Byline: Cam Martineau*

That evening, I took a call from an acquaintance, a former liaison at the Bureau of Developmental Services. She told me about a law that states that adults with disabilities who have been found guilty of serious crimes in NH can be sent to secure group homes in the community that are monitored 24/7 rather than in with the general prison population. She said to make sure the lawyer, and more importantly, the judge knew that my son gets adult services in NH. This information brought me little comfort. I tossed and turned that night.

I glanced at my watch and replied, “Let’s go out. We have time to eat before we meet the lawyer. I’ll drive.” I grabbed my keys and looked over at him. He never did master the art of grooming and hygiene. He looked decent in the clothes I bought for him yesterday. He’d taken a shower before he came downstairs. He’s a good person, very bright and full of potential. But the world sees a sloppy-looking overweight man with long hair and a tangle of a beard. And the world notices unexpected behaviors. If I didn’t know better, most days I’d say he looks like a homeless person.