Teen Mom alum Jenelle Evans marked her son Jace turning 17 on Sunday with a supportive Instagram message following years of relationship troubles. The 34-year-old reality television personality shared a series of pictures of her eldest child alongside a celebratory caption.
In her caption, Evans wrote, "I HAVE A 17 YEAR OLD! Being a teenager can be hard, but you seem to handle it well." She added, "You’re so smart, curious about life, and handsome. Hope today is everything you’ve wanted and more! I love you @jace_vahn."
Evans welcomed Jace in August 2009 with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Lewis. She is also the mother of 12-year-old Kaiser Orion Griffith with ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith, and nine-year-old daughter Ensley Jolie Eason with ex-husband David Eason. The Daily Mail reached out to Evans for further comment but had not received a response.
The birthday tribute came less than six months after Jace was placed in a mental health facility following a February 22 incident, TMZ reported. During that event at the North Carolina home of his grandmother Barbara Evans, she called 911 and alleged that Jace brandished a firearm and threatened to harm her and himself.
Following the incident, a representative for Evans told the Daily Mail that Jace was "receiving the help he needs." The representative stated that Evans was "dedicated to finding the best treatment and the right place to support his progress" and that her "commitment and persistence in seeking the most effective care show how deeply she cares about her son’s well-being and future."
Treatment and Privacy
In April, Evans spoke about her son's care on the podcast La Femme Talk, explaining that she had "been actually getting help for [her] son as needed." She described his facility as "safe" with a "holistic approach," noting that Jace was "very happy" and "very focused on himself" during treatment.
Evans said she avoided discussing the situation publicly because his healing and well-being were "the most important thing."
Addressing public perception on the podcast, Evans said, "A lot of people, they think since I'm being so quiet that I might not be doing anything and not taking action. But just know that if I'm quiet, I'm up to something."
On July 20, Evans shared "a real update about Jace" on Instagram, promising that "as his mother [she] WILL NOT give up" on him. She explained that he was "working on himself and focusing on his emotions," adding, "He’s obviously had ups and downs but I’m hoping for the best in his future."
Past Parenting Challenges
Evans revealed she had experienced "countless nights of crying over the past six months" because she wants "him to be happy and will do whatever it takes to help him mentally and physically." Last year, she acknowledged difficulties in parenting Jace after he publicly posted private text messages between them.
At the time, Evans said, "My children are my whole world. And everything I do is to try to protect, guide and love them. Like any parent, I set rules and boundaries.. and sometimes that isn't easy." She described his post as a "reaction to being rightfully disciplined," adding that "while it hurts to see those moments shared publicly, I know it comes from a place of struggle."
Evans first gained reality television fame in 2010 on the MTV show 16 and Pregnant while pregnant with Jace. She was added to the cast of Teen Mom 2 the following year.
