The Glen Mills school in Pennsylvania is an alternative to incarceration for the juvenile males that attend. Many times, youth are order to attend by judges across the nation. It is a type of "boarding school" alternative and chance for rehabilitation and education for young members of gangs and those convicted of crimes.
The school is ran on the opposite spectrum of a correctional facility. There are no locks, bars, uniforms or armed security guards or psychologists. Glen Mills is in essence provides a big- brother and peer-ran, positively influential "gang" atmosphere. It emerges from the same ideals that newcomers have a longing and need to "belong" and be part of their peers at Glen Mills. Rules and discussions are held by peers and respect for one another is gained. A hierarchy is developed, much like the development witnessed in the research of street gangs. Except, in Glen Mills they have to earn privileges and they reap what they earn, whether it is wearing tennis shoes or being verbally disciplined. It teaches the young men that there are repercussions for each action, both positive and negative.
Some benefits that are exceptional are the opportunities that are available to students. They have a chance to go to college that is paid for, many vocational schools are on site such as Optometry, Multi-Media, even their own radio station. Even employees have it exceptionally well, with homes on the property, insurance polices and retirement plans.
This program is designed to change the way our youth understand gangs. This will give them a comparison between right and wrong and give them hope for a future. It is a very interesting method of taking the elements that are so attractive to young men and creating that same desired belonging to a "cause" but for a positive purpose instead of drugs, crimes and senseless killing.
Works Cited:
Film: Glen Mills Gang: Arrested Without Locks and Bars ,2000. http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/SKATNE
Monday, June 27, 2011
Week 4, Blog #4 International Gangs
Triangle:
1.Hagedorn looks at gangs in a global perspective, wanting to learn more about the global hierarchy and the relation to the global drug markets, etc. He identifies urbanization as a key to the growth of gangs, especially in Latin America and Asia.
2. The social disorganization theory is discussed as the progressive nature of history, therefor this secular state of "gangs' may continue to grow and develop, falling away from religion and traditional values. This means that we need to focus on developing social and community institutions to guide our youth away for the destructive patterns being set.
3. The failing economy, lack of faith in our public institutions and and hope for a better future have strengthened what Hagedorn refers to as "resistance identities". This is resistance developed between the "clash" of the "unfettered power of the market and the resistance of national, ethical and religious identities.
Square:
This resistance is held within poorer communities. This is the areas where many people have lost their faith in community and turn away from tradition.
Circle: The larger, institutionalized gangs create more problems than the crimes they commit. The have roots in politics, religions and many communities. This makes them difficult to suppress.
Works Cited:
Hagedorn (2005). The global impact of gangs. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 21(2), 153-169.
1.Hagedorn looks at gangs in a global perspective, wanting to learn more about the global hierarchy and the relation to the global drug markets, etc. He identifies urbanization as a key to the growth of gangs, especially in Latin America and Asia.
2. The social disorganization theory is discussed as the progressive nature of history, therefor this secular state of "gangs' may continue to grow and develop, falling away from religion and traditional values. This means that we need to focus on developing social and community institutions to guide our youth away for the destructive patterns being set.
3. The failing economy, lack of faith in our public institutions and and hope for a better future have strengthened what Hagedorn refers to as "resistance identities". This is resistance developed between the "clash" of the "unfettered power of the market and the resistance of national, ethical and religious identities.
Square:
This resistance is held within poorer communities. This is the areas where many people have lost their faith in community and turn away from tradition.
Circle: The larger, institutionalized gangs create more problems than the crimes they commit. The have roots in politics, religions and many communities. This makes them difficult to suppress.
Works Cited:
Hagedorn (2005). The global impact of gangs. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 21(2), 153-169.
Week 4, Blog #3 Family Gang Membership
The film, Nuestra Familia, Our Family was a very compelling, inside look at gang activities and showed us a clear example of the "hierarchy" that was charted out for us in Tuesday's lesson. This film was a longitudinal approach to the Nuestra Familia gang of Solinas, California who rival with the Los Angeles gang, the Mexican Mafia.
I was taken back to learn that this was a gang started a couple generations ago by prison members. And those few members actually run the gangs if they were a military element, giving orders and handing down punishment if the orders aren't carried through. Generations are in and out of prison and one particular father and son's lives and gang involvement were depicted in this film. The father, Armando actually instilled the gang "family" lifestyle in to his son, little Armando's upbringing. This is something big Armando wishes he had never done as he faces his responsibility in the large part he played in his son's life sentence.
Pelican Bay was a facility created to house the most violent inmates and in turn became the headquarters for the NF. Here, leaders received information from the outside world and gave direction through the mail by using codes. The gang was literally ran as a military organization from its incarcerated leadership. From prison they established a web of gang activity and ran large drug operations. As parolees were released they trained young gang members to take their place.
Law Enforcement needed a way to disable the gang by dismembering the heirarchy. But the difficult question was,"How do you punish men that are already in prison?" The conclusion from law enforcement was to separate all of them from the Pelican Bay Penitentiary headquarters.The FBI then stepped in and helped local law enforcement. They recruited on of the NF's leaders, Danny Hernandez as an informant. Though the motives behind Danny's cooperation and the lack of restraint measures on the part of the FBI were questionable, this operation know as Operation "Black Widow" was successful in attaining the convictions of 75 NF members. For his cooperation Danny Hernandez was released and paid $52, 000.
It was mentioned that the media plays a large part in the lucrative impression being given to our youth of becoming a gang member. Gold chains and hot cars, not having to hold a 9 to 5 job, but always enjoying wealth. That impression, coupled with the need to belong to a ";family" and have acceptance and love is what draws young kids to join.
I would like to see more research that looks more in-depth at the reason why the members feel so indebted to what they refer to as "the cause" that they are willing to sacrifice their lives, families and imprisonment to their gang family.
Works Cited:
Film: Nuestra Familia, Our Family.2006 http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/UDVTGU
I was taken back to learn that this was a gang started a couple generations ago by prison members. And those few members actually run the gangs if they were a military element, giving orders and handing down punishment if the orders aren't carried through. Generations are in and out of prison and one particular father and son's lives and gang involvement were depicted in this film. The father, Armando actually instilled the gang "family" lifestyle in to his son, little Armando's upbringing. This is something big Armando wishes he had never done as he faces his responsibility in the large part he played in his son's life sentence.
Pelican Bay was a facility created to house the most violent inmates and in turn became the headquarters for the NF. Here, leaders received information from the outside world and gave direction through the mail by using codes. The gang was literally ran as a military organization from its incarcerated leadership. From prison they established a web of gang activity and ran large drug operations. As parolees were released they trained young gang members to take their place.
Law Enforcement needed a way to disable the gang by dismembering the heirarchy. But the difficult question was,"How do you punish men that are already in prison?" The conclusion from law enforcement was to separate all of them from the Pelican Bay Penitentiary headquarters.The FBI then stepped in and helped local law enforcement. They recruited on of the NF's leaders, Danny Hernandez as an informant. Though the motives behind Danny's cooperation and the lack of restraint measures on the part of the FBI were questionable, this operation know as Operation "Black Widow" was successful in attaining the convictions of 75 NF members. For his cooperation Danny Hernandez was released and paid $52, 000.
