DEAR ABBY: I am 21 and come from a family of crime involving drugs and violence. I was taken by the state as a child in need of care at 14. I've been in and out of juvie and did 18 months in juvenile prison. I'm now sitting in adult county jail. I'm going to get one more chance, according to the judge.
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Where can I get help if I want to live a rightful life and fix mine? With very little income, I only know how to make money illegally, which is more than many people make in two or three years. I want to do right this time. What's your advice? -- STUCK IN CRIME IN KANSAS
DEAR STUCK: My advice is to finish your education. At the very minimum, get your GED. Fight the temptation to go for "easy money" and find a mentor who can steer you toward constructive activities and opportunities. A place to look would be one of the prison ministries.
You are still young and have your whole life ahead of you. It will be far smoother and more successful if you don't add to your criminal record.