Locked Up At 14: The Harrowing Story Of A Prison Orphan

In this eye-opening episode, we bring you the story of Justin, a young boy who has faced unimaginable challenges after losing his parents and being left to navigate the prison system alone. Witness the stark reality of life for a child in such dire circumstances, and the glimmers of hope that keep Justin moving forward. His story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Only Human celebrates and explores the unique and personal qualities we all have. Our channel offers a range of TV series and documentaries about human experiences and life journeys - while looking at the challenges life throws at us, turning ordinary people into everyday heroes.
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[@ArtilleryAmy]

Justin’s parents don’t deserve him….he’s got a home in hearts all round the world….I wish you all the love and happiness you deserve Justin x

[@candisfirchau3810]

He needs some servuces including behavior, he coukd do well

[@booognish]

Just don’t leave him alone around your kids

[@ryankelly5426]

​@booognish honestly that really should be the case with anyone of his mental capacity. Their ability to understand is quite limited. Leaving your kids alone with anyone like that would be a parental mistake. His actions that got him there weren't the actions of someone with motive to do that specific act.

[@joshhastieYT]

That prison superintendent is a shining light in the system.

[@egroegartfart]

Absolutely. Him and the lady that worked with him there. I would love to speak to and interview the prosecutor, judge and anyone else involved in the decision to send him to maximum juvenile prison. What an injustice. All because he wanted more pork chops. Sjre, itbwas absolutely wrong to do what he dis. But with his mwntal capacity i rhink it should be obvious he didnt have the ability to know the gravity of doing what he did. Thats the differwnce between him and a kid with an average mental ability who shouls have been sent to prison. But he should not have been. But luckily theres been people along the way that recognized this and have tried to do better for him. The people that are responsible for him being imprisoned need to have further education.

[@egroegartfart]

Wow, he wven looks like his adoptive father. And what an amazing guy that guy is. He fewls lucky and said that his life is complete with juatin in it. So cool.

[@joshhastieYT]

@@egroegartfart Yes, even worse since at the end of the program they said that those accusations were made up by his family because they did not want to raise him any longer.

[@egroegartfart]

@@joshhastieYT thats terrible.

[@emmasgrandma1]

This video has me crying my eyes out for Justin. No child should have to go through what he went through.

[@EthanLomas]

Crying? Don’t cry, be angry. Take action! These kids need help

[@tisketisja5528]

@@EthanLomas What action have you taken?

[@emmasgrandma1]

@@EthanLomasI am in Canada We have group homes here

[@EthanLomas]

@@tisketisja5528 I have donated $1000 to the prison social fund!

[@iTsEfFiNsTePhh]

@@emmasgrandma1The heartbreaking thing is while they have groups and programs (here in America too) that help kids more often then not they end up being just as bad if not worse then the situation they came from 😕 And that's even IF they help those kids in the first place. I know this first hand because I grew up in an abusive home and I lost count how many times CPS (child protective services) and the cops were called yet nothing was ever done in fact all of those times the agents didn't even look in my general direction let alone talk to and see me (in some cases abuse/neglect was going on right in front of them yet they still did nothing) they fell for my mom's manipulative BS hook line and sinker and/or just didn't care and tbh that's why at a certain point I stopped caring about being "saved" and realized I could only rely on and help myself because I had been let down so many times by the adults in my life and even more importantly the adults in my life who were supposed to protect and love me. Really the only saving grace looking back at it was my teachers who reported it because they noticed the bruises and marks on my body and how I was acting at the very least they cared about me. But not all kids are/were as lucky as I was and either ended up being killed by their abuser or wound up in the system where they were killed or abused even more. On paper these programs are good but the execution is horrible so having them doesn't automatically mean they're running smoothly and that all kids in it are being treated right 😕

[@jamieennen964]

The fact they're saying Justin never committed the molestation offense he was accused of, that they just said that so they didn't have to take care of him has me so unbelievably mad! They could have called the state to take him since his mom n dad were MIA! Instead they lied and had him sent to prison at 10yrs old. Unbelievable! They should have charged brought up against them and Justin's adopted dad should sue the court for not appointing him an attorney when he has an IQ of 42 and has no idea how the court system works so he could have been properly represented!!! They SHOULD BE AND NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! So it doesn't happen to another innocent child!