It was mentioned that the media plays a large part in the lucrative impression being given to our youth of becoming a gang member. Gold chains and hot cars, not having to hold a 9 to 5 job, but always enjoying wealth. That impression, coupled with the need to belong to a ";family" and have acceptance and love is what draws young kids to join.
I would like to see more research that looks more in-depth at the reason why the members feel so indebted to what they refer to as "the cause" that they are willing to sacrifice their lives, families and imprisonment to their gang family.
Works Cited:
Film: Nuestra Familia, Our Family.2006 http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/UDVTGU
Week 4, Blog #2 Youth and Gang Violence
Pulling three key points out of Steven Levitt's video discussion and the article by Krohn and Thornberry regarding youth and their involvement in gangs, I would like to start with Steve Levitt's comparison and charted example of the hierarchy that exists within a gang. He compared the hierarchy with that of the major franchise corporation of McDonald's. Within the hierarchy organization are the board of directors, or key players, (CEO's). Next are Regional Directors, Franchisers and the lowest of the hierarchy, the workers. He points out that as with any structured corporation there are many workers and few CEO's. Reflective of a pyramid. This is the exact type of internal structuring system gangs are run by.
Second, is a point that denies what most of us see depicted in the media regarding gangs. The truth is that there is not a lot of money to be made for most of the gang members. The workers or foot soldiers that do the dirty work within the gang actually reap very little monetary benefits from the sale of drugs and violent crimes such as armed robbery. The money rises to the top of the pyramid. This is something that many young gang members do not realize is just a means to recruit new members by making the gang lifestyle look flashy and lucrative.
Third, I would like to discuss a type of research that is discussed in the above-mentioned article. Its a type of study referred to as a longitudinal study. Simply, it is a group of studied participants that are studied forward in time as they age. Previous studies that have been conducted to evaluate gang activities were not deemed as effective because they left out important data and trends that may/may not have occurred over long periods of a gang members' affiliation. One such important question would be when, if ever do gang members "retire"?
This type of longitudinal study is what makes Steven Levitt's research finding's so important and reliable, especially since they were able to actually infiltrate the gang and record their activities for a 10 year period.
Perhaps we aren't doing enough in Government to control this situation because the death statistics are shocking. If you are a young black male living in the inner city, you have a 1% chance of dying. If you are a soldier in Iraq you have HALF of 1% chance of dying! That should be a wake up call for the need for prevention and protection o four nation's youth.
Works Cited:
Second, is a point that denies what most of us see depicted in the media regarding gangs. The truth is that there is not a lot of money to be made for most of the gang members. The workers or foot soldiers that do the dirty work within the gang actually reap very little monetary benefits from the sale of drugs and violent crimes such as armed robbery. The money rises to the top of the pyramid. This is something that many young gang members do not realize is just a means to recruit new members by making the gang lifestyle look flashy and lucrative.
Third, I would like to discuss a type of research that is discussed in the above-mentioned article. Its a type of study referred to as a longitudinal study. Simply, it is a group of studied participants that are studied forward in time as they age. Previous studies that have been conducted to evaluate gang activities were not deemed as effective because they left out important data and trends that may/may not have occurred over long periods of a gang members' affiliation. One such important question would be when, if ever do gang members "retire"?
This type of longitudinal study is what makes Steven Levitt's research finding's so important and reliable, especially since they were able to actually infiltrate the gang and record their activities for a 10 year period.
Perhaps we aren't doing enough in Government to control this situation because the death statistics are shocking. If you are a young black male living in the inner city, you have a 1% chance of dying. If you are a soldier in Iraq you have HALF of 1% chance of dying! That should be a wake up call for the need for prevention and protection o four nation's youth.
Works Cited:
Marvin D. Krohn and Terence P. Thornberry. Longitudinal Perspectives on Adolescent Street
GangsTED Talks."Steven Levitt analyzes crack economics." Feb 2004. Online Video Clip. Accessed on July 27 2010.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Week 4, Blog #1 Impact of Domestic Violence
Tracee Parker's teaching on Domestic Violence was so in depth that I found it to be the most captivating discussion this far in our class. I was aware that there are court appointed supervised visitation centers and Tracee was talking about her affiliated center, Safe Havens and sharing with her audience some of the experiences they have encountered regarding the effects of domestic violence on children.
The first startling fact she shared was that there are 3 to 7 million kids exposed to domestic violence yearly with an additional overlap of 30%-70% child abuse. Sadly, the youngest children are at the highest risk of victimization. In most of her examples she refers to the mothers and children as victims and the fathers as perpetrators because rarely is it reversed, although she does acknowledge the reverse occasionally happening. These numbers according to Fantuzzo and Fusco's studies are: men -73%, women 13% and mutual aggressors (both) 14%.
Second, The examples of how domestic violence affects its adult victims and children occurs in paternization. Some examples she gave is the common isolation that occurs to victims. Mom is usually isolated from friends and adult family members and the trickle effect is that the children become isolated as well. They are hesitant about bringing friends home due to embarrassment, etc and usually aren't allowed to go anywhere. A very intense statement that she made summing up this pattern was that "kids reflect the mother being controlled". Also, she brought forth a valuable point that I easily related to from a counseling session I attended during my own divorce,(although no domestic violence was present in my case). The point she made was how domestic violence puts restraint on parenting. Often times the fathers presence and violent nature affects the mother's parenting because she tries to discipline before he does in an effort to reduce the violence the father inflicts on the kids. In my counseling session, I was simply asked to reflect on my role as a mother and determine if I am a better parent with or without dad's presence. So, it was very similar to what I had encountered.
A third key point she discussed was that child victims of domestic violence experience Hyper-vigilance. She compared this to being in a constant state of fight or flight, which causes mental, emotional and physical stress and illness. Children often don't know what to expect next so they develop over-effective coping strategies to try to comfort dad when he is upset. Many times the older teens that do not wish to participate in visiting their abusive parent do so only because they feel they can protect their younger siblings and/or mother.
One amazing revelation that needs to be discussed in this blog is the "Crazymaking" that the abuser uses to deny or excuse his inappropriate behavior. This was astonishing because I actually know a couple people who have demonstrate these behaviors and it is hard to cope with as an adult, I cannot imagine how a child copes with it! Crazymaking is when the batterer minimizes, Deny's or outright lies to distort reality. This causes children to doubt themselves and their senses. The batter often tries to convince them they did not see something correctly or hear something correctly, or get angry and blame the child's actions as the cause of their outrageous behavior.
Tracee shared some insightful ideas on how to a victim can protect herself and her children. Developing a "safety plan" and collaborating with community resources in case something happens can be a tool to protect and reassure children that they do have some control over their safety. She made sure to accentuate that you must create a happy medium. It is important to let children know that its ok if their safety plan doesn't work. Also, not to develop an image of the batterer that is not real or making excuses for their absence, yet being cautious not to be overely negative.
Works Cited:
Fusco, R. A., & Fantuzzo, J. W. (2009). Domestic violence crimes and children: A population-based investigation of direct sensory exposure and the nature of involvement. Children and Youth Services Review, 31(2), 249-256.
