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 and Care 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 he fears gang activity in the city. After an arrest on an assault charge when he pulled the knife at school, Alvin was arraigned at the local court. His Probation Officer then called IHR’s Youth Central Intake and Care Coordination program to identify a possible treatment bed for him

Alvin was admitted to Project Rebound in Quincy, where his substance abuse, his fears, andmemories of traumatic and violent events from his home country, were addressed by trained counselors. He was provided with assistance around schooling and clearing up his arrest record. He is now home, still participating in rebound’s aftercare program, and trying to mentor his younger brother and help him stay “out of trouble”.