I made bail!

I made bail!

Thanks to everyone who donated.

But having now been through the experience - the need is huge.

So many of the kids incarcerated have been dealt THE WORST circumstances as kids. Neglected. Kicked out. Domestic and drug abuse in the home.

They are traumatised with PTSD.
Add to this - all of the normal challenges of being a teenager, and its no surprise they "fight back" at society

- they are hurting
- they are angry
- they feel worthless

Because all the signals they receive reinforce this.

They don't know how to self-regulate, because they have never experienced a baseline of care, safety and support, which every child needs and deserves.

The result? The angry roller coaster of self-sabotage is their norm.

But their shitty upbringing is not their fault, and they need help to change. 

They need role-models, professional support, and most of all - people who care enough to not give-up on them when they try - especially if they stumble. 

My biggest take-out from this experience: Most of these kids really want to change, but they don't believe they can - because they have been told their whole life they are dumb, useless, and "bad eggs".

But with the right support, they can be helped. 

They can see and experience a different "normal" - one where people believe in them, and won't just throw them back in jail. One where they can learn to make new choices and create a life different to the one they were born into. 

This is me last night - about to go to sleep. In a cold, lonely, depressing prison cell. That screams "let's throw away the key."

They need to know that someone believes they can change. Then there is a chance they will.