Juvenile Justice Success Stories in Alaska
Tom (name changed to protect privacy) was referred to the Juvenile Justice field office in Homer in January 2007 after being adjudicated on a felony possession of marijuana charge in Arizona. At the time of his move to Homer, he had met with his Arizona probation officer one time. He was angry, resentful and appeared to be depressed. He continued with this attitude, stating he was very angry at the police, authority and the government and had no respect for the authority in this country. Tom was adamant that he would never give up smoking marijuana and that as a musician and self-described “hippie” he would not be able to be creative and play music if he abstained from marijuana. His mother was also very frustrated and angry at her son.
The Juvenile Probation Officer and his substance abuse counselors worked diligently with Tom to overcome his resistance. His substance abuse counselor referred him to another counselor who was a musician, and Tom slowly began to turn himself around. He played his guitar for his substance abuse group and received positive feedback from both staff and residents regarding his talent. In May Tom graduated from Cook Inlet Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and completed his community work service by working at the Salvation Army and obtained full-time employment.
When his quarterly report was sent to Arizona, this officer made the recommendation that Tom be released from supervision. In July Arizona responded with not only a release from supervision, but a modification of the charges from a felony to misdemeanor. Tom was able to shake this officer’s hand and say, “Thank you, I am glad you made me go to treatment.” Tom continues to work full time and is enrolled in university.