[Highlights from the week's juvenile justice and justice related articles, reports, videos and more that are worth your time.]
 
via Gizmodo: ‘This Ad Has a Secret Anti-Abuse Message That Only Kids Can See’

In an effort to provide abused children with a safe way to reach out for help, a Spanish organization called the Aid to Children and Adolescents at Risk Foundation, or ANAR for short, created an ad that displays a different message for adults and children at the same time. Video embedded below, or watch it here: http://gizmodo.com/this-ad-has-a-secret-anti-abuse-message-that-only-kids-493108460

 
via the Campaign for Youth Justice: ‘In Remembrance of Kirk Gunderson: Remembering My Son this Mother’s Day’
A heartbreaking and moving piece written by mother Vicky Gunderson, whose son Kirk committed suicide while incarcerated. This piece serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family involvement in the youth justice system. Vicky writes, “Every … Read More »

“I’m here because I hurt myself and they put me in confinement and observation.”

-B.G. age 18, MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Woodburn, Oregon

B.G.  is self-abusive. He is not taking his meds and he is combative. He wouldn’t think twice about hurting the staff.

When I was younger my step-dad would abuse me and throw me at my mom and my mom would choke me until I was about to pass out. They both did drugs. Sometimes my mom would be gone for days. I don’t know where I’m going to live after I get released, maybe with my real dad in South Dakota.  My dad’s never really been in my life but he can’t be worse than my mom.

- C.F, age 13

I am a victim, according to my lawyers. I shouldn’t be here. They are not charging me with anything, but they’ve set bail at $250,000. I have been running away my whole life. My parents got divorced when I was four. My father started sexually abusing me when I was five and my stepmother physically abused me. I was caught stealing when I was 11. I started skipping school.