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THE PESA POST
The latest news, views and announcements from
Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action

May 26, 2022
GRANDMA KNOWS BEST
Teen Court, PESA and a caring guardian keep a teen on the straight and narrow
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can have profound implications. In the case of Lawrence (not his real name), the 15-year-old boy with ADHD was hanging out with a neighborhood boy 4 years his senior. While the two were out on a bike ride, Lawrence stopped into a nearby mobile phone store to pay his bill. When he came out, the older boy told him to watch their bikes while he stepped into the store. Moments later, he rushed out saying, “let’s go!” and off they went—with Lawrence unaware the young man had stolen a phone. They were quickly apprehended, and though Lawrence had no knowledge of what had occurred, he was implicated in the crime. 

By going through the Teen Court program, which included counseling and tutoring administered by PESA as part of the terms of diversion, Lawrence ultimately had the incident expunged. But there was one other party who was key to ensuring this positive outcome: His fiercely loyal and loving grandmother, Mary Lee. Having a parent or guardian consistently involved throughout a Teen Court case is critical to a successful resolution, as this adult figure in the youth’s life can be a stabilizing force and help to ensure the youngster meets their terms of diversion.

“I wanted to be sure he understood the ramifications of what had happened,” says Lee. “Even though at just 15 years old, he wasn’t fully conscious of the consequences of his actions, it could have been something that followed him his whole life.”

Not to mention what potentially could have happened with police responding to a report of theft suspects fleeing a business. “You can walk down the street these days doing nothing and lose your life,” she says, “so if there’s a predicated incident that infers you are doing something, you’re at even more risk.”

Thankfully, it didn’t come to that, and today, Lawrence is doing great, according to Lee. His grades are good, he has enjoyed the supportive counseling and, she says, “I am seeing him growing by leaps and bounds.” Added bonus: She says, the boy’s father has become more engaged and realized, “he needs to help.”

“If you want to bake a cake,” Lee says while proudly displaying Lawrence’s certificate of completion, “you have to put in the right ingredients. The same with people: You have put in certain things—nurturing, showing, molding—and it’s not always instant manifestation. But if you put in the ingredients, one day when it all activates, you’re gonna get something out of it."

“Lawrence says I’m always preaching,” she adds with a knowing laugh, “but I just say, ‘as long as you’re getting the message!’”

If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.