Returning to Normal (Locked Out) Page 5
AFTERWORD
As of 2014, it’s estimated that more than 2.7 million children in the United States have a parent behind bars. About one in five of those kids are teenagers. While having parents in prison presents challenges at any age, it may be particularly hard for teenagers, as they try to find their way in the world.
The Locked Out series explores the realities of parental incarceration through the eyes of teens dealing with it. These stories are fictional, but the experiences that Patrick Jones writes about are daily life for many youths.
The characters deal with racism, stigma, shame, sadness, confusion, and isolation—common struggles for children with parents in prison. Many teens are forced to move from their homes, schools, or communities as their families cope with their parents’ incarcerations.
These extra challenges can affect teens with incarcerated parents in different ways. Kids often struggle in school—they are at increased risk for skipping school, feeling disconnected from classmates, and failing classes. They act out and test boundaries. And they’re prone to taking risks, like using substances or engaging in other illegal activities.
In addition, studies have shown that youth involved in the juvenile justice system are far more likely than their peers to have a parent in the criminal justice system. In Minnesota, for example, boys in juvenile correctional facilities are ten times more likely than boys in public schools to have a parent currently incarcerated. This cycle of incarceration is likely caused by many factors. These include systemic differences in the distribution of wealth and resources, as well as bias within policies and practices.
The Locked Out series offers a glimpse into this complex world. While the books don’t sugarcoat reality, each story offers a window of hope. The teen characters have a chance to thrive despite difficult circumstances.
These books highlight the positive forces that make a difference in teens’ lives: a loving, consistent caregiver; other supportive, trustworthy adults; meaningful connections at school; and participation in sports or other community programs. Indeed, these are the factors in teens’ lives that mentoring programs around the country aim to strengthen, along with federal initiatives such as My Brother’s Keeper, launched by President Obama.
This series serves as a reminder that just because a parent is locked up, it doesn’t mean kids need to be locked out.
—Dr. Rebecca Shlafer
Department of Pediatrics,
University of Minnesota
AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Dr. Rebecca J. Shlafer and members of her research team for reading and commenting on this manuscript. Also thanks to Raven, Ricardo, and Shayna from South St. Paul Community Learning Center, and Dan Marcou, for their manuscript reviews.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patrick Jones is the author of more than twenty-five novels for teens. He has also written two nonfiction books about combat sports: The Main Event, on professional wrestling, and Ultimate Fighting, on mixed martial arts. He has spoken to students at more than one hundred alternative schools and has worked with incarcerated teens and adults for more than a decade. Find him on the web at www.connectingya.com and on Twitter: @PatrickJonesYA.