University of Wisconsin series on Issues for Youth Advocates and the Systems in which They Work (Producer). (2009, March 30) The Impact of Domestic Violence on Youth [online video]. Retrieved July 26, 2010 from http://www.researchchannel.org/prog/displayevent.aspx?rID=29215&fID=345
The first startling fact she shared was that there are 3 to 7 million kids exposed to domestic violence yearly with an additional overlap of 30%-70% child abuse. Sadly, the youngest children are at the highest risk of victimization. In most of her examples she refers to the mothers and children as victims and the fathers as perpetrators because rarely is it reversed, although she does acknowledge the reverse occasionally happening. These numbers according to Fantuzzo and Fusco's studies are: men -73%, women 13% and mutual aggressors (both) 14%.
Second, The examples of how domestic violence affects its adult victims and children occurs in paternization. Some examples she gave is the common isolation that occurs to victims. Mom is usually isolated from friends and adult family members and the trickle effect is that the children become isolated as well. They are hesitant about bringing friends home due to embarrassment, etc and usually aren't allowed to go anywhere. A very intense statement that she made summing up this pattern was that "kids reflect the mother being controlled". Also, she brought forth a valuable point that I easily related to from a counseling session I attended during my own divorce,(although no domestic violence was present in my case). The point she made was how domestic violence puts restraint on parenting. Often times the fathers presence and violent nature affects the mother's parenting because she tries to discipline before he does in an effort to reduce the violence the father inflicts on the kids. In my counseling session, I was simply asked to reflect on my role as a mother and determine if I am a better parent with or without dad's presence. So, it was very similar to what I had encountered.
A third key point she discussed was that child victims of domestic violence experience Hyper-vigilance. She compared this to being in a constant state of fight or flight, which causes mental, emotional and physical stress and illness. Children often don't know what to expect next so they develop over-effective coping strategies to try to comfort dad when he is upset. Many times the older teens that do not wish to participate in visiting their abusive parent do so only because they feel they can protect their younger siblings and/or mother.
One amazing revelation that needs to be discussed in this blog is the "Crazymaking" that the abuser uses to deny or excuse his inappropriate behavior. This was astonishing because I actually know a couple people who have demonstrate these behaviors and it is hard to cope with as an adult, I cannot imagine how a child copes with it! Crazymaking is when the batterer minimizes, Deny's or outright lies to distort reality. This causes children to doubt themselves and their senses. The batter often tries to convince them they did not see something correctly or hear something correctly, or get angry and blame the child's actions as the cause of their outrageous behavior.
Tracee shared some insightful ideas on how to a victim can protect herself and her children. Developing a "safety plan" and collaborating with community resources in case something happens can be a tool to protect and reassure children that they do have some control over their safety. She made sure to accentuate that you must create a happy medium. It is important to let children know that its ok if their safety plan doesn't work. Also, not to develop an image of the batterer that is not real or making excuses for their absence, yet being cautious not to be overely negative.
Works Cited:
Fusco, R. A., & Fantuzzo, J. W. (2009). Domestic violence crimes and children: A population-based investigation of direct sensory exposure and the nature of involvement. Children and Youth Services Review, 31(2), 249-256.
University of Wisconsin series on Issues for Youth Advocates and the Systems in which They Work (Producer). (2009, March 30) The Impact of Domestic Violence on Youth [online video]. Retrieved July 26, 2010 from http://www.researchchannel.org/prog/displayevent.aspx?rID=29215&fID=345
Monday, June 20, 2011
Week 3, Blog #5 Invisible Children
Triangle: Horrible! Horrible! Horrible!
First, Joseph Kony is a monster! The people of Africa fear him. According to those interviewed in the film, the word "fear" does not come close to describing what families and especially the children of Acholi, Uganda and now Congo and Sudan have to live with day in and day out. Joseph Koney is the leader of the LRA resistance regime and the first man wanted for trial in the International Criminal Court for crimes of child abduction, murder and mutilation. He believes he is spiritually led and considers himself a god. Second, the vast amounts of children that have been abducted and /or killed and mutilated are horrendous. Estimates are believed to be 50,000 minimum ( in the making of the video in 2006). Children travel each evening to public places such as hospitals and bus stations to sleep in an attempt to keep from being abducted. The children are brainwashed and immediately desensitized by bloodshed and death. The are taught violence and to kill and are forced to fight in Koney's rebel regime. Childhood and happiness is robbed from these children and every day they live in fear of being killed. Jacob, the boy appearing in both videos actually stated he would rather not live, especially if he has to live this way. Lastly, many Africans stated in the first video that this would never happen in America and they question why they are not as important as those involved in the war in Iraq, or the bombing of the twin towers. Many times they beg for humanity stating they are human beings also, why is the rest of the world standing idly by, especially the U.S.?
Square: The three young men in the video have actually got their hands dirty, many times over and got involved and taken their request for peace to government officials. They began seeing action and slight progress, although Kony has not been brought to justice yet.
Circle: It will be interesting to see how much more intervention will happen from our government. This requires United Nations involvement. I think the more people that rally and write letters to Senators and Congressmen as depicted in the video, the more national attention this situation will receive and the more lives can be saved.
Works Cited:
Russel, J, Bailey, B. & Poole, L. (Creators). (2006, April 7) Invisible Children.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3166797753930210643
The Invisible Children, http://vimeo.com/3400420
First, Joseph Kony is a monster! The people of Africa fear him. According to those interviewed in the film, the word "fear" does not come close to describing what families and especially the children of Acholi, Uganda and now Congo and Sudan have to live with day in and day out. Joseph Koney is the leader of the LRA resistance regime and the first man wanted for trial in the International Criminal Court for crimes of child abduction, murder and mutilation. He believes he is spiritually led and considers himself a god. Second, the vast amounts of children that have been abducted and /or killed and mutilated are horrendous. Estimates are believed to be 50,000 minimum ( in the making of the video in 2006). Children travel each evening to public places such as hospitals and bus stations to sleep in an attempt to keep from being abducted. The children are brainwashed and immediately desensitized by bloodshed and death. The are taught violence and to kill and are forced to fight in Koney's rebel regime. Childhood and happiness is robbed from these children and every day they live in fear of being killed. Jacob, the boy appearing in both videos actually stated he would rather not live, especially if he has to live this way. Lastly, many Africans stated in the first video that this would never happen in America and they question why they are not as important as those involved in the war in Iraq, or the bombing of the twin towers. Many times they beg for humanity stating they are human beings also, why is the rest of the world standing idly by, especially the U.S.?
Square: The three young men in the video have actually got their hands dirty, many times over and got involved and taken their request for peace to government officials. They began seeing action and slight progress, although Kony has not been brought to justice yet.
Circle: It will be interesting to see how much more intervention will happen from our government. This requires United Nations involvement. I think the more people that rally and write letters to Senators and Congressmen as depicted in the video, the more national attention this situation will receive and the more lives can be saved.
Works Cited:
Russel, J, Bailey, B. & Poole, L. (Creators). (2006, April 7) Invisible Children.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3166797753930210643
The Invisible Children, http://vimeo.com/3400420
Week 3, Blog #4 Youth Sex Workers in the U.S.