[@AlexGamingConsole]

You're not really that mad. You're gonna instantly get over it and never think about it again. So you're not that mad at all

[@AlexGamingConsole]

When and where in the video did they say he didn't do it? I heard them say he most likely didn't understand what he was doing. That still means he did it. I missed that part.

[@jamieennen964]

@@AlexGamingConsole first of all you dk me. So dont say oh you forget about it and all that bs. To answer ur second question..... end of the video. Read the words on the screen...

[@abadazadytgaming7200]

​@@AlexGamingConsoledo you feel dumb yet?

[@Mary-uv8kt]

I thought this initially too! Those sons of b’s should be charged. But considering the gift they (inadvertently as it may be) bestowed on him by doing so, perhaps it wasn’t such a bad lie in hindsight. He now has a real family🥰🥰🥰

[@MiPointIs]

50 years ago in UK a cleaner was extremely nervous around women, eventually once he felt comfortable speaking to me he told me that his mother had put him into a high security mental health institution telling authorities that she couldn’t cope with him. He was in his early 40s when the health authorities reviewed patients in long term care and released him. I always felt dirty that he had missed out on the best years of his life,

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

Wow what a story.

[@letitiakearney2423]

I think dirty is a mistake you probably meant sorry or something more emphatic towards him.

[@AlexGamingConsole]

He got rid of bodies and cleaned up crime scenes? Thats what a cleaner is

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

💔💔💔

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

​@@letitiakearney2423No. It's a filthy, dirty thing that was done to him from start to finish! You don't get to dictate how others speak! You obviously are either very arrogant, or very ignorant of the English language. Either way, stay in your lane!

[@MiPointIs]

It’s great to see Justin become more confident and able to live his best life thanks to all the wonderful people who cared and realised he deserved the chance to reboot his life.

[@MargaretaStLouis-bo5hr]

All Justin ever needed and deserved was pure unadulterated unconditional love. That is all anyone needs.

[@MA-mh1vs]

NO, he needs far more than love. He requires 24/7 supervision.

[@TheAnbyrley]

That's what Christ offers. It can transform your life.

[@highlandsoutdoors2041]

@@MA-mh1vs He is a Kid "WHAT" kid does not need 24/7 Supervision.

[@MA-mh1vs]

@@highlandsoutdoors2041 Normal 14yr olds don't need literal 24/7 supervision. That is a level of care far beyond typical childcare. That is like a family I know with autistic children who have automatic locks on the exterior doors so their teen kids can't wander outside and locks on the bathroom so they don't flood the house along with a whole host of other things no parent would have to do with a teen child.

[@highlandsoutdoors2041]

@MA-mh1vs that is not the kids fault that is the parents fault they didn't teach their kids right and what even is normal 🙄

[@jadelynn1703]

at the 30 min mark of this video, the amount of positive change Justin has made is actually so amazing. He's talking more, he looks like he's more aware, just wow.

[@MsMesem]

IQ of 42?! I really don't think it is that low. He responds well to his environment and those around him. He works stuff out on his own.

[@Marie.b]

Thanks. I'm skipping to that because I can handle this anymore.

[@danikafarnsworth5590]

Things take a positive turn around the 18 min mark when he moves to Damar. He seems excited, fearless and he pretty much stops cussing. 😊

[@BriAnderson-b8h]

Soo you think he's faking retardation . Very Leonardo DiCaprio of him

[@Jamiesantos1]

Under 70 is clinical mental retardation. ​@@MsMesem

[@roadhousepress]

I am so glad he got people who care about him to help him.

[@crazycoyote9732]

Thank God for Cathy,Mike and Fred for helping this young man reach his full potential,as well as loving him along this journey!! Thankyou for this great outcomes story,we need more of these in our world! Take care and God Bless!

[@serenitypalmer490]

And Mel, his adopted dad.

[@crazycoyote9732]

@@serenitypalmer490 absolutely,didn't read that til after I commented!!

[@samanthafairweather9186]

I was shocked when it was said that the "crime" Justin was originally sentenced for never even happened! I cannot believe that people would make up such a horrific lie, just so they don't have to take responsibility for their own child. Who does such a cruel thing to their child? I'm so happy that Justin has such a loving dad in Mel. It goes to show that family can be anyone - as long as there is love . Bloody doesn't even come into it. I wish Justin nothing but the best! 💖😘🇭🇲

[@serendipidus8482]

Hes in 24 hour one to one care. You cant get better than that.

