Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (https://jjie.org/category/bokeh/page/14/)
Today on Bokeh: a photo and interview with N.C, age 17, at Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center in Olathe, Kan., who states, "It’s a criminal world and I am a danger to society. They expect me to change over night but they don’t realize progress takes time. I’ve changed in the last 4 months here by trying to control my anger … my mouth … my disrespect …"
When Rosario Iannacone steps outside her father’s home after dark, she shudders with the memory of her close call with a stranger. If Esperanza Gonzalez must go out at night, she leaves her purse at home and runs to her destination. Ana Lilia Gutierrez won’t let her kids roam the neighborhood at night after a car slow-rolled her near an inky neighborhood park.
Today on Bokeh, we continue Richard Ross' coverage inside Johnson County Juvenile Detention in Olathe, Kan., with an interview with K.P, a 16-year-old in detention on a drug related charge.
Across the country, youth photo programs have put cameras in the hands of young people to help them find their voice while capturing and engaging with the communities they live in. Akeem Bonaparte, a 21-year-old photographer with autism and a penchant for documenting his city, can testify to this.
Merelyn Bucio is a young photographer working with NYC Salt, a non-profit photography program for inner-city teenagers in New York City. NYC Salt's mission is to engage, inspire, and empower NYC teens by providing them with professional-grade visual communication skills. Today Merelyn's photographs, which uniquely capture the city she calls home, are featured on Bokeh.
Last month, Richard Ross, the creator of Juvenile In Justice, visited and photographed two juvenile detention facilities in Olathe, Kan., a suburb of Kansas City. This week the photos are featured on Bokeh, JJIE's multimedia site. Through the lens of architecture, the photographs investigate changes and reforms in the state's detention practices. The two facilities, one old and one new, are situated across from one another. The new facility, the Johnson County Youth and Family Services Center, is an airy LEED-certified building. Ross describes the older facility, Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center, as having architecture reminiscent of TV movies dealing with punishment.