Triangle:It is more reasonable to expect sexual exploitation in developing countries due to the economic struggles that are prominent, but what about the United States? Shockingly enough as of 2001 in a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, over 300,000 children and adolescents are sexually exploiting themselves every year; 2,200 in New York City alone. Additionally, here in the U.S. poverty levels are not the predominant cause (as in developing countries), family dysfunction, domestic violence and abuse is pushing adolescents into a life of exploitation. Pimps offer the promise of a "family" to young children. This sends a message of desperation for belonging. The last point I'd like to make is that young children, predominantly girls, are being "caught up" in the judicial system. Once caught for prostitution they run a high risk of facing charges, even as a minor. A very strong point was brought up in the video: how can we justify sentencing a child for committing a crime when they aren't even of the age of legal consent? Instead rehabilitation and assistance from organizations such as GEM should become a means to end exploitation.
Square: We have been learning how important family relationships are and the important roles mothers and fathers have in influencing their children's future. In our readings it stated over 70% of victims of sexual exploitation have been in the child welfare system, once again pointing to the impotence of a healthy functional home life.
Circle: Even in America we see foreign immigrants from Asia: Vietnam , Taiwan and Korea entering the U.S on a Visa and overstaying. They seem to migrate into regions and support each other "work" in the U.S. Our Government does not seem to be doing much about this.
Works Cited:
Elizabeth Kiem. Child Exploitation in the USA. http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/usa_46464.html
Sex Trafficing of Women in the United States. https://myasucourses.asu.edu/@@/EDFE74BA05A9001715DA40E7CDEC90D1/courses/1/2011Summer5W1-X-JUS477-41555-47001/content/_5276989_1/sex_traff_us.pdf
Very young Girls.http://www.gems-girls.org/get-involved/very-young-girls
Square: We have been learning how important family relationships are and the important roles mothers and fathers have in influencing their children's future. In our readings it stated over 70% of victims of sexual exploitation have been in the child welfare system, once again pointing to the impotence of a healthy functional home life.
Circle: Even in America we see foreign immigrants from Asia: Vietnam , Taiwan and Korea entering the U.S on a Visa and overstaying. They seem to migrate into regions and support each other "work" in the U.S. Our Government does not seem to be doing much about this.
Works Cited:
Elizabeth Kiem. Child Exploitation in the USA. http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/usa_46464.html
Sex Trafficing of Women in the United States. https://myasucourses.asu.edu/@@/EDFE74BA05A9001715DA40E7CDEC90D1/courses/1/2011Summer5W1-X-JUS477-41555-47001/content/_5276989_1/sex_traff_us.pdf
Very young Girls.http://www.gems-girls.org/get-involved/very-young-girls
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Week 3, Blog #3 Child Exploitation and Abuse
Three key issues presented in Wednesday's readings and Dateline's Sex Trafficking Video all for around the research and investigations surrounding child prostitution and sex trafficking. First, many Vietnamese and Asian countries have high rates of child prostitution, with children beginning to sell their bodies by the Young age of 6, reportedly introduced to this type of employment by neighbor, friends and relatives. The Thai government came under global scrutiny in the early 1990's, in the 1993 government crackdown, brothels and bars began to be very careful not to hire prostitutes under the age of 18. Second, research led to such findings as a small community of migrants whose families were living in slum conditions on the outskirts of a larger town, had a shocking rate of 35 out of 65 children, both boys and girls that worked in prostitution in some capacity. Vietnam had similar ratios: out of 65 children interviewed, 26 admitted to working in prostitution. Lastly, this issue stems from issues mentioned in my past blog postings. Children feel a debt of gratitude towards their parents, especially their mother and believe it is part of their duty to support their families as best they can, even from a very young age. Therefore, if tragedy strikes or the family is poverty stricken, children turn to selling their bodies for profit and actually feel they are doing a needed and honorable thing for their families.
One more issue that I thought was very important to mention as a fourth key fact is that through research findings, writings and analysis Three tell-tale themes have developed from the life stories of 22 girls. those three themes are 1) Poverty leaves few choices, 2) The dream comes true, 3) Abuse breeds prostitution.
Sadly, I do understand the reasoning behind the madness. For many this is what provides life's basic necessities and the chain of poverty continues. Absent parent homes, sickness and disease, single parents, alcoholism, gambling......all these issues are prevalent in poverty stricken areas, often times leaving no choice but for children to take whatever means necessary for family survival. Young women and children work selling their bodies, men however lack earning capacity in prostitution and are forced to leave and travel elsewhere for job opportunities, such as construction. This further divides poverty stricken families.
I was angered to learn that businessmen such as the British Businessman who frequented Thailand and visiting a small 8 year old girl named Lek, and the U.S. doctor who's taping of illicit activities in Cambodia are currently under investigation, would take advantage of the state of poverty stricken foreigners! This is something in which all governments need to take a more active role in prevention, investigation, action and punishment.
Works Cited:
Children for Sale: MSNBC Clip on Chris Hansen's Investigation into International Sex Trafficking of Children
Montgomery, H. (2007). Working with child prostitutes in Thailand: Problems of practice and interpretation. Childhood, 14(4), 415.
Rubenson, B., Hanh, L. T., Hojer, B., & Johansson, E. (2005). Young sex-workers in ho chi minh city telling their life stories. Childhood, 12(3), 391
One more issue that I thought was very important to mention as a fourth key fact is that through research findings, writings and analysis Three tell-tale themes have developed from the life stories of 22 girls. those three themes are 1) Poverty leaves few choices, 2) The dream comes true, 3) Abuse breeds prostitution.
Sadly, I do understand the reasoning behind the madness. For many this is what provides life's basic necessities and the chain of poverty continues. Absent parent homes, sickness and disease, single parents, alcoholism, gambling......all these issues are prevalent in poverty stricken areas, often times leaving no choice but for children to take whatever means necessary for family survival. Young women and children work selling their bodies, men however lack earning capacity in prostitution and are forced to leave and travel elsewhere for job opportunities, such as construction. This further divides poverty stricken families.
I was angered to learn that businessmen such as the British Businessman who frequented Thailand and visiting a small 8 year old girl named Lek, and the U.S. doctor who's taping of illicit activities in Cambodia are currently under investigation, would take advantage of the state of poverty stricken foreigners! This is something in which all governments need to take a more active role in prevention, investigation, action and punishment.
Works Cited:
Children for Sale: MSNBC Clip on Chris Hansen's Investigation into International Sex Trafficking of Children
Montgomery, H. (2007). Working with child prostitutes in Thailand: Problems of practice and interpretation. Childhood, 14(4), 415.
Rubenson, B., Hanh, L. T., Hojer, B., & Johansson, E. (2005). Young sex-workers in ho chi minh city telling their life stories. Childhood, 12(3), 391
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Week 3, Blog #2 Child Labor Laws in the U.S.
A startling fact is that despite the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the video India: Working to End Child Labor claims that there is still over 200 million children laborers within 15 of the world's poorest countries; 80 million of which are located in the world's largest democracy, India. Although India is a leader in innovative technology it lags behind in adopting legislation to inhibit child labor. Secondly, India's Constitution only provides laws inhibiting child labor in factories and mines, therefore child labor is unmanaged in agriculture and such things as making inscents, etc. Thirdly, children are often treated unfairly, work in unhealthful conditions and paid far less than an adult while working longer hours, sometimes up to 16 hours a day.
