What gave Edwin and Garvey a deep understanding of Cole’s problems?

Garvey works in the juvenile justice system, and he has focused his efforts on helping Cole out of his difficult situation. He had his own run-ins with the law back in his youth, and he is determined to help other youth stop ruining their lives.

In his youth, Edwin was banished to the same island as Cole for a year, and he truly wants to help Cole in his path to healing.