I’ve been here two and a half months. Before I was in Gulf Coast Training for burglary of habitation. It was my first felony, my first offense. I was with my friends. I was the getaway driver. One went to Leadership Academy; another went to an adult facility. I live with my grandmother. I’ve been living with her since I was 11. She’s 51. I don’t know where my mom is… she’s on drugs… and I think my dad lives in Houston, but I never see him. I’ve got two little brothers and a sister. I’d like to go to Santa Jacinto College this summer and become a firefighter.

- M.C, age 16, Juvenile Detention Center, Houston, Texas

I am in the 9th grade and will have been here for six months tomorrow. I’m here for Violation of Parole– I had a dirty urinary analysis. I was originally charged with burglary with my brother. I was only supposed to serve three months here, but they didn’€™t start my time because I was fighting a lot. Then I was in the drug unit for a while. I live with my mom and grandma; my mom comes and visits sometimes. No, I’m not in a gang. My brother is in leadership academy and I dunno know where my dad is.

- JG, age 14, Burnett-Bayland Reception Center, Houston, Texas.

When I was 11 my friend gave me a gun. I did the burglary alone. My whole family is in the Latin Kings, me too. I like to read mystery books, I’m a fast reader too. 

-G, age 15

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