The mother of two child offenders says she doing everything she can to keep them away from crime.
It follows a recent wave of vehicle thefts and violent assaults across Christchurch.
Sarah [not her real name] has two boys, 15 and 12 years of age.
She said her 15-year-old got involved in stealing cars in July.
“I found 8 car ignitions in his bedside draw. We sent him to live at his dad’s house in a remote part of the North Island for 3 months, where there is no WIFI. He had to get up and work to eat every day.
My son has been home for 6 weeks now and was bought home by police officers the other day for being involved in car theft again.”
Sarah said her 12-year-old is a “beautiful kid” with a “massive heart” but is, unfortunately, following suit.
“When my eldest came home, I put him straight into work as it was the school holidays, and I was hoping it would teach him that if you work hard, you can earn money. He did well. But honestly, it’s a never-ending battle.”
Sarah said her 12-year-old stole a street sign and was responsible for throwing rocks at cars in Addington.
Both were involved in an assault in central Christchurch recently.
“We have no family violence. It was a pack mentality. I work with another family in this area I take their kids to our local youth group once a week. I took a few kids camping last weekend and I try and keep my kids close and honest. It’s like running uphill, but I won’t give up.
My kids were born and raised in a middle-class family. We were never built for this. My youngest is the leader of the Junior kapahaka at his school and is connected to a wonderful Maori culture group” Sarah said.
“I’m worried about everything. We love these kids. It’s heartbreaking. I can focus on solutions and it’s something I will never give up on. I’m scared for my kids. The community is tired of the crime and rightfully so. How long until one of my kids gets hurt?”
Sarah said “I want people to know that I feel the public’s anger and understand it.
But these are my kids and I’m doing everything and I’ll never stop. I fight hard every day, not just for them, but for all our youth and the ridiculously broken system that cannot support them.”
Sarah said she wanted to speak out after reading a similar story on Chris Lynch Media, on the mother of a 10-year-old boy, who felt powerless to stop his unrelenting crime spree.
WHERE TO SEEK SUPPORT
Help for parents, family and friends
Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
EDANZ – improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email [email protected].
Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
Skylight – 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.
Yellow Brick Road – Supporting families towards mental wellbeing.
Find a Helpline – Search for international helplines.
Bros for Change – Youth support
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat.
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email [email protected] or free text 5626.
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11am–11pm. Online chat is available from 11am–10:30pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.
