Families of SOs Community Group
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Hello I am new here, desperately in need of support. I'm finding it more difficult than ever with the lack of support for so's and their families . My son was just sentenced a couple days ago 7 yrs. I have been crying for literally 8 months straight. The judge said "I don't feel you are a danger to children or a predator " yet she gave him more than what the plea bargain agreement was and to make it worse life probation. If she admitted she did not feel he was a danger to children why heap more coal on him. Why? I don't understand the purpose. I feel so isolated and alone. So's are treated worse than any other Why. They deserve a second chance too. When they are released they enter a different type of forever prison on the outside. Talking about any other crime and their rehabilitation is acceptable in society except this one. The minute people hear SO they turn their back on the so and the family. Its already happening. Im really grieving the loss now and the loss of life he'll never have again. I've lost close family already. I love my son and will continue to be his only support as best I can. I want to fight the registry but, not sure how. These guys deserve a second chance the registry destroys hope of that.
Thank you for letting me vent and be a part of the group. I have faith in God but, being able to have someone in your life that understands is really going to help
Can relate, my son is also in prison for sexual contact with a minor. You are right, in prison is one thing, getting out and registering for the better part of their lives is almost worse !.I love my son, too. And I support him, visit him and make sure he has what he needs in prison. Being in prison is not cheap, either. But, it is what it is right now. Your son needs to take every certificate course he can take and work in the kitchen or some other job that provides a quiet dorm and a safer environment than the general population. He needs to keep to himself, avoid fights and just read and better himself while incarcerated. Make the best of a bad situation, that's the best he can do.
There are organizations that help when they get out, to a certain degree. Housing, finding jobs, registering and reporting will be a challenge I am sure. I am not looking forward to that, though I want him out with all my heart.
We are lucky in that my son has gotten into a program that trains him for 6 months in and 6 months when he gets out in French cooking and restaurant supervision. And then helps him to find a job at restaurants that hire ex-inmates. He was already head chef in a bistro, but this will get him jobs when he gets out. If your son encounters any of these programs offered where he is, tell him to jump on them. No one will help him sign up...he has to really pursue them himself.
Hang in there...it doesn't get easier, but each day is closer to the end.
Chefsmom