Samples of Juvenile Justice Vignettes
Kids tend to come into the system through one of two doors –– through the child welfare door as victims of abuse or neglect, or through the delinquency door –– and often times before they become adults they will cross from one door to the other. Understanding these kids and the function of the systems aimed at rehabilitating them is paramount when ensuring their ability to achieve happiness and independence.
Inside Juvenile Prison
Over the years we have spent weeks inside Pendleton Juvenile Prison, one of the largest maximum security juvenile prisons in the country. Through the professionals we interview, the kids we spend time, and the unexpected things that happen on a day to day basis, this collection offers a perspective on juvenile corrections like nothing else can.
Inside Juvenile Delinquency Court
From the acclaimed documentary series by Calamari productions, this segment includes the final disposition hearing of a young man and his brother.
Inside Juvenile Prison: Mental Health Issues
Jacob has spent a great deal of his teenage years incarcerated. As a self-mutilator, his case both perplexes and disturbs those who care for his rehabilitation. He reveals for the first time a childhood filled with abuse, attempted murder and total abandonment.
His case study highlights the prison staff’s strategies and procedures for handling a case such as Jacob's, and reveals a more sensitive aspect to the rehabilitation of troubled youths.
Inside Juvenile Detention: Visitation
There are few things that offer a better perspective on the personal and family dynamics that affect kids at risk, than their visitation with family members. We film these with our cameras set at a distance from the kids and families we are following, so as to not be obtrusive in this brief time they have to share with each other.
In Morris's case, we get a rare glimpse in just how aware he is of the troubles he's facing and the personal challenges he must overcome to live a better life.
Juvenile Prison Release Hearing: Abel
Offenders at Pendleton Juvenile Prison in Indiana must ascend the tiers of a merit- and performance-based system to achieve their release. Periodically the young men undergo a review hearing with the hope of progressing through the steps that lead to the outside world. These hearings present a unique opportunity to gain insight into the sort of personalities and experiences that make up a facility like Pendleton and the at-risk population in general.
Abel might seem to have his head in the right place, but will he be able to convince the board that he's ready to go home.
Inside Juvenile Detention: Kevin & Kymyada
This clip shows an attorney's consultation with his client the night before court. It highlights what a defense attorney's goals and challenges are when representing someone in juvenile court.
Also, you'll get a glimpse at how the staff handle a young man with serious emotional issues, and how a little compassion goes a long way, even when the impulsive behavior of an upset teen challenges that approach.
Calamari is the only producer of documentary programming from within the otherwise closed confines of our juvenile justice and child welfare arenas.