[@MsMesem]

He has found a father who loves him and two brothers! Heck, can't get much better than that.

[@parkerposey8155]

It is not ok to take a parents word over a child's. Both sides should be deeply scrutinized. My mother did it to me. She didn't want me and she found out my dad was coming to get me from out of state. The day I got out of school for Christmas break, I arrived home to CPS waiting for me with my suitcase already packed. I was 11 about to turn 12 New Years. I wasn't allowed to have contact with anyone outside of the foster home or CPS for about 9 months. As a matter of fact, no one knew where I was. How they found out I was in foster care was because my dad went to the authorities. He was questioned for hours about sexually abusing me and giving me alcohol and drugs. Totally baseless accusations. We were allowed a two hour supervised visit in a room at a CPS office. My mother didn't want my dad to have me either, a vindictive narcissist. I spent five years in a foster home. It was court ordered I was not to have contact with my dad until I turned 18. My family let me talk to him any chance there was. They knew who the real abuser was. It took that long for my mother's sister to be able to bring me home to my family. Unfortunately, the damage was done. Trust gone. I learned I could only depend on myself and my ability to have meaningful relationships hindered.

[@_Laura_Marie]

​@@parkerposey8155I am so sorry for everything that you went through. I hope that your foster parents were good people and that you were able to have a good childhood (as good as you could have had). I hope that you and your dad can make up for lost time as soon as you turn 18. Every child deserves to have good parents. Unfortunately, not every parent deserves to have children. My heart truly goes out to you ❤

[@sarahm.1632]

​@@parkerposey8155 I believe this happens more often than most people realize, the part where women use their children as pawns to hurt the child's father, because he doesn't want her anymore. This is such a heart wrenching situation and in your case especially, because you lost out on 5 years that you could've had a loving dad. I'm so sorry this happened to you and I hope you're able to rise from those ashes and build a relationship eventually with your dad that you'll gain trust with. I wish for you to heal and gain even more than you lost. ❤

[@avajoyporter9064]

Love this story. So glad he finally has a Dad who loves him and, that Justine loves. So happy for him.

[@kathylecluyse7820]

This!

[@dinahconnell6947]

It's so sad Justin was just thrown away by everybody my heart breaks for this little guy😢

[@serendipidus8482]

He has 24 hour one to one care. That's the best he could get on the planet. Apart from an actual mother.

[@sarahm.1632]

​@@serendipidus8482stop with this nonsense. A 24 hour care giver is in NO way even remotely comparable to a normal childhood. You sound slow.

[@serendipidus8482]

@sarahm.1632 he didnt have a normal childhood parenting situation. So he didnt have that option... one to one care is the best the state could provide for somone. Shouldn't have been in a prison but its still pretty amaxing that he got that.

[@SandraStanley-ih5qt]

Thank you to every single person that made this man's life count, and for making the changes for those children following him. Emotions were felt and tears she'd. But what a happy ending x

[@marcikrause3462]

How the HECK can they allow ANY juvenile to go to court without a lawyer???? They need to change that law!!!! Ok, update: they have changed the law.

[@jordanlanigan6980]

This comment made me lol 😂

[@kirstenornelas881]

In my state EVERY minor is given an attorney (guardian at litem which is the child’s lawyer only. This is sickening he was tossed in an environment he didn’t belong and worse didn’t understand.

[@littleaboutalotnotalotaboutshi]

😢😢 it's a shame we spend all this money trying to go out there in space and find alien life and we cannot take care of the life we have here.....

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

Agreed. There are billionaires who could wipe out hunger and homelessness but they choose to hoard it. They could help children of all ages in situations like this and more. But they'd rather hoard the money and lord it over the peasants. The people who want to make the big gestures difference in our country are the people who have the least to give. 💔

[@princebond]

Nah, people here and space exploration are both important. The future of the human race is doomed without space exploration. There are many, many unnecessary things we still spend money on (like supporting genocidal wars) that are far more deserving of the chopping block than cutting our already underfunded space exploration.

