Momfrommo: A couple of questions: 1) was your daughter in any way your son's "victim"? If not, if he were home would he be allowed to live at home due to SO supervision restrictions (like the location of the school, the park, the day care and churches?) In many/most states those restrictions apply whether or not the specific offense involved minors.) 2) Where does his victim/ his victims relatives live in relation to where you live.and do they have real objections/ how is the victims advocate feel and does the victim still "live in fear" 3) I'm assuming you expect your son to come home and live with you? But if he can't come home to your home, where can he live upon re-entry? What's plan B?
And 4) Why can't/ isn't your daughter's therapist writing the letter and attaching her letters and maybe from teachers as to your daughter's state of mind? I really doubt that teachers at your son's previous school (or teachers who don't know now) would be able (for legal reasons) to write letters. If the school didn't protect her from being bullied, why would they write letters now? 5) Letters like this sound like they might be more effective as part of a packet presented at you son's parole hearing. So, when is his next best chance of getting a date with the board?

Sorry to be such a wet blanket, I am not from MO and my state is very restrictive However maybe you should think about this stuff, maybe even talk to your son's lawyer and figure out if these questions are relevant to your son and your daughter's situation before you proceed.
It really sounds like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place with this issue...And I am truly sorry.

In Canada, our justice system likes to see if the inmate has strong family supports in the community. Perhaps writing about your strong bond, and willingness to support your son/brother emotionally, and with his transition into the community, might make a difference. It may not help, but it certainly can't hurt.

I agree with the above post. You are in a difficult situation. But please try. You never know how a heartfelt worded letter may help. You're in my thoughts.

Good Luck.

Janet:
1) no my daughter was not the "victim".. We do have residency restrictions and I have checked things out and we r far enough away from the closest park, school or daycare..
2)his victim doesn't live in our immediate area/neighborhood.. I don't know how her and her family feel cause we have no contact.. It was a stupid teen choice to have an adult relationship..
3)we have started trying come up with a place B.. We have no other friends or family he could stay with that r far enough from restricted areas or have no children in the home.. Getting arrested at 17, not finishing school and having NO work history at all are going to complicate figuring put our a B
4)I hadn't thought bout talking with her counselor about that, ty for the idea.. She had be pulled from school and is now homeschooled.. There's only 3 specific ppl from the school I want to talk to about letters.. His administrator, cause she actually just a few wks ago called me to check in on how my son is doing and has shown a lot of concern.. I also thought about asking his 2 case managers he had for his IEP (he has a mild learning disability) because they have tried to stay updated and shown concern as well..
5)it probably would all be presented together.. At the moment he hasn't even been sentenced yet.. He's sitting in our county jail.. Has been for 7 months.. Each month we go to court and they continue it.. His next court date is the 19th..

And your not being a wet blanket.. Any thoughts and ideas can help.. His attorney has said character letters can be written and may help..

Ty guys.. I'm just so overwhelmed and have never gone thru anything like this..

Some questions.....what are your sons charges? Did he plead to them or have a jury trial and was convicted? How many years is he facing? Has his attorney told you what the district attorney is asking for? Is it going to be an argued sentencing hearing or agreed upon?

I can help you with this. It is more important than you realize. I will send you a message.

I am so sorry. Sounds like you really have thought this through. Letters from school teachers who know and care really might help. You know, In (my) state the treatment of Juveniles who make mistakes is the point at which I have decided to begin to advocate for a more sensible approach. I too want to keep kids at or near home (not in prison or even county jail) and keep them off the Official (over 21) Sex Offender Registry I think all those parents/grandparents who remember their own youthful "misadventures" need to a wake-up call. They know that their teen is only one impulsive mistake away from being adjudicated and placed on the Official (over 21) Sex Offender Registry.
Middle Class parents and families can't just go on oblivious to the pain the AWA causes, they cannot just go on ignoring the damage, thinking "there but for the grace of God...) and ignoring the situation...I think advocacy might be the wake up call they need to protect their own teens before they too find themselves in county jail.
Anyway I can tell you are a strong advocate for your son and daughter and I wish you (and them) all the very best.

I have been considering advocating publicly too.. Especially on the teen/juvenile level.. Its such a mess.. Just don't know where to start and think I need get more figured out for my family first.. I don't want to get too much on my plate.. Right now my top priority is getting my son able to come home to us where he belongs...