Missouri's Different Approach to Juvenile Justice

Missouri Juvenile Detention Centers (01:41)
Missouri's juvenile justice program provides a strict and stable environment where these inmates can learn how to become productive members of society.

Rosa Parks Center (02:33)
One inmate recounts her long history of drug abuse and her tumultuous relationship with her mother. Even though there are no guards and no lock-downs, there are very few attempted escapes by juveniles detained here.

Checking In: Talking About Issues (02:44)
Waverly Regional Youth Center divides the boys into groups of 10 -12. Discipline and routine are enforced. School is mandatory and many graduate. Disagreements are settled by talking it out, called "Checking In".

Releasing Inner Secrets (02:23)
By encouraging conversation, juveniles learn how to settle their differences positively and how to support one another. Chris reveals he was sexually abused as a child and begins the path towards healing.

Support and Encouragement (01:58)
Because abused kids often become abusers, staff work hard to break the cycle. Inmates offer support and encouragement to one another.

Indeterminate Sentencing (01:52)
Every juvenile receives the same sentence - Indeterminate. Inmates cannot get out until staff and counselors determine they are rehabilitated.

Family Day (02:23)
Chris reveals to his grandmother the abuse by his father. His counselor's intervention helps him cope with her refusal to believe him. Talking about his disappointment with his group helps him to channel his emotions in a positive way.

Dealing with Anger: The Circle (02:58)
Jacob proves to be a difficult challenge for the staff at Waverly. A "circle" is called and everyone must stop what they are doing to work on the issue. The issue at hand is Jacob's disruptive behavior.

Facing a Past (02:17)
Jacob finally breaks down and confesses he was abused by his mother. Following his revelation, his counselors grow more concerned that his self-inflicting wounds will escalate and refer him to Royal Oaks, a mental hospital that assists the juvenile inmates.

Treating the Whole Person (01:47)
At the Rosa Parks Center, Rachel tries to assume responsibilities for her crimes while dealing with the emotions of being a rape victim.

Freedom (01:18)
For the female inmates at Rosa Parks Center who are released, a ceremony is held. Inmates acknowledge that their actions, rather than their words, will determine their future success.

Visiting Day (02:41)
Chris' mother, who has been incarcerated many times, visits Chris at Waverly. Her arrival in his life creates a complicated situation for him and he seeks counseling to help figure it out.

Family Therapy (01:06)
Family therapy is a key part of rehabilitation for juvenile inmates. Chris and his mother talk during a family therapy session to see if they can connect.

Cost of Treatment (01:49)
The cost of treatment at the Missouri juvenile detention centers is half the cost of the national average. Only 10% of the juveniles in this system end up in adult prisons, a strong indicator that the program works.

Life on the Outside (01:23)
Case managers monitor the juveniles that are released from the detention center.

A Decision is Made (02:25)
Chris' mother invites Chris to live with her when he gets out. His counselors acknowledge his mother's past behaviors may resurface. His grandmother objects to him living with his mother, but he insists.

Burglary: Dillon Returns to Waverly (00:57)
Dillon returns to Waverly following a burglary charge. Almost 17, this is his last chance to get himself together.

Jacob Returns (01:59)
Jacob returns to Waverly following his stay at the mental hospital for suicidal thoughts. His mom's refusal to talk to him angers and disappoints him, but he is able to talk about it constructively.

Hope: The Key to Change (03:26)
A common theme among juvenile inmates is lack of family connection.