This week, we are talking about youth in detention. We are laying the groundwork to continue to talk to current prisoners who were placed in facilities while young, including people who are still locked up to this day, about how the impact of incarceration since childhood has shaped them into adulthood.

We start with an impassioned piece reflecting on the recent deaths of adolescents in two different states- Cornelius Frederick’s death at a youth facility in Michigan, and Gynnya McMillen in Kentucky. Following that, we share a conversation we had with Heather D’Aoust, who is incarcerated in California. She’s been inside since she was a teen and talks about navigating this difficult terrain inside from a young age.

We’d like to issue a content warning regarding violence against children, self-harm, and abuse.