Julian’s interaction with the juvenile criminal justice system revealed the ways in which reform is necessary for true rehabilitation to be seen amongst detained juveniles. Julian transitioned from a career in the foster care system to the County Probation Office. Seeing a void that police and the general law enforcement system was leaving in offending juveniles’ lives, he became a Probation Officer. Julian experienced the rigid conditions juveniles were subjected to with the intentions of “tear [the juveniles] down, hold them accountable, get them to see what they did wrong… [to then] build them up”. As Julian’s years went on with the probation office he began to raise concerns to supervisors of the conditions both the youth and staff were subjected to that were merely “band-aiding” the true problems. Many children suffering from generational curses that paved their way to detainment were being shuffled off into administrative isolation, pulled away from social interactions, which Julian believes furthered many of the mental ailments these youth were already coping with. XX’s “tear them down, to build them up” mentality was a stark contrast with another region’s pro-social behavioral model. While Julian, who worked at this Youth Correctional Facility for over 8 years, saw inadequacies with both Juvenile Facilities resulting in his leaving this system and disinterest in coming back.
Julian’s profession in Juvenile Correction Facilities has affirmed his belief that the juvenile justice system is not broken. In fact, he concludes; “The system works the way it’s supposed to”. This was stated in reflection of his time with these detention centers, and the numerous juveniles he encountered over his tenure. He recounts working with a juvenile who was affiliated with a gang and was known for his usage of graffiti. Unlike many of his counterparts, Julian took the time with this youth, sharing videos of individuals who were just as artistically talented as the detained youth, and offered ways in which he could redirect his artistic abilities. But Julian was opposed to the system that would demonize an artistic youth and believed more efficient outlets and solutions should be offered beyond detainment. Despite the numerous youth Julian has interacted with and the possibilities of greatness they may have, the juvenile detention system was merely a “revolving door” to him. Julian views himself as always having been outside of “the club” or group of individuals who were complacent in the sustainment of such a toxic system.
“The System works the way it’s supposed to. [] It’s a revolving door.”
Julian’s devotion to dismantling such a disruptive system has been sustained even after leaving the Juvenile Correctional Position. Now working with houseless veterans, Julian is still able to see the pervasiveness of the toxicity of the incarceration system. Julian sees first-hand the increased likelihood of homeless individuals being incarcerated, which decreases the chances of rehabilitation due to the labeling effect a convicted status has on one’s job application, housing application, or any other forms needed to better one’s life. However, the issues of the current carceral system have not deterred him from his work. Julian is continuing to find creative ways to couple his love for social justice, film, and books to assist those who have been exposed to the detriments of the carceral system. Through expanding his current bookstore in Pomona, California, Julian has plans to establish an initiative called, “Mirror to Society Center for Photography” that will provide exposure to both youth and adults transitioning from juvenile detention centers. This initiative is purposed around the eventual hiring of these previously incarcerated individuals to reduce recidivism back into the carceral system.
Imani Vice, Research Intern