[@parisinthe30sx]

Let's be real, humans will probably never live in space. It's a waste of money, money which would be better spent fixing our own countries​@@princebond

[@princebond]

@@parisinthe30sx Humans, if they survive long enough to evolve from their general foolishness, will eventually reach a point whereby going to space is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. We are trapped on a planet with finite resources and by the way we are recklessly plundering them, it won't be long til we are fighting for those resources amongst ourselves, we are already fighting for resources on a smaller scale already. Yes we do need to do more for the less fortunate. The whole world spends 2 trillion per year on military, the whole world spends 100 billion per year in space exploration. You can see the difference. We can easily slash that military spending in half, without compromising national securities whilst space as it is heavily underfunded already. It would be a damn shame for our whole species to be wiped out by an asteroid just because we decided to prioritize the military complex over space exploration.

[@kaykepop4084]

He seems like such a sweet heart❤. I pray he's doing well and has genuinely loving people in his life to support and care for him always. 🙌🏽

[@luluyarns]

Kate. Massive kudos to you for holding Justin up when he was below the surface. You changed his world and I hope that you continue to do so for others.

[@rachelhowell5536]

As a nurse it is heartbreaking to see the long term effects of deinstitutionalization ... Mental health is real and support is needed

[@AlexGamingConsole]

It really don't even show him being free for you to make that comment. It doesn't have to do with this video at all.

[@mermaid-xd2us]

As a nurse, you sound stupid

[@monicamacneille3372]

Oh my goodness, I was really, really excited to see this update!!!! I'm so happy he was adopted!

[@ginaanderson4606]

Parent's seriously need to start being held accountable for the damage they do to their children! Justin and many other children should never have to go through that amount of pain and trauma. Prayers of strength and peace for Justin and all the other children trying to heal from being abandoned by their parents/ family. This broke my heart. How could you do that to your child/children!!!!

[@MsMesem]

The abuse and neglect by his family cost the state dearly financially.

[@Jenifer_G]

Some parents need to be taken to court for neglect and abuse, by their children.

[@MiPointIs]

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do” Wise words from Kobe Bryant

[@carollynt]

Yes, insisting on a helicopter ride in horrible weather and bringing along kids knowing full-well that it was in-advisable to travel that day is so wise.

[@BonesBrigader]

People can be monsters. What everyone did for him has me more emotional than i think i can handle.. Thank you so much. I just wish more kids can get the love and attention that was shown to Justin. Cool kicks dude

[@1chooOne]

Justin’s story break my heart. Brought tears to my eyes. Bless everyone who didn’t give up on him. I wish Justin a better future

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

I'm so glad that this story ended with a happy ending. Justin has transformed into a better version of himself, and he now has a family to love/care for him.

[@PDogB]

This is the best thing I've seen on KZbin! Thank you for sharing. Justin is so blessed to have all these lovely people in his life. And it really is true, "It takes a village to raise a child." And further on down the road, that there is someone who will be there for them. Best Wishes to Justin!

[@MargaretaStLouis-bo5hr]

I'm crying my eyes out. Thank God for the people along the way who really cared about Justin. Thank God to Mr. Osborne who gave him a family. XOXOXO

[@krabbcake8371]

That judge that handled Justin's case should not have been a judge at all. How many other kid's lives were ruined over his 18 years presiding as a judge?

[@juliecowley6187]

Have a very happy and bright future Justin.

[@marywells9162]

God bless you all. I am so sorry Justin had to go through so much through his childhood. I believe he was instrumental in helping other children through his story. It is wonderful that you got to see the ocean!

[@ALICE-m8f]

It lovely to see the good work the support workers have done with Justin . You can tell they genuinely care about him. When he was transferred to the other home that wasn't about punishment,locks and chains,he came on leaps and bounds and thrived to his potential.

[@LisaSpatafore]

The fact that he still wants to go home and see his mom after her not speaking or seeing him for 6 years tore me apart.

[@ALICE-m8f]

A child that has never been loved or known happiness or joy,and imprisoned for being mentally disabled. Sending him love and hope for the future me and my dog send him hugs.❤

[@lmunoz7679]

How a family member accused a 14 yr old boy of child molestation when He had the IQ of 40 Those people should go to jail. This boy could have been hurt or worse for been in a place where because of his family lies. God was watching over this innocent child by putting good people with big hearts watching over him.

[@AlexGamingConsole]

From what I understand he personally said he did it to make the parents mad. But it said he did it

[@serenitypalmer490]

It’s unfortunately too easy to force those with low IQs into false confessions. He didn’t have a lawyer or a family to advocate for him. Perhaps he wanted out of there, too.

