In addition, studies have shown that youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system are far more likely than their peers to have a parent in the criminal justice system. In Minnesota, for example, boys in juvenile correctional facilities are ten times more likely than boys in public schools to have a parent currently incarcerated. This cycle of incarceration is likely caused by many factors. These include systemic differences in the distribution of wealth and resources, as well as bias within policies and practices.
The Locked Out series offers a glimpse into this complex world. While the books don’t sugarcoat reality, each story offers a window of hope. The teen characters have a chance to thrive despite difficult circumstances. These books highlight the positive forces that make a difference in teens’ lives: a loving, consistent caregiver; other supportive, trustworthy adults; meaningful connections at school; and participation in sports or other community programs. Indeed, these are the factors in teens’ lives that mentoring programs around the country aim to strengthen, along with federal initiatives such as My Brother’s Keeper, launched by President Obama.
This series serves as a reminder that just because a parent is locked up, it doesn’t mean kids need to be locked out.
—Dr. Rebecca Shlafer
Department of Pediatrics,
University of Minnesota
AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Dr. Rebecca J. Shlafer and members of her research team for reading and commenting on this manuscript. Thanks to Raven from South St. Paul Community Learning Center and Dan Marcou for their manuscript reviews.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patrick Jones is the author of more than twenty-five novels for teens. He has also written two nonfiction books about combat sports: The Main Event, on professional wrestling, and Ultimate Fighting, on mixed martial arts. He has spoken to students at more than one hundred alternative schools and has worked with incarcerated teens and adults for more than a decade. Find him on the web at www.connectingya.com and on Twitter: @PatrickJonesYA.
Doing Right (Locked Out) Page 5