Although children in India, ages 5yrs through 11yrs are now required to attend school (a step in the right direction), higher education, purchasing books and other school supplies is still unaffordable. Here in the U.S. the Department of Labor regulates the working hours of children laborers and restricts the workplace to established guidelines regarding child labor. In Arizona, children under the age of 16 are restricted to working the hours between 6:00a.m. and 9:30p.m. and no more than 3 hours on school days; Non-school days from 6:00a.m.-11:00p.m. and a maximum of 8 hours. These labor laws we have enacted are to prevent interference with education, which is a right for children.
There is something mentioned in both the video and the article in the American Journal of Public health that deserves more attention. It is the circle of poverty, that unless the government is involved and labor is regulated, may very well continue to keep generation after generation doomed to the same poverty stricken cycle. The positive result that many impoverished families acquire with children working instead of going to school is the immediate increase in much needed income, just to provide the basic necessities. But its become a double-edged sword. The negative result that is manifesting itself through generations dooming them to poverty is that children are laboring in fields instead of attending school and attaining a higher education to rise above poverty. Additionally, the children's health is at risk with much of the labor they do. As the video states, "it is because they are working that they are in poverty". Wages are depressed because children are paid far less, this keeps the quality of life poor and people remain impoverished.
Works Cited:
India: Working to End Child Labor. Films Media Group, 2004. Films On Demand. Web.18 June 2011. <http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=15108&xtid=34471>
Roggero, P. Mangiaterra, V., Bustreo, F., & Rosati, F. (2007). The health impact of child labor in developing countries: Evidence from cross-country data. American Journal of Public Health, 97(2), 271-5
US Department of Labor
Although children in India, ages 5yrs through 11yrs are now required to attend school (a step in the right direction), higher education, purchasing books and other school supplies is still unaffordable. Here in the U.S. the Department of Labor regulates the working hours of children laborers and restricts the workplace to established guidelines regarding child labor. In Arizona, children under the age of 16 are restricted to working the hours between 6:00a.m. and 9:30p.m. and no more than 3 hours on school days; Non-school days from 6:00a.m.-11:00p.m. and a maximum of 8 hours. These labor laws we have enacted are to prevent interference with education, which is a right for children.
There is something mentioned in both the video and the article in the American Journal of Public health that deserves more attention. It is the circle of poverty, that unless the government is involved and labor is regulated, may very well continue to keep generation after generation doomed to the same poverty stricken cycle. The positive result that many impoverished families acquire with children working instead of going to school is the immediate increase in much needed income, just to provide the basic necessities. But its become a double-edged sword. The negative result that is manifesting itself through generations dooming them to poverty is that children are laboring in fields instead of attending school and attaining a higher education to rise above poverty. Additionally, the children's health is at risk with much of the labor they do. As the video states, "it is because they are working that they are in poverty". Wages are depressed because children are paid far less, this keeps the quality of life poor and people remain impoverished.
Works Cited:
India: Working to End Child Labor. Films Media Group, 2004. Films On Demand. Web.18 June 2011. <http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=15108&xtid=34471>
Roggero, P. Mangiaterra, V., Bustreo, F., & Rosati, F. (2007). The health impact of child labor in developing countries: Evidence from cross-country data. American Journal of Public Health, 97(2), 271-5
US Department of Labor
Week 3, Blog #1 Youth and Human Rights
Children's rights date back as early as pre-19th century when poor children in early settlements were legally bound into apprenticeship work positions for long periods of their childhood. Necessities such as food, clothing and shelter were provided for them in exchange for labor. Early 1900's facilities designed to offer aid to needy or orphaned children often were themselves places of neglect and abuse. By the end of the 19th century, large numbers of American children worked in mines, factories, agriculture, in canneries, etc. Labor laws did not exist and children became easy targets for labor manipulation. In the timeline we are reviewing in Wikipedia, the issue of children's rights were progressively addressed but under such titles as Labor Laws and social work, not specifically addressing the broader, complete scope of children's rights.
In the 1980's the U.S. was a leader in the development of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, (CRC). The CRC was adopted by the United Nations in November, 1989 and was signed be the Unites States in 1994. Rights were established under the CRC establishing equal standards of health care, education, protection along with civil, political, social and economic rights for all children, in a hope of eliminating the exploitation of poor children in America and abroad.
In order for this change to be recognized world wide, Governments need to be held accountable and a the CRC needs to be ratified. To date, the Act has been signed by every country in the world and ratified by all countries, but two. According to Wikipedia, the United States has failed to ratify the CRC because by enacting it into law,the U.S. government is unsure how it would affect criminal sentencing of 16-17 year olds, who may be tried as adults in the U.S. court system.
Works Cited:
Film: The State of the World's Children http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/sowc/index.php
https://myasucourses.asu.edu/@@/8F6123470306AA13434EA8F60CAB3D8A/courses/1/2011Summer5W1-X-JUS477-41555-47001/content/_5276949_1/SOWC_SpecEd_CRC_ExecutiveSummary_EN_091009.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Timeline_of_young_people%27s_rights_in_the_United_States&oldid=290549375
In the 1980's the U.S. was a leader in the development of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, (CRC). The CRC was adopted by the United Nations in November, 1989 and was signed be the Unites States in 1994. Rights were established under the CRC establishing equal standards of health care, education, protection along with civil, political, social and economic rights for all children, in a hope of eliminating the exploitation of poor children in America and abroad.
In order for this change to be recognized world wide, Governments need to be held accountable and a the CRC needs to be ratified. To date, the Act has been signed by every country in the world and ratified by all countries, but two. According to Wikipedia, the United States has failed to ratify the CRC because by enacting it into law,the U.S. government is unsure how it would affect criminal sentencing of 16-17 year olds, who may be tried as adults in the U.S. court system.
Works Cited:
Film: The State of the World's Children http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/sowc/index.php
https://myasucourses.asu.edu/@@/8F6123470306AA13434EA8F60CAB3D8A/courses/1/2011Summer5W1-X-JUS477-41555-47001/content/_5276949_1/SOWC_SpecEd_CRC_ExecutiveSummary_EN_091009.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Timeline_of_young_people%27s_rights_in_the_United_States&oldid=290549375
Monday, June 13, 2011
Week 2, Blog #5: Youth Homelessness
The similarities between the kids on skid row that are depicted in the On Skid Row video and the kids depicted in the article From Home to Street are that they have spent their lives in abuse situations, perhaps a parent-less or unsupervised home life, drugs, sex , alcohol, lack of caring and behavioral problems are are common causes and symptoms keeping kids tied into poverty. A prevalent difference between the kids on skid row and runaways is that most kids on skid row were born into poverty and had no choice but to remain in poverty vs. making the decision to leave home to escape abuse, which seems like the only alternative behind the decision to live on the streets. In either situation it is important to note that kids are there because there because of their parents (or lack of parents).
Many times it is noted in both the videos and the article that poverty seems to affect the African American population in astonishing numbers vs. the number of Caucasians who are on skid row or have left home to live on the streets. Many of them have no opportunity to make money without drug involvement. In the video it tells the story of how Franklin witnessed the murder of his neighbor, who was stabbed 15 or more times, when he was only 14 years of age. These kids that are forced to live in these areas are often times exposed to violence at such an early age that it mentally affects them for life.
