<p>D is enrolled in a curriculum in which the class spends one day a week at a prison for incarcerated youth. In a classroom setting, the young men there earn college credit as they learn and interact with D and her classmates. D shared her life story with one young man, and at the next meeting he gave her his written autobiography.</p>
<p>His first arrest was at age 11. He is now 17. His gang members are supporting his sick mother and baby. He wants to turn his life around, attend college, get a job. In a few months he will be released from prison and on his own. Where is his support net?</p>
<p>D is terribly upset that our criminal justice system will punish, rehabilitate and then push these kids out to fend for themselves. Does anyone know what government or social agencies exist to help this young man? Can he get a scholarship to attend community college for example, or $$$ to pay for housing, food, medical care for his baby and mother?</p>
<p>No, I’m sorry. The government does not just hand out scholarships and or free money to magically and instantly make a convicts life better. If he is genuine about reforming, he cannot bank his entire future on expecting government handouts. He has to work for his GED, get a job, and then focus on higher education. I’m sure many private charities or even high school groups/counselors can assist him.</p>
<p>“Government or social agencies”—maybe I didn’t make it clear that private agencies are included. If anyone can suggest names of specific private agencies, I’d like to know. And I believe he does have a GED or similar, or he would not be enrolled in this college class.</p>