Reply #36: It is up to him to change. We can offer help, but only he can take it.

[philosophie_en_rose]

Some changes are not in our power. There is really nothing that can be done to provoke a sociopath into caring for others. He should, of course, have the resources to seek treatment and an education, but it is up to him to truly learn from them. Treatment providers are not magical fairies that can magically change someone's inner being - particularly not against their will.

In any case, there is no proof that he isn't a threat or has learned anything from treatment (if he participated in it). The fact that all he can think about is capitalizing on his crime indicates a sincere lack of insight.

He tortured a vulnerable person on repeated occassions - FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE. He deserves punishment for that. Juvenile rehab is hard, but it's the functional equivalent of giving him the time to think about his crime.

I don't think we can walk away from anyone. I hope that he is encouraged in a quest for self-reflection and I hope he learns to give a damn about others. But treatment is not a cure-all and we need to be pragmatic about the purpose of incarceration. Rehabilitation is important, but - in its absence - containment is key.