Newport News), and we hear several other locations aren't that good, either.
If he is put in residential, do you have some idea where? If he is a Christian, and you prefer Christian treatment, there is an excellent one in Arkansas, near Little Rock. It's called Capstone. Ds lasted 4 days, but it would have been great. Your son may be ordered to locked treatment.

[Serendipity]

Thanks for the update. I'm sorry. I know your heart must be breaking. :( I'll keep all of you in my prayers.

[DIY-DY]

Oh, {{{Stephanie}}}. Thank you for the update. I know this isn't the one you wanted to write. Someday, something will click, and he will see all these people who are there for him, wanting to help him, and willing to help him. I pray that day comes soon.

How are you feeling, btw? Nearing the end! You won't always be bedridden! {{hugs}}

[mommylaw]

I will continue to pray for your family.

[Stephanie in FL]

Thanks Dy.
I was feeling pretty awful the past couple of days but amazingly enough today has been a good day. I know that it has to be everyone praying for us during this time.

[Jackie in AR]

(((Stephanie)))

We've had experience with a niece who was gone several times for sometimes months when she was a teen, so I know a little about what you are experiencing.

I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

[Janna]

Stephanie, thank you for the update. I'm sorry this is happening, and so close to your due date too that you can't travel. That makes me sad for all of you. Continued prayers...

Btw, did you ever read that book I suggested..."Crazy"? If so, what did you think of it? Did it sound pretty familiar to you - how the system works and all?

Peace to you and lots of hugs,
Janna

[Cathy in IL]

Thank you for the update. I had been praying about your son and your family. I hope this helps him get the help he needs.

[Stephanie in FL]

Yes, Janna, I did read it and it is very accurate. I have really felt like I need to do something proactive in the system somehow to help other families. I know of so many others here who are going through bad things too. Friday, I had to run to the library really quick to pick up books. When I arrived there, there was Kerry Sanders from NBC news doing a story about our little town, Mount Dora the economy, how has the real estate boomed etc. He was asking if we voted, because early voted started. While I waddled out of the library he asked if I voted that day, I just said no and went to the car where my husband was waiting. Afterwards I thought I should have said something about what is going on with the juvenile justice system, mental health, in this state.

Well, I need to run. Today my dd, age 2, has been throwing up. Ds, 12 is still hacking. Not a fun day.