Module 7, Session
4
Activity 3
Case Study
Ricky
Ricky is a 15 year-old white male who resides with his parents in an apartment in a lower income neighborhood. He has no siblings, but is very close to his cousins Brad and Teresa, ages 17 and 16. Brad dropped out of school and is a member of a local gang. Teresa is in school but has problems with attendance and grades. She also spent six months in a drug treatment center.
Ricky's parents are both age 34. His father currently is unemployed and has a history of losing jobs. His mother works part-time as a bookkeeper at a local business.
Ricky has a few friends who are frequently in trouble. One of his friends recently dropped out of school, and one is in a delinquency treatment facility. A positive influence on Ricky is Roy who operates a computer business in Ricky's neighborhood and frequently gives him odd jobs and a bit of guidance.
Ricky has consistently had trouble in school. He was suspended seven times in the previous school year for truancy and unmanageable behavior. As a result, he was sent to an alternative school placement at the beginning of this school year.
At age 7, Ricky was detained for breaking and entering and has been in police custody 12 times since. When Ricky's counselors have tried to help, he has said, "I don't care…I do things my way."
Ricky seems to have good self-esteem in spite of his difficulties. He also has a strong interest in computers and computer skills.
Adapted from:
Ellis, R. A., & Sowers, K. M. (2001). Juvenile justice practice:
A cross-disciplinary approach to intervention. Pacific Grove, CA:
Brooks-Cole.
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