Jail is not the answer for mentally (emotionally) handicapped people. The answer is being integrated in society with no labels attached. People grow up with labels. They actually live labels sometimes. I’ve heard someone called stupid, but they weren’t. It’s the other people who were because they were judging from outward appearances instead of really knowing what the person was really like on the inside. Outward appearances are deceiving. You can look at them. Sometimes they look good, but really they’re feeling lousy inside.

If you can actually get into their shoes it’s surprising. They live in a fragile environment. You can’t get at them too fast. You have to take time with them.

Everyone has a problem. If you can’t deal with that problem that’s what leads to jailing - you hit someone on the outside.

Lyle
Volunteer - First United Church, Vancouver

Update: There is currently nothing to report re: Lyle