Such a dark and light story, @mistermercury. How wonderful that Leland had you to believe in him. These things are so difficult to write about (I'm sure it's a novel in its full context) - you did such a wonderful job pulling it together in post length (that's a feat in and of itself).
Leland is so blessed to have had you to put him on a better path - most people don't want to get involved. Bless you for that.I agree with @beeyou that familyprotection is a wonderful tag for a story like this - people need to have awareness of this type of darkness that occurs in childrens' lives.
A surprise to see a comment on this older post. But certainly a welcome one. "Leland" just got home from work (a trade I taught him) and is doing well. We both agree it was a miracle we got together. I do have a dark novel in the makings though taking his life on another path that could have been. i got him the day he was arrested as a nine year old. From that moment on his life changed... and so did mine. Blessings, thanks for the kind comments.
Your story validates that everyone just wants to be loved and supported - we need that as much as air, food and sleep. With the exception of Cluster B personalities, like perhaps Eileen, I think love and support have the capacity to turn around most lives (as long as empathy is onboard).
Good luck on your writing project. It does sound like you and Leland needed each other and were both blessed.