Beyond Scared Straight |

Follow Up

Corcoran, CA

Hardened criminals at the California prison that is home to Charles Manson gave teens a taste of life on the yard, where any prisoner could approach the teens and give them a feel for the dangers of prison life.

Stephen

AT THE CONCLUSION OF PRODUCTIONStephen enrolled in an alternative school. He is now receiving counseling to deal with his mom’s death.

LATEST UPDATE: DECEMBER, 2011Despite being enrolled in an alternative school and receiving counseling for his mother’s death, 16-year-old Stephen continued having behavior problems and, in March, was sent to live with his father in Texas. He enrolled in school as a sophomore and quickly made friends. Stephen was finally feeling comfortable in his new setting, but on April 2nd, only two weeks after his move to Texas, Stephen was involved in a dirt biking accident that altered his life.

While attempting to jump a parked truck with his dirt bike, Stephen veered out of control and slammed head on into a tree. He suffered irreversible damage to his spine and nervous system. When released from the hospital, Stephen remained in Texas and was sent to live with his aunt. According to Stephen, he is paralyzed from the chest down, but has full use of his arms, hands, neck, and face. Stephen is still getting accustomed to being in a wheelchair and is learning to maneuver around the house using his hands for support.

Stephen has changed his outlook on life, and he has changed dramatically since his accident. Stephen can now control his temper, is more open to displaying his feelings, and often tells his family that he loves them. Looking forward to what the future may bring, Stephen is focusing on finishing school and is preparing to take the GED exam. He plans to speak to people his age about his experiences and wants to communicate the importance of appreciating the loved ones who support you.