That's exactly right. It's easy to say he made poor choices but, while that is technically true, it isn't that simple.
If your whole life is lived in turmoil and you're filled with anxiety it's pretty damn hard to make all these wise choices people are talking about. I am by no means a bleeding heart, but what happens is that these kids just don't have the same tools to cope with their situation and make decisions that others do.
Exactly! Our main job as parents is to provide kids the tools by which to make good choices and become productive citizens... they are not pets to be pampered, or objects to be ignored or abused.. they are human beings that depend on us to help them into what they should be.