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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