Ms. Catreeda R. Lloyd

Good afternoon, my name is Catreeda R. Lloyd, the parent of a child who, at the age of sixteen, was charged as an adult. He spent three months in the DC Department of Corrections without education or other services.

Just to say a few words about my son, while in custody in the DC Jail, he became withdrawn and angry. He began to isolate himself, and then his began to think that individuals in positions of authority had already labeled and stigmatized him.

Immediately following his arrest he began to feel inadequate, unjustly accused, and like everything was crashing down. He began second guessing himself, and wondering whether or not anybody cared. By this time, the courts had assigned him to live with me. During this change and these proceedings, we attempted to adapt and adjust to everything, but things didn’t get any better, my son began acting out. He spent three months in jail. I wasn’t informed that he would be tried as an adult until about two and a half months later.

His charge (after three months of incarceration) eventually, was changed to a misdemeanor, due to the deposition given to authorities. He now is awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for this week. All of this came about at a time in which, I was coming full circle with my healing process, (recovering from depression) preparing to get back to work. I wound up passing up two good job opportunities, because I need to be in attendance at all of his court related appointments. It’s been almost two years and I’m still struggling with obtaining work, paying rent, other bills, and caring for three high school teenagers to the best of my ability.

The experience of getting back on track has been very difficult at times, but I continue to be encouraging to my son and move forward. Sometimes, I feel as though I’m caught up in a system that doesn’t really care. After years of hard labor and being a model citizen, today, it’s like my family has become a statistic in this place they call society. How do we come out of it?
I share with you the experience of a mother who was once employed by the government, been living in this society for years, have given of herself for the sake of her children as well as others in my community, I have worked with troubled youth, having a positive impact on the direction of their lives as well as my own children, trying to explain how good it is to live positively and productive in society. My children believe that society doesn’t really care about them.

So, here I am a mother of four, trying to be heard, helped, guided and make a difference under a system, in which I’ve began to lose a lot of hope and trust.

With much more to be said, I’m inclined to keep my comments to a minimum. Therefore, I’d like to close by saying, I ask that you re-examine these harmful policies and procedures. So that other families wouldn’t have to endure the emotional, mental or physical devastations caused by such an experience. Then offenders will have a better set of principles, services and new outlook on life simply by being placed in a situation where rehabilitation is possible. Young people need guidance from individuals who are willing to help them get on track. I thank you all so much for listening, and giving me the opportunity to share my experience.

Sincerely,

Ms. Catreeda R. Lloyd