Works Cited:
Many times it is noted in both the videos and the article that poverty seems to affect the African American population in astonishing numbers vs. the number of Caucasians who are on skid row or have left home to live on the streets. Many of them have no opportunity to make money without drug involvement. In the video it tells the story of how Franklin witnessed the murder of his neighbor, who was stabbed 15 or more times, when he was only 14 years of age. These kids that are forced to live in these areas are often times exposed to violence at such an early age that it mentally affects them for life.
Works Cited:
Hyde, J. (2005). From home to street: Understanding young people's transitions into homelessness. Journal of Adolescence , 28 (2), 171-83
Film: On Skid Row - Kids Link TV (2007)
Week 2, Blog #4: Global Poverty
One similarity that stood out in the video, Through a Child's Eyes: Views of Global Poverty, was that children view the contrast between being rich and poor much in the same way. Another Similarity is they all believe in a higher deity. All long for a good education, leading to a good job to bring them out of the grasp of poverty. They do not wish to win the lottery or a new car like so many privileged children in America. In America poverty seems to be focused more on what you can't have, than what you can.
Many children are born into poverty, this is true in in both the U.S. and third world countries. Even though poverty in the U.S is far different than poverty in third world countries. In the U.S. most impoverished families still have clean running water and toilets, NOT the case in the depictions of the children in India, Cairo, Romania and Cambodia for example. The major factors of poverty is lack of work or poor wages. Both of which can be rooted back to lack of an education or lack of funding for education.
A rather disturbing statement made by Florin (Romania) was that the rich people have money but don't want to give, yet the poor people don't have money but do want to give. This is an example of why we have extreme classes of lifestyles.
Finally, the issues that have been prevalent in Africa and other third world countries is that of absent parents and orphanism. With death and disease shortening the lifespan of many citizens in nations so poor that health care is absent for most all of a person's life, many children are orphaned at a very young age and cared for by family members, adoptive families and step-parents. As the article points out, many children do not receive the opportunity for higher education in such circumstances due less social connection between the children and caretakers, economic circumstances preventing education and school readiness (Paxson, 493).
Works Cited:
Case, A., Paxson, C., & Ableidinger, J. (2004). Orphans in Africa: Parental death, poverty, and school enrollment. Demography, 41(3), 483-508.
Guiness, Martin."Through a Child's Eyes: Views of Global Poverty" 2006. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 15 July 2010. http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/3K645E
Week 2, Blog #3 Student threats of violence
Three main points that were discussed in the Student Threats of Violence video were the fact that the idea that violent juvenile crime is on the rise is actually false and is often times created by assessments that do not adequately represent the student body in the United States. In fact, juvenile violence is actually on the decline. Second, This decline is associated with improved economics, allowing parents to be home more to watch their kids, Improvements in Law Enforcement and an increase in educational programs and after school programs. Third, statistics actually show that school is the safest place to be!
Having a son who just graduated High school and a son who is going into kindergarten, i have experienced the schools zero-tolerance guidelines and am concerned about the path it leads our youth down, As stated in the video, zero tolerance allows for NO flexibility and drives children and staff to ignore or possibly not report incidents due to the treat of expulsion. The implementation of a threat assessment program seems to be a more realistic approach to dealing with students violence and threats of violence. Consisting of two different types of evaluations, a mental health evaluation and a legal evaluation on a case per case basis allows the punishment to tailor the act and allow for students to learn a different approach to issues other than using violence.
The role that Social Capital plays in adolescent violent behaviors takes into context the social environments in which adolescents lives are structured upon and around. It has long been said that enrolling kids in an after school sport or other activity helps keep them out of trouble; that is a good example of positive social capital. According to the article written by Wright and Fitzpatrick, students are more likely to act violently when they lack relationships and are disconnected from others. On the other side of the coin, students that benefit from socially constructive activities and have more social ties have closer, more cooperative relationships.
Works Cited:
Research Channel (Producer) (2008, February 21). Student Threats of Violence. [YouTube video].
Wright, & Fitzpatrick (2006). Social capital and adolescent violent behavior: Correlates of fighting and weapon use among secondary school students. Social Forces, 84(3), 1435-1453.
Having a son who just graduated High school and a son who is going into kindergarten, i have experienced the schools zero-tolerance guidelines and am concerned about the path it leads our youth down, As stated in the video, zero tolerance allows for NO flexibility and drives children and staff to ignore or possibly not report incidents due to the treat of expulsion. The implementation of a threat assessment program seems to be a more realistic approach to dealing with students violence and threats of violence. Consisting of two different types of evaluations, a mental health evaluation and a legal evaluation on a case per case basis allows the punishment to tailor the act and allow for students to learn a different approach to issues other than using violence.
The role that Social Capital plays in adolescent violent behaviors takes into context the social environments in which adolescents lives are structured upon and around. It has long been said that enrolling kids in an after school sport or other activity helps keep them out of trouble; that is a good example of positive social capital. According to the article written by Wright and Fitzpatrick, students are more likely to act violently when they lack relationships and are disconnected from others. On the other side of the coin, students that benefit from socially constructive activities and have more social ties have closer, more cooperative relationships.
Works Cited:
Research Channel (Producer) (2008, February 21). Student Threats of Violence. [YouTube video].
Wright, & Fitzpatrick (2006). Social capital and adolescent violent behavior: Correlates of fighting and weapon use among secondary school students. Social Forces, 84(3), 1435-1453.
Week 2, Blog #2: America's Public Schools
Some of the functions of the schools in the early 20th century was to present a chance for education and a better life, as America itself represents. In the early 1900's millions of immigrants flocked to America seeking the good life. This made schools crowded, with a lack of space, dangerous and full of sick children. Even then only a small portion of children actually attended school, while the majority of other children opted to work in factories.
A couple decades later the number of children attending school had increased to approximately 50% and the average educational period was 5 years. However with the introduction of School and Society by John Dewey who offered the new development ideals of "Whole Development" moved schools towards a different, more hospitable place for children to develop socially and spiritually as well as academically. By the 1930's legislation was passed setting the foundation for the mandatory educational requirements we have in place today. Attendance became a requirement until age 16. eventually. The Government funding of public education has also played a huge role in advancing the education system to today's standards. Fear that America was educationally behind the Soviet Union pressed the Government to step in and as soon as funding was pledged, schools immediately showed change. Advanced classes began to be taught and equal opportunity for education continues to be sought.
Education has always been the backbone of growth and prosperity in our nation. Now education is advancing to a lifelong process and not just focused on our nation's youth. Many older adults are also seeking to advance their education. Our school systems have become an important facet of shaping our lives , not just through childhood but by opportunity. Through means of our justice system and establishing of rights, cultural bias has been close to eliminated and equal opportunity for education regardless of ethnicity, class and gender has been established.
Works Cited:
As American as Public School: 1900-1950 (2000)
A couple decades later the number of children attending school had increased to approximately 50% and the average educational period was 5 years. However with the introduction of School and Society by John Dewey who offered the new development ideals of "Whole Development" moved schools towards a different, more hospitable place for children to develop socially and spiritually as well as academically. By the 1930's legislation was passed setting the foundation for the mandatory educational requirements we have in place today. Attendance became a requirement until age 16. eventually. The Government funding of public education has also played a huge role in advancing the education system to today's standards. Fear that America was educationally behind the Soviet Union pressed the Government to step in and as soon as funding was pledged, schools immediately showed change. Advanced classes began to be taught and equal opportunity for education continues to be sought.
