It started out as what some would consider a teenage prank. But that’s not where it ended.
A 17-year-old boy was detained by law enforcement and placed under the supervision of Juvenile Services (JS) where one of the next steps was attendance at Day School.
He has fulfilled his requirements but remains on bond supervision as ordered by the court.
“I think it is important to own up to things when you do something you shouldn’t and be held accountable for it,” the teenager said. “Part of this was going to Day School, where I felt welcomed and comfortable in a more relaxed classroom with just a few students. This really helped me.”
The teenager has fulfilled his requirements in the classroom and online to earn his high school diploma. He works 30 to 40 hours a week at a local business and is interested in management training when the opportunity arises.
“I will continue to work and save money, and then go to college,” he commented. “I am considering Washburn University because they offer a dual-degree program in business and law. I think attorneys are needed in Kansas so I might stick around here after I finish my education.”
The teenager also expressed his appreciation to the JS staff. “They were non-judgmental and patient with me. They encouraged me and helped me get back on the right path. They really helped me a lot.”
Mike Daniel
As the JS assistant director and Day School supervisor, Mike Daniel noted that once the teenager realized what he had done was a felony, “he was kind of scared when he considered the totality of his mistake. Right off, he asked what he should do. My first advice was to finish school to show the judge he can behave and be responsible.
“He became motivated to prove that he realizes he made a serious mistake. He had a lot of cheerleaders at Juvenile Services and in the school district. He did well in Day School and now looks forward to getting out on his own and continuing his education.”
Daniel outlined a few of the basics about Day School, noting the maximum number of students is seven, while three or four is common.
Offenses that can lead to Day School include drinking, vaping and truancy, as well as a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies.
The classroom schedule is 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The students work online from home on Mondays and Fridays. An average stay in Day School is a couple of months.
“The schools and Juvenile Services work closely together to see who could benefit from Day School,” Daniel said. “Both entities can recommend attendance. And if students don’t show up there is follow-up - immediately. We know when they are supposed to be here.”
Community Case Manager Laura Mason and other JS staff members fill in for Daniel from time to time.
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
