Project Spotlight: Youth Central Intake & Care Coordination*
Alvin, a 16-year-old boy whose family has recently moved to the New Bedford area from Chile, was recently evaluated by IHR’s Youth Central Intake Coordinator. Alvin had been suspended from high school three times for carrying a knife into school, and was suspected of being involved with a local gang. His parents have limited English and his father beat him severely when Alvin was arrested after one of his school suspensions and brought to court on charges of drunk and disorderly and possession of a dangerous weapon. When interviewed in court, Alvin indicated that he smokes marijuana daily, supplements it with alcohol, and has no interests other than smoking and drinking. He carries the knife for protection and is constantly on guard as … read more*To protect client confidentiality, names have been changed, and pictures are stock photographs.