Ep 4. Criminalization of Kids

In Finding Justice season 1 episode 4, titled "Criminalization of Kids," the show takes a deep dive into how children are being pushed out of classrooms and into the criminal justice system. As the show unfolds, viewers are introduced to several families who share their heartbreaking stories of how their children were unfairly treated by the justice system.

From Texas to Florida, the episode explores how young students, particularly students of color, are being criminalized for minor offenses that in previous decades would have been handled by school administrators. Instead of school principals, children are being met by police officers, being handcuffed and taken away from school in squad cars.

What makes this episode particularly poignant is that the families being profiled come from a variety of backgrounds and economic situations. In Texas, we meet a young boy with autism who was arrested for an incident in school that related to his disability. The boy's mother laments how her son was singled out and treated like a criminal, despite his special needs.

In Florida, viewers meet another mother whose son was arrested for an incident that involved a writing utensil. The mother explains how her son, who had never had any previous run-ins with the law, was thrown into the criminal justice system. As the boy's case progresses, viewers see how he is first pressured to take a plea deal and how his mother works tirelessly to fight to clear her son's name.

Throughout the episode, the show examines how these instances of criminalization are not isolated cases. Instead, they are a part of a larger trend of how schools are failing to handle behavioral issues in-house, instead relying on police officers and the criminal justice system.

The show interviews experts in law and education who explain how zero-tolerance policies, a lack of resources, and other factors are contributing to the criminalization of kids. Finding Justice also highlights advocates who are working to change the system and provide better support for students who may be struggling or facing challenges.

While "Criminalization of Kids" is a difficult and emotional watch, it is a vital and necessary look at how our justice system is treating some of the most vulnerable members of society. For parents and educators alike, the episode will raise important questions about how we can prevent children from being victimized by a system that should be protecting them.