S.T. Madness; New York Beacon Contributor; Washington D.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investigation and Background

The Miami Herald recently exposed a Florida juvenile detention center wherein officers promoted violence among the detainees. Fighting was encouraged for the guards’ amusement and individual reward to winning participants. Because of one of these horrific beatings, 17-year- old, Elrod Revolte lost his life. Officer Antwan Johnson who was indicted for conspiracy and violating the civil rights of Elrod Revolte cited that his reason for endorsing this abhorrent behavior was to “enforce obedience through respect and fear.” Each federal charge carries a maximum of life in prison. What would possess an adult man (I use both terms loosely) to co-sign repetitive violence between juvenile detainees? There is no mention of reformation through anger management, or customized academics, or education in skilled trade programs. How long has this been going on? The very thorough investigation referenced similar circumstances in NY (2012) and Wisconsin (2015). The current state of juvenile detention demands restructure with an objective to reform the mind of juvenile offenders and offer alternative solutions to violence.

Florida, however, is no stranger to sadistic mistreatment of juvenile offenders. Verified documentation of the Dozier School for Boys publicized many concealed atrocities administered by staff to “reform” behavior. From January 1901 until 2011, the Dozier School for Boys administered forced labor and wicked beatings unto death compounded by sexual assault on male children as young as 10 years. Survivors of this horrific reformatory led forensic investigators to discover over 50 unmarked graves of incarcerated youth. Smithsonian Magazine contributor, Erin Blakemore wrote, “Many of the unmarked burial sites studied were thought to be of Black students, who were segregated at the school. The team found that three times as many Black students died and were buried at Dozier than white students and that some of those boys were incarcerated for non-criminal charges like running away and incorrigibility. Black boys were less likely to be named in historical records, as well, reflecting the grim realities of reform school life in the segregated South.”

Stats and Solution

Incarceration statistics support what we know about prison populations and the percentages by race. According to youth.gov. Blacks make up 16 percent of the overall youth population, but they represent 30 percent of juvenile court referrals and 58 percent of youth admitted to state adult prison. Michelle Alexander wrote “. . . mass incarceration tends to be categorized as a criminal justice issue as opposed to a racial justice or civil rights issue.” Our history tells us she is correct. Incarceration for us was structured to manage us beginning with reinstituted slavery that garnered free labor and progressed to leased convict programs.

My solution is an idea that does not include walls that warehouse offenders 24/7. The idea is based on cultural exposure in areas affected by natural disaster or shortage of able-bodied workers. There is much to be learned in foreign lands and cultures. A combination of retired workers that include correctional officers, military service personnel, businessmen/women, teachers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, psychologists, ministers and others that simply want to help would be paired with groups of juvenile offenders. The juveniles would demonstrate their readiness for the travel-learning opportunity by exhibiting improved behaviors. Groups would travel to countries where skills are needed to build, rebuild, plant or replant, etc. The juvenile participants living and learning experience outside of the only environment they have ever known will do wonders for their development.   Even little accomplishments will spark pride and build self-esteem. The length of stay would be determined by country need – maybe 8 to 12 weeks. Upon return, individuals would be required to devise a detailed plan about how they intend to alter their life including academia or trade skills. Unfortunately, this idea does not take into consideration the cost of where the reformed individual will reside after time served. What is important, however, is that ideas flow and develop, and people join forces to make things happen.

The financial reality of housing one juvenile offender as reported by the Justice Policy Institute (JPI). JPI’s survey of 46 states (based on the most expensive confinement) is $407.58 per day, $36,682 per three months, $73,364 per six months, and $148,767 per year! These funds should be allocated toward much worthier developmental causes.

You have my thoughts, stats and the financial reality. Juvenile detention must be entirely restructured and one day eliminated. We are worth more, we deserve more, and collectively we can accomplish more; together we can stop the hemorrhage of juvenile detention. In support of ideas and work being done, please promote the Sixth Annual Week of Action Against Incarcerating Youth from 5/14 – 21/2018. For further information and involvement, please check out YouthFirstInitiative.org and SaveTheKidsGroup.org.

S.T. Madness contributes exclusively to the New York Beacon and Philadelphia Observer. In her spare time, she loves to travel the world, enjoys crafting, moonlights as a foodie and is an avid shutterbug. She has an extensive legal and special education background, but cannot offer specific or professional advice. For topic ideas or questions, feel free to contact her through the New York Beacon Contact Page and specify ‘S.T. Madness’ in the subject line.

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