what do you think we as websleuthers, as well as LE and the general public can do to “help save the next one”?
I honestly don't know. In Lucas's case, if someone of authority had truly listened to family about the abuse then maybe he could have been saved. My mind goes back in time often trying to figure out what I did wrong... all of the things I should have done differently. I don't know how we can save the next one, but that's such an important question.
Is there anything in particular you could say to us as far as what you thought to be helpful here for you as a family member?
I felt comfortable here for many reasons, but the thing that made me stay is that, for the most part, this wasn't a place to bring gossip. We could toss theories or ideas around, but there wasn't a ton of unnecessary opinion thrown around in the mix. I knew that there were many people on WS who were working hard behind the scenes trying to figure out where Lucas was (unlike elsewhere where people seemed to just be saying the first vile things that came to mind regardless of who they hurt).
Do you have any input/advice for other family members who may be going through something similar, either currently or in the future?
I'm currently working on a free handbook for families of missing persons. Things to be aware of. Things that will happen to be prepared for. Do's and Don'ts. I don't think I can help anyone through the emotions of going through anything like this, but I hope to be able to help minimize some of the stresses that come with this.
Do you any thoughts about Lucas’ Law?
I hope to work closely with those working to pass Lucas's Law! I've seen lots of talk about it in the past months, but wasn't ready to really dig into what needs to be changed law-wise for children. I know that there are groups elsewhere talking about Lucas's Law, but I believe our family needs to be the ones to push for changes if they're going to be in Lucas's name. A couple of the things that are important to me and I believe will be part of it are 1) if you have children that you are only allowed supervised access to, then you should be disallowed from caring for or being around children unsupervised and 2) if one parent is involved with DCF then the other parent needs to be notified.
Thank you for these questions!