[@christelhain]

For a pork chop. 😢 For some reason it was this I felt was incredibly heartbreaking.

[@Inconsistent-Dogwash]

I couldn’t believe that after reading it, like how can you do that to a child!?

[@Inconsistent-Dogwash]

@@AlexGamingConsole I wonder if he really understood what he was admitting to?

[@CJLAWLESS8]

😭 caring and doing something to make kids lives better is so beautiful ❤

[@serenitypalmer490]

I about bawled when I noticed he could read. That is HUGE. Love sometimes does make all the difference.

[@MsMesem]

I think they found low IQ because of his traumatic and neglected child hood. The parents had no time for him so he could not develop.

[@longbottom4956]

What an unbelievably happy ending to such a terrible story. Bless all those people who SAW him, right person at the right time in the right spot.

[@redmare1746]

I'm so happy people went the extra mile to help Justin. I hope he has a fulfilling, happy life.

[@thatGUYbehindthemask]

the fact he he learned to read and read his 18th birthday card was awesome he even looks like his adopted dad. i was adopted too. people always said i looked so much like my parents without knowing. haha

[@janehallowell5886]

I am so grateful that Justin found people who truly love him and want him to be the best he can be ❤❤❤

[@dnixon205]

I have a mentally handicapped cousin in the local jail here who has long since served what his time was but they can't find anywhere else to put him.

[@kaija-liisalaakso8266]

Horrible.

[@TattooedGranny]

I am glad Justin’s life was turned around by very caring staff. He was one of the lucky ones. It is wonderful to see him have a loving Dad and a good life.

[@rickbarnett9729]

It’s just a shame how a child has to go through so much trauma in there life and just wants to go home to a mother who just threw them away

[@user-cy4vw1qj9m]

I am so glad to see how well Justin has improved. I worked in the area myself so brilliant what those children can do with the right help ❤

[@shellyann8818]

Justin's back story is absolutely heartbreaking (prior to DAMAR). No child, no matter what, should have a life like he had. However, the life he has now with love, support, & family is truly heartwarming. Thank you to everyone who played an integral part in getting Justin to the life he has now. You are all Angels ❤💙

[@joshuascott7698]

I just saw the ending, I'm so happy Justin was adopted and now has a family.

[@jessicaemghee]

When he talked about his mom. My heart hurts for this guy. MAN! That is so brutal.

[@supercreeperstar5976]

I love Justin he’s such a great young man I felt bad for him when he was in prison I’m glad he’s got a family now that love him and accept him and Kate was an amazing 1 on 1 for Justin ❤

[@shazfranck662]

This story made me cry how can his parents just leave him in prison for something that wasn’t true I really don’t know how they could sleep at night parents are meant to love and Cherish their children thank goodness for Mel

[@carolwelch5834]

I’m crying. I was one of those kids too at 11 years old in Baltimore city Md. God Bless

[@Ruey-pv7jx]

God Blesses you Carol as a strong beautiful Soul💛.

[@carolwelch5834]

@@Ruey-pv7jx peace and love.. Always be kind

[@TerryA-s5b]

The prison system is horrible for anyone, it's a warehouse of the lost. Many adults would not be in the place they are if they were given the care needed when young. This was a great documentary, I only hope Justin is able to resolve his past and ger access to the resources he needs as an adult to function and live in regular society.

[@zoeolsson5683]

Yes I am of that belief too. Many people go bad because there real needs weren't met in childhood. A perfect society would lift up all families out of poverty and screen for issues with parenting before the baby even arrives ... An alcoholic dad help get him clean ... A neurodivergent mum help her get support ... Maternity and paternity leave I think we should also have a social contract in society that we all have a foster mum and a foster dad in addition to our parents and other mentors .... Like the god father/mother of old .... But have those people have real engagement with the health and development of that child. Aggh I 'm off on a tangent

[@elladoz1966]

The system has failed them . Law enforcement is clueless on handling person's living with disabilities.🤔.

[@elladoz1966]

It's a lucrative business.

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

20:30 him running was a beautiful moment. He never should've been in prison. Thank god there were people who cared and made it happen, even tough it wasn't easy and wasn't cheap

[@EthanLomas]

What an amazing man that prison governor is! 👍

[@ghostednobrand116]

Mel is a great human! Justin had to go through a lot to finally learn what family can be. Super cool he found his brothers too.

[@tyronesmith4622]

Poor kid. Really interesting documentary thanks!