Education has always been the backbone of growth and prosperity in our nation. Now education is advancing to a lifelong process and not just focused on our nation's youth. Many older adults are also seeking to advance their education. Our school systems have become an important facet of shaping our lives , not just through childhood but by opportunity. Through means of our justice system and establishing of rights, cultural bias has been close to eliminated and equal opportunity for education regardless of ethnicity, class and gender has been established.
Works Cited:
As American as Public School: 1900-1950 (2000)
Week 2 Blog #1 Identity Crisis
Three key points brought forth in the video Identity Crisis are first, by the age of 5 most kids have developed an idea of who they are, a sense of belonging and that they have a part in the future. Another key point is that life changes that occur, DO in fact impact and change in children's thought process's and impact their behavior. Lastly, economic status within the community also has an impact of how a child views his place in society.
The video depicts a study conducted by a University. I n this study children we given two small scale models homes, (much like doll houses) one home being more elaborate and wealthy looking, while the other maintained a moderate appearance. The children were asked which home did the wealthy person live in and which home did the poorer person live in. The children were able to correctly identify social class by this exercise at age 5.
James was a little boy whose mother was trying to flee from an abusive relationship. James reacted by mis-behaving in his home environment, but at preschool he acted well behaved, showing the effects of his adverse home environment. Tyrese, on the other hand was being raised by a single mother who made an effort to reinforce his ethnicity and racial heritage. Another study conducted by the University showed viewers that no matter what ethnicity the child was, through social stereotypes most all children chose a photo of a Caucasian child as the "good" child or "preferred" playmate. This was with the exclusion of Tyrese who chose his own ethnicity in the study, reflective upon his mothers positive reinforcement of ethnicity.
One issue that I may have inadvertently picked up on was that through the stories of James and Tyrese, it was mentioned that they both experienced the divorce of their parents. This drew my attention because it was mentioned that both boys experienced anger and behavioral issues when they had to leave their "home" or customary environment. This makes me wonder about the deeper importance of having a stable and consistent home environment with relation to a child's identity and development.
Works Cited:
Identity Crisis. Part of the series Child of Our Time 2005.
The video depicts a study conducted by a University. I n this study children we given two small scale models homes, (much like doll houses) one home being more elaborate and wealthy looking, while the other maintained a moderate appearance. The children were asked which home did the wealthy person live in and which home did the poorer person live in. The children were able to correctly identify social class by this exercise at age 5.
James was a little boy whose mother was trying to flee from an abusive relationship. James reacted by mis-behaving in his home environment, but at preschool he acted well behaved, showing the effects of his adverse home environment. Tyrese, on the other hand was being raised by a single mother who made an effort to reinforce his ethnicity and racial heritage. Another study conducted by the University showed viewers that no matter what ethnicity the child was, through social stereotypes most all children chose a photo of a Caucasian child as the "good" child or "preferred" playmate. This was with the exclusion of Tyrese who chose his own ethnicity in the study, reflective upon his mothers positive reinforcement of ethnicity.
One issue that I may have inadvertently picked up on was that through the stories of James and Tyrese, it was mentioned that they both experienced the divorce of their parents. This drew my attention because it was mentioned that both boys experienced anger and behavioral issues when they had to leave their "home" or customary environment. This makes me wonder about the deeper importance of having a stable and consistent home environment with relation to a child's identity and development.
Works Cited:
Identity Crisis. Part of the series Child of Our Time 2005.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Week 1: Blog #4
In the film " Missouri's Different Approach to Juvenile Justice", the noteworthy approach Missouri has taken to provide more than a detention center for the state's criminal youth has been deemed very successful. As with all criminal detention centers it sees its repeat offenders but recognizing the mental and emotional differences between adolescents and adults there are substantial differences between their adult and juvenile centers.
One key approach at the Waverly Youth Center and Rosa Parks center which are featured on the film, is the facilities are not full of white walled cells, bars and barred windows. Instead it renders the appearance of a group home with bunk beds and no lock downs. The facilities remain guarded and secure but juvenile inmates are not treated as adult criminals.
Secondly, as noted on the video, the response from the juveniles that are serving time at one of the two mentioned facilities seem to agree that the disciplined structure is providing a way for them to "learn how to live". School is conducted five days a week and they having times of sharing, allowing the juveniles to open up to one another and support one another. Several adolescents on both videos demonstrated the ability to release deep seeded issues that may be key to unlocking the anger and aggression shadowing these issues.
In both videos drugs seemed to play a role in many adolescents' lives, either stemming from a parent or sibling to eventually being the gateway to personal drug use behind many of the charges the adolescents faced. Drugs however, seemed to be the only outlet for the pain and neglect behind many of the personal stories shared by those interviewed. some adolescents revealed that they turned to gangs and gang members for a sense of support and "family", becoming high school drop outs and living amongst guns, robbery and homicide.
One particular event that captured my heart was that at the Waverly institution, role models and adolescents alike shared a sense of love and nurturing by giving each other a simple hug.
One difficulty that seemed problematic was how difficult it was for some of the adolescents to open up about their childhood experiences for fear that perpetrators (who are more times than not, a relative or close acquaintance) then become involved in legal implications. I noticed, especially amongst young men this actually caused hesitation to come forward and face their abuse and abuser(s).
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Death Row Kids" 2005. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 05 June 2011. http://digital.films.com/play/
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Missouri's Different Approach to Juvenile Justice" 2009. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 05 June 2011.
One key approach at the Waverly Youth Center and Rosa Parks center which are featured on the film, is the facilities are not full of white walled cells, bars and barred windows. Instead it renders the appearance of a group home with bunk beds and no lock downs. The facilities remain guarded and secure but juvenile inmates are not treated as adult criminals.
Secondly, as noted on the video, the response from the juveniles that are serving time at one of the two mentioned facilities seem to agree that the disciplined structure is providing a way for them to "learn how to live". School is conducted five days a week and they having times of sharing, allowing the juveniles to open up to one another and support one another. Several adolescents on both videos demonstrated the ability to release deep seeded issues that may be key to unlocking the anger and aggression shadowing these issues.
In both videos drugs seemed to play a role in many adolescents' lives, either stemming from a parent or sibling to eventually being the gateway to personal drug use behind many of the charges the adolescents faced. Drugs however, seemed to be the only outlet for the pain and neglect behind many of the personal stories shared by those interviewed. some adolescents revealed that they turned to gangs and gang members for a sense of support and "family", becoming high school drop outs and living amongst guns, robbery and homicide.
One particular event that captured my heart was that at the Waverly institution, role models and adolescents alike shared a sense of love and nurturing by giving each other a simple hug.
One difficulty that seemed problematic was how difficult it was for some of the adolescents to open up about their childhood experiences for fear that perpetrators (who are more times than not, a relative or close acquaintance) then become involved in legal implications. I noticed, especially amongst young men this actually caused hesitation to come forward and face their abuse and abuser(s).
