A Jackson father is looking for answers as he struggles with his teenage son's troubling behavior.
FOX 47's Alani Letang spoke with the father who says he is fed up with the lack of support from the city.
Brian Cole and his partner care deeply for their 15-year old son Dustin but they are running out of options to keep him out of trouble.
Brian said he doesn't feel like he can get any help from police or the court system as they aren't taking Dustin's actions seriously.
Brian told FOX 47 News that police have picked Dustin up a handful of times and simply dropped him off at home. That makes Brian angry.
"We'll get him when he's 17 and take him to jail then," Brian said police have told him. "Well what is the legal system doing now for these kids now, other than out on the streets and blaming the parents, who are doing their best to get the kids out of the street?"
Brian Cole said he wishes the system would be stricter with kids so they don't continue to make the same mistakes as they get older.
"Show these kids what's going to happen, scare them. Don't just... 'Okay you're at home now enjoy the night, see you tomorrow' is basically what they're doing." Brian said.
Brian said he went to social media to seek him after Jackson Police dropped off Dustin around 3 a.m. Thursday morning.
He said Dustin was brought home after stealing items from cars to sell and make money.
Brian and his partner said that 'slap on the wrist' punishment isn't helping. In fact, they think it's enabling him to continue with the same behavior.
"We've been doing this since August of this year, almost on a daily, every week basis," said Brian.
Brian said they are doing their best but need more help.
"Dustin is continuously grounded, his phone is taken away. When he gets his phone privileges back we tell him 'you can use your phone but we have to watch what you're doing, on the counter with the face down. He has consequences at home." explained Brian.
Brian and his partner said they wish the legal system would give them some hope.
"I'm not going to give up on him, he's adopted from foster care, we're exhausting everything and now the news media for our assistance."
Dustin is a very smart kid who excels in the Jackson school program he's in and Brian he believes maybe Dustin is just bored. Brian said Dustin is in counseling on a weekly basis, sees a psychiatrist and is on medication. He said that sending Dustin away to boot camp or military school might trigger more feelings of abandonment and rejection. Brian said he experienced that when he was in the foster care system.
The Jackson Police Department says each incident is reviewed case by case and it is up to the court system to handle it.