[@jennyrose2200]

my late husband worked at Wernle in Richmond. Kids there had all sorts of issues, placed there by the court for crimes, for behaviors that parents couldn't handle. The people working with the kids daily really cared but it's less than ideal. What happens when they are adults? It's frightening.

[@Beckster1]

I live 30 minutes from there. The stories are horrific

[@gregl8531]

The parents should be arrested for child neglect and falsifying an arrest and putting this child in prison . Lets see how they like it

[@louisebb4183]

I totally agree 100% How can anyone not to say a parent do something like this to a child that hey created! Jail 100% and pay support.

[@CricketRodeo]

Thank you to all the people who stepped in and did something to make a difference for the better in Justin's life!

[@nfair1968]

As a woman who was unable to have children,I would've given anything for a "Justin". I'm so sorry this poor boy has had to have this life when there are so many women like me who would have been proud to call him son & give him the life and love he deserved.

[@KiwikimNZ]

This is just tragic! This poor kid. I’d take him in if I could. This facility should be so proud of themselves for the work they have done!

[@carolyngray2847]

Before children like Justin get abandoned, it's mostly a case of children having children. More information in school years needs to happen. It's not romantic to 'keep' your baby when you're barely able to care for yourself.

[@stephenj8160]

This was so sad and hopeful at the same time. Many blessings to the men and women who help these children in need 🙏

[@merklingassoc]

What a remarkable story of triumphant and transformation. I'm so happy Justin finally found his family. Not only a father, but his true siblings. The thought that a mother would throw away a child is just too sad to bear. Had she been honest instead of lying about a crime he never committed, Justin's earlier years could have been so much different. Thank the Lord people saw him, saw his heart I found a way out for him. Better yet, not just Justin, but also for all the other children that had been thrown away. ❤❤❤❤

[@lulasnannajodie7723]

As a retired woker at a uk childrens group home i am somewhat de sensitised and hardened (you have to be) but i cried a few times at this documentary, happy tears in the end. Justin looks like mel, like they were destined to be father and son. Earth angels are real. I wish them both a long happy wonderful life.

[@Alaska-Bush-Mom]

14:50 I PRAY that the staff who Justin has bonded with, will stay in contact with him so he doesn’t feel abandoned again. Transition him into the next step of his life. For as long as he needs and deserves.

[@Jeweleye62]

To all the kind and loving individuals who fought for Justin, thank you. To Mel....bravo, you are a legend and shining light for Justin in what had otherwise been a cruel world. ❤

[@TinasCrazyLife]

My mama heart wants to take Justin in and just love him. Ive followed his story for a few years.

[@RobertGeleijnse]

How fantastic. It's incredibly sad that no one cared about this boy. It's great that these people have come into this boy's life. Hopefully, they can help more people who don't belong in prison. Here in the Netherlands, we have also cut back heavily on health care, which has put people with mental health problems in serious trouble. These savings have probably cost the community more than they save.

[@joshuascott7698]

It's so sad and heart breaking to see this kind of situations are actually happening. Justin just needs a family to love him and take care of him.

[@marcikrause3462]

Wow, Kate Frazier saved that child's life! She prepared him to be successful!

[@dogzdream]

He was set up for a crime he didn't commit by his own family because they didn't want him anymore, these people like the damar staff and Mel saved this boys life, he has flourished and I wish him the best.

[@gymnastgirl2984]

It's such a shame. We need more homes for children with disabilities .

[@sharonhogan973]

So great to see all the good help this young man got and how much he has blossomed during his journey.

[@lisap4973]

Sad thing is he is just one story of thousands just like him. Here’s hoping to further changes in the system to avoid these tragedies.

[@nativechique7589]

Omg his love is so pure. It hit me n i crued when she asked what he would say to his mom. He said hed tell her he wants to go home 😢 She abandoned him 6 years ago at that point. False charges he was so vulnerable!! 😢😢😢 So thankful for everyone who took care of him.

[@michelegeraldinecarvalhokp7285]

Thank you to every single one who helped Justin all this time. May God bless Justin n Mel plus all who care. Amen.

[@ChipVorhies]

This story was extremely sad and wonderful all-in-one.. Congratulations to Justin for his new family. I can't Express this enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Mel. Mel is one extremely special human himself. And thank you. For the production of this video very well done.

