Redefining juvenile justice for Kansas kids and young adults benefits us all

We should look for other forms of rehabilitation for Kansas youths, writes columnist Rebecca Phillips. (Getty Images)

I have been so impressed with the good work of Alabama attorney Bryan Stevenson, especially his work going into prisons to help people who have been falsely accused and his work with young teenagers. He is a kind and compassionate soul, and in fact I just received a thank-you note from the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, thanking me for my small donation to their work.

Here in Kansas, the Wichita-based Progeny is a wonderful nonprofit organization that helps young adults in the foster care system and who have been in the juvenile justice system. According to their website, it is a “youth/adult partnership focused on reimagining the juvenile justice system and reinvestment into community based alternatives.”

Progeny is a program of Destination Innovation, which helps underserved communities. I happened upon Progeny one day and watched a video of legislative testimony from Desmond Bryan White, who had served time in the juvenile justice system and was testifying about how fines and fees had affected his life, even his now adult life. I couldn’t believe that youths were charged fines and fees that saddled them with debt and despair. It seemed horrific.

Another group that works to help advocate for youths is Kansas Appleseed. They contribute statewide but are based in Lawrence. They help youths in the foster care system.

Too many young people in the foster system are abused and mistreated. They hardly have a chance at gaining a normal and nurturing childhood. Too many times, this results in being caught up in the juvenile justice system. It’s sad to me. It should be sad to everyone.

I grew up attending a private school, where I was loved and nurtured. The parents were highly involved in the process of learning for their children and we grew up knowing and feeling love and compassion. Many of my friends grew up to be attorneys, doctors, nurses and other important professions.

Youths growing up in poverty have the cards stacked against them. Too often in life, one’s ZIP code determines his or her success. At Progeny, youths are trying to reach out to other youths to help them overcome barriers to success and productivity. Those at Progeny are special and, I believe, the children of a God who loves them.

We need other alternatives and solutions for young people, rather than incarceration or punitive measures that leave everyone worse off. I guess incarceration can be the answer on occasion, but many times other forms of rehabilitation should occur instead. Pastors, rabbis and other faith leaders can get involved and have contributed to the juvenile justice issue in the past.

Should we be locking up young adults when helping them heal from past trauma can also be beneficial? I believe that there are many who care for Kansas youths. It’s time for all of us to reach out and show compassion to the children and teens struggling so much today. These are special people who need a little help and a little hope.