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Death Row Kids" 2005. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 05 June 2011. http://digital.films.com/play/
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Missouri's Different Approach to Juvenile Justice" 2009. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 05 June 2011.
http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/VU5HSY
Week1: Blog #3
Research findings from the "Juveniles Locked Up" video with regards the maturity of youth, states the mental capacity of an adolescent (for example age 12), has not reach the full mental capacity of an adult at 18 plus years of age according to the video. What this means is that a young adolescent does not have the full capability to know and understand the repercussions of their actions.
Steinberg and Scotts article also indicates that through developmental research findings, "cognitive and psychosocial functioning in adolescence measures behaviors, self-perceptions, or attitudes". One would then believe that this area in an adolescent may still require growth. The authors go on to state that, "mounting evidence suggests that at least some of the differences between adults and adolescents have neuropsychological and neurobiological underpinnings." (Steinberg, 1013). In a nutshell adolescents have a diminished capability to fully evaluate consequences due to less intelligence, less experience and less education.
Such findings have shown that youth experiences in adult detention facilities show that an obvious issue is the adult correctional facility is much more violent than a juvenile facility. Additionally, Juveniles receive no mandatory rehab counseling and adult facilities do not focus on the educational needs of inmates to the depth of a juvenile facility. Juveniles have a much greater success rate at not become habitual offenders when they are required to participate in group counseling, individual counseling and up to eight hours of academic and vocational training. Kupchick notes that the facility must be adequately able to relate to kids. Juvenile facilities are not just correctional facilities for confinement but are a source of treatment and caring role models. (Kupchik, 258-259).
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Part 1: Juveniles Locked Up" 1995. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 03 June 2011. http://digital.films.com/play/
Steinberg, L., & Scott, E. S. (2003). Less guilty by reason of adolescence: Developmental immaturity, diminished responsibility, and the juvenile death penalty. The American Psychologist, 58(12), 1009-18.
Steinberg and Scotts article also indicates that through developmental research findings, "cognitive and psychosocial functioning in adolescence measures behaviors, self-perceptions, or attitudes". One would then believe that this area in an adolescent may still require growth. The authors go on to state that, "mounting evidence suggests that at least some of the differences between adults and adolescents have neuropsychological and neurobiological underpinnings." (Steinberg, 1013). In a nutshell adolescents have a diminished capability to fully evaluate consequences due to less intelligence, less experience and less education.
Such findings have shown that youth experiences in adult detention facilities show that an obvious issue is the adult correctional facility is much more violent than a juvenile facility. Additionally, Juveniles receive no mandatory rehab counseling and adult facilities do not focus on the educational needs of inmates to the depth of a juvenile facility. Juveniles have a much greater success rate at not become habitual offenders when they are required to participate in group counseling, individual counseling and up to eight hours of academic and vocational training. Kupchick notes that the facility must be adequately able to relate to kids. Juvenile facilities are not just correctional facilities for confinement but are a source of treatment and caring role models. (Kupchik, 258-259).
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Part 1: Juveniles Locked Up" 1995. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 03 June 2011. http://digital.films.com/play/
Kupchik, A. (2007). The correctional experiences of youth in adult and juvenile prisons. Justice Quarterly, 24(2), 247-270 .
Steinberg, L., & Scott, E. S. (2003). Less guilty by reason of adolescence: Developmental immaturity, diminished responsibility, and the juvenile death penalty. The American Psychologist, 58(12), 1009-18.
Week 1: Blog #2
In examination of the film: Stuart Brown Says Play is More Then Fun; and the film Juvenile Correction Facilities (2005), I have identified three major elements. Two of the elements are discussed in both films in a relative manner. The other element is primarily discussed in regards to the information shared by the juvenile corrections faculty and inmates, however I connected the two films with some similar thought processes.
The first key element as discussed within inmate interviews in the emotional and mental problems related to abuse that the interviewed adolescents share in common. Many of them have suffered mental and emotional abuse such as molestation, physical abuse, incest, rape and other violent crimes, many of them by close family members or friends. The relationship (or lack of) with the parents especially the mother seems to be a common thread among troubled teens. Stuart Brown also makes the connection of the mothers role in promoting a mentally and emotionally healthy childhood for her child by the earliest of childhood play between the mother and child.
The second key element was the need for love and interaction leading to a loving relationship and the negative effects on children who are missing this vital part of their childhood. Juvenile inmates repeatedly stated that they did not feel loved, nor loved themselves. In the corrections facility this seemed particularly common amongst female inmates who turned to same sex relationships to fulfill the need for happiness. Stuart Brown reflects the same need for interaction that is developed and sustained in children (even animals) through playful interaction.
The third key element that was stated only in the film regarding juvenile inmates was that they seemed to be living in more poverty stricken environments and perhaps were more susceptible to single parent and absent parent homes (latch key kids). These environments were probably lonely and perhaps children were less occupied with things such the play Stuart Brown refers to.
An insightful idea that the Juvenile Corrections Facility has adopted was that of the schooling and activities more centered around open area without restrictive confinement. This seemed to improve the learning and behavior of the students development very much comparative to Stuart Brown's analogy of the mindset of mice when they are confined, in which they lose the connection to what is supposed to be natural reactions to their environment.
A point I am hoping gets a deeper look is the connection that was mentioned regarding the inmate named Conrad. Conrad suffered from Bi-Polar disorder and ADD. Medication was successful, however his family could not afford the medication. I would hope there could be something in the future to help this type of issue.
References:
The first key element as discussed within inmate interviews in the emotional and mental problems related to abuse that the interviewed adolescents share in common. Many of them have suffered mental and emotional abuse such as molestation, physical abuse, incest, rape and other violent crimes, many of them by close family members or friends. The relationship (or lack of) with the parents especially the mother seems to be a common thread among troubled teens. Stuart Brown also makes the connection of the mothers role in promoting a mentally and emotionally healthy childhood for her child by the earliest of childhood play between the mother and child.
The second key element was the need for love and interaction leading to a loving relationship and the negative effects on children who are missing this vital part of their childhood. Juvenile inmates repeatedly stated that they did not feel loved, nor loved themselves. In the corrections facility this seemed particularly common amongst female inmates who turned to same sex relationships to fulfill the need for happiness. Stuart Brown reflects the same need for interaction that is developed and sustained in children (even animals) through playful interaction.
The third key element that was stated only in the film regarding juvenile inmates was that they seemed to be living in more poverty stricken environments and perhaps were more susceptible to single parent and absent parent homes (latch key kids). These environments were probably lonely and perhaps children were less occupied with things such the play Stuart Brown refers to.
An insightful idea that the Juvenile Corrections Facility has adopted was that of the schooling and activities more centered around open area without restrictive confinement. This seemed to improve the learning and behavior of the students development very much comparative to Stuart Brown's analogy of the mindset of mice when they are confined, in which they lose the connection to what is supposed to be natural reactions to their environment.
A point I am hoping gets a deeper look is the connection that was mentioned regarding the inmate named Conrad. Conrad suffered from Bi-Polar disorder and ADD. Medication was successful, however his family could not afford the medication. I would hope there could be something in the future to help this type of issue.
References:
TED Talks."Stuart Brown says play is more than fun." May 2008. Online Video Clip. Accessed on 4 June 2011 www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html
Films for the Humanities and Sciences."Juvenile Correction Facilities" 2005. Online video clip. Arizona Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video On Demand. Accessed on 04 June 2011. http://digital.films.com/play/
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