[@PAnderson-pt7ju]

What a beautiful tragic story filled with kindness.

[@m00sing]

Grats Justin! We're all rooting for you man.

[@furbabiesarefamilytoo]

I worked with autistic children/adults for over 30 years, I wish I had the funds to be able to take him in

[@treasuretreereynolds1764]

Thanks to the angels on earth who helped, taught and loved Justin along the way. May he and his father continue to thrive and be happy.

[@Lexer584]

May God bless and protect Mel and Justin. Greetings from Germany.♥

[@deannatrois1]

Oh Wow, thank you for telling this story. Justin, I am so so proud of you. Thank you to all the people who stood up for what you needed at long last. Well done to everyone.

[@LisaHarsh]

After meeting a friend’s son with developmental disabilities I had a great relationship with him until he died. He was one of the reasons I started working with these people. I happened upon this story and was angry with the system, thankful for the people who helped him and then the reveal that he was innocent and I was even more upset. However I see how God put people in his life, including his now dad. Thank you for telling his story and of the people trying to fix this system.

[@claireangel9595]

Wow kate, thank you. Ive been loosely following Justins story for a few years now. Over the past month he has been popping in to my head more frequently, I had been apprehensive about checking back for an update because I was honestly afraid of what the answer could be. I am so grateful to see how life has turned out for Justin. Thank you for highlighting the stories that society hides. There is a special place in heaven for you kate. You are a blessing and so are all the people who care for our most vulnerable children. I just want to say in case you hadn't heard it lately, Im so proud of you kate. Love to you and yours.

[@bardigan1]

Incredible story, many thanks for all the work you put into it.

[@Maricris-c9h]

In HK, someone called the police to report a 9 yr old. walking alone at night, it turned out thw mother was discipling her . She was fined and sentneced to community service for 18months. Its unbelievable that happened to Justin and not have his parents accpuntable. That is tantamount to neglwct and abandonment. They should be foned heavily and compensate the system. I salute all those ppl who work with people with autism. May God bless you.

[@Joanne495]

This made me cry Justin just needs people who care in he’s life ❤

[@kpwmini]

May God continue to bless Justin and all the Angels he put in his path. I cry typing this at the remarkable change in his quality of life but mostly because he has his “family” that he always craved. 🙏🏻😇❤

[@LMR-Mir]

He needs to be shown a loving family. I wish I could take him in. I would show him love and teach him right and wrong.

[@jonathaningram4672]

I've had professional staff wanting to meet my father at night. He can lie tell tall tails, was on on the verge of killing me, kicking punching me aged 5, mum stepped in and she got battered dragged to his bedroom, saw him punch her face and drag her by her hair to his bedroom. I'm 54 now, got kidney problems. Never mind USA it's everywhere.

[@KathleenCook-cj7vw]

I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, I hope you're doing good and living your best life God bless you

[@AlexGamingConsole]

Professional staff wanting to meet your father at night? I don't get it. What is he telling tall tails about because we haven't heard from him? Sounds like a typical abusive household.

[@chilloften]

I’m an RN and would adore working with these young people, abandoned. Thank you for loving and helping this kiddo. It hurts my heart so badly that mom can’t give, not an ounce. He still longs for her. 💔💔

[@jblovsoccer]

He only succeeded because he had people who cared about him. Shame on his parents

[@MalloryKnox-gh7ux]

So happy for you Justin. So hsppy these people were looking out for him! This brings new meaning to No child left behind

[@jennifertoney8115]

This makes me so sad and mad that this young man don't have friends let alone FAMILY that will care about him outside of any facility.😢 I'am Praying for this young man🙏

[@susanparker8697]

Thank god for Mel I hope they have a very happy life good luck and God bless you Justin and Mel

[@AmyPerkins-z5l]

It's not just Indiana. The system is broken all through the country! Too many drugs and not enough good parents. God bless Justin❤

[@nadzach]

Maybe if states work together they could provide a group home for 4 or 5 kids like Justin. I'm gessing this would be a place where kids are actually growing up together. What happens if they age out? If you can find them work and convince him to stay, you could save them from drugs and homelessness. Farm life maybe?

[@dianesinner9369]

😢😢..this is horrible...there really needs to be an overhaul on helping mental health children...too often they aretossed anywhere just to put them somewhere

[@Cjgonecrzy]

Story broke my heart but I’m so happy things worked in his favor