Literary Magazine
Juvenile client’s letter to his sentencing Judge prior to his exit from the YAP Program — D. Diaz, Youth Participant, YAP Program
June, 8, 2008
Dear Judge,
I would rather be in the program than locked up. I thought the program was going to be trouble before I got here because I thought I would have to fight every day. In my neighborhood it’s like jail because you have to fight a lot. When I arrived at the program I thought I would fight but after all I didn’t. The kids in the program were friendly and the staff too.
When I first got in the program the kids and I used to play games, watch TV, go on computers, and have group. When I was here for two weeks we started going to the back to see the teacher, for help with homework or they would give you work. [The teacher] at CCA told me to she use to teach at MLK, and I ask her if she knows my sister and she said yes.
Being in the program helps me stay out of trouble because I have to come almost every day and I have to stay in the house after 6.When the staff told me I had to be in this program for a year I was like Oh my god, because it’s a long time but before I knew it my time is almost over.
For now my plan is to stay out of trouble.