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Middle school student charged after bringing gun to school

Texas parents may find themselves needing to talk to their children about guns again. As reported by FOX4 News, a student was charged with a second-degree felony after bringing a gun to school. Another student at the Mansfield ISD school reported the firearm and administrators contacted the police.

Upon arrival, law enforcement found the student in possession of an unloaded handgun. When questioned, the student explained that he only brought the gun to school because he wanted to show it to a friend.

The Mansfield ISD school’s principal sent a letter to students’ parents asking them to speak with their children about the need to report any unauthorized objects on campus to an adult. The principal’s letter also assured parents of Mansfield ISD’s commitment to provide a safe environment for the children and staff members at the school.

When minors are charged with crimes, parents in Texas will no doubt be concerned about what might happen next. For offenders who are 17 and younger, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department handles convicted juveniles. Parents may be relieved to find that the agency focuses on rehabilitation and displays a commitment to provide youthful offenders with a positive culture and therapeutic environment.

Unless the charges are serious enough for a juvenile to face trial as an adult, the TJJD customizes treatment programs to fit each young offender. Depending on the intake assessment, a juvenile may typically spend nine to 24 months within the program at a high, medium or low-security facility. During that time, the TJJD provides youthful offenders with counseling, schooling and other opportunities to transition smoothly back to their communities and homes.