Sarah Ariel Prison Kids: A Crime Against America’s Children Overview: The documentary titled Prison Kids: A Crime Against America’s Children is one that addresses a very prominent and pressing issue within our society. The problem is one that is negatively affecting the future of this country as it disrupts the healthy development of future generations. The proportion of children who are being placed in the legal system on a regular basis is outstanding and astonishing. It is beyond upsetting to see how the system has failed the youth in America. The documentary documents how an abnormal amount of children are being placed into the system along with the same negative outcomes placed on them. Many of the children would benefit from guidance …show more content…
Punishing them causes a world of damage that is unrepairable. Those who have once had so much potential and drive just become a shell of themselves or worse. This has to do with the circumstances of the system they were placed in. So not only are they being punished for having mental health struggles, but they are placed in an environment that makes those struggles unmanageable. Lastly, the concept of solitary confinement for children is very upsetting. It serves no purpose other than to interfere with one's sanity. There have been so many studies on the harsh outcomes of solitary confinement and no child should be faced with such a brutal punishment. If we are not going to help the youth, then who will? The trouble is that this is the future generation we are speaking about. They shape our society and there has to be more of an effort to guide them appropriately and give them the tools to thrive in a healthy manner. Most youths are not stuck in their ways. They may be in troubling circumstances which lead them down the wrong path or struggling internally which may translate into behavioral issues. However, they should not be labeled and treated as criminals. They have the ability to grow and start on a healthier path with the appropriate …show more content…
According to the article titled Mental illness hospitalizations more common among juvenile prisoners, “detained juvenile offenders were more likely to be hospitalized for mental illness…”. The article continues to mention that “detained youth are a high-risk population with numerous unmet medical and mental health needs”. Additionally, the article mentions that “63% of juvenile prisoners who were hospitalized had a primary diagnosis of mental health disorder…”. These facts are very troubling and only strengthen the fact that most of the youth who are being punished and locked up truly need guidance and