Discuss the potential factors that could have influenced John’s behavior. Also, explain what treatment options alternative to incarceration would you recommended to his attorney. What would be the treatment model? What would this treatment look like?

Case details: John is a twenty-two years old caucasian male who was recently arrested for Armed Robbery. His lawyer is trying to find mitigating factors that could potentially decrease his sentence and/or charges. The following is John’s background as gathered from clinical and collateral interviews:

John’s mother described him as a “handful.” She spoke to how he was always a fussy baby and that she was never able to soothe him, often leaving him to cry in his crib. She reported that as a toddler and in his early years of development he did not get along with other children, to the point that she was often called to the school because he would either bite or hit other students. Teachers reported to her how he presented as highly disruptive in class, often talking out of turn, running around the room and not responding to redirection by the teacher. He was enrolled in Emotionally Handicapped classes for students with behavioral problems, but the mother noted how she did not believe that he needed this program and it was “really the teachers’ faults for not controlling him.”

The Department of Children (DCF) reports indicate that a neighbor had contacted DCF after seeing John and his brother playing in their front yard for several hours because they were locked out of the house (John was five at the time and his brother was eight). The collateral data in the DCF reports also reflect how the children had often shown up at school dirty and disheveled looking during their middle school years.

As John became older, he reportedly continued to struggle in school, both academically and socially. Review of his criminal background reflect a juvenile delinquency history related to issues with truancy, breaking curfew and underage drinking. He was reportedly placed in an alternative school in the 10th grade after being expelled due to a teacher finding him smoking cannabis with his friends in the boys’ restroom at school. He was placed in an alcohol and substance abuse treatment program at age 16 but did not complete it. His brother also has a similar juvenile history related to drugs. His brother is currently incarcerated for possession of cocaine.

Sample Solution

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Share

Share

Share

Share

Share