Our America with Lisa Ling Season 4 Episode 5 Children of the System

In season 4 episode 5 of Our America with Lisa Ling, titled "Children of the System," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the struggles and challenges that children in the United States face when they become involved in the juvenile justice system. Through the eyes of young people who have experienced the system firsthand, as well as the advocates and professionals who work to support them, viewers come to understand the often complex and deeply ingrained issues that contribute to the over-criminalization of youth in many communities.

The episode opens with an overview of the scope of the juvenile justice system, which encompasses not only the court proceedings that many people associate with the term, but also a range of other social and institutional systems that impact young people's lives. We hear from experts who note that children who face adversity at home or in their communities are often more likely to become involved in these systems, regardless of whether they have actually committed crimes.

From there, the episode delves into several different stories of young people who have experienced the juvenile justice system in different ways. Through their individual experiences, we come to understand some of the common themes that emerge for young people in this situation: a sense of isolation and shame, feeling lost in a system that doesn't always serve them well, and struggling to overcome the stigma that comes with being known as a "delinquent."

One young woman featured in the episode, for example, describes the trauma and shame she experienced when her parents could not afford to pay for an attorney to defend her after she was accused of a crime. Despite her innocence, she was ultimately sent to a juvenile detention facility where she says she witnessed and experienced abuse. Even after her release, she struggled to find support or direction as she tried to rebuild her life.

Other young people share similar experiences of feeling trapped by the system even after their release, with few resources to help them navigate the challenges of reentry into society. One young man, for instance, describes how difficult it was to secure a job or housing with a juvenile record, which can follow young people for years after they have served their sentence.

Throughout the episode, Ling speaks with experts in the field who offer context and analysis of these issues, as well as advocates and organizations that are working to improve the system for young people. We learn, for instance, about efforts to divert young people away from the justice system entirely through community-based programs that address the underlying causes of their behavior.

Overall, "Children of the System" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that shines a light on an often-overlooked aspect of the criminal justice system. By showcasing the voices of young people who have experienced it firsthand, as well as the professionals and organizations who are fighting for change, the episode offers a deeply human perspective on this complex and important issue.