Children of the State

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Very little has been written about juvenile justice, a term that often signifies prison for kids, losing its true meaning. In this work, bestselling author Jeff Hobbs presents three real stories that reveal the daily lives and existential challenges faced by those involved in juvenile programs: educators, counselors, administrators, and, most importantly, the children. A bright young man in detention in Wilmington, DE, grapples with the costs of striving for college acceptance while imprisoned. An English Language Arts teacher in juvenile hall wrestles with finding moments of wonder in her work amid its overall futility, as city officials plan a new juvenile system without input from current educators. Meanwhile, a boy in Paterson, NJ, labeled a hate crime perpetrator seeks redemption in a Life & Professional Skills class in Manhattan. These narratives are explored in triptych form, highlighting the efforts of individuals striving to do good in challenging circumstances. The book prompts reflection on society's response to young people who make grave mistakes, often influenced by external factors on their developing minds. It challenges the fixed narrative surrounding these youth, emphasizing that no one so young should be deemed irredeemable.