It was definitely sad seeing how many young individuals that are in there. I think it would be difficult to differentiate between the ones who "should know better" and the ones that necessarily shouldn't. i liked the way that they treated the children as "residents" and not inmates. Its really awesome how they take so many things into consideration about how they verbally and physically treat them all, and that they are given a strong chance of rehabilitation before its too late!
I agree with what you say. A big problem that they could face is why should they have to change my behavior, or they are owed something for all that they have been through. I mean look at society, in order for them to move forward, and conform into society there will be a lag. The lag in this would be the mind set or set of behavior learned from their environment. Bubbles789
I was really impressed how much the one correctional officer actually seemed to care about the "residents". I didn't catch his name but it was the black correctional officer that was giving the tour. It seemed like he thought of the "residents" like they were his siblings. He mentioned that whenever a shooting happens in Peoria, 80% of the time he had seen that individual come through the juvenile detention facility before and he I could tell that he was somewhat touched by that on an emotional level. ISP456
I agree I thought that the man that gave us owe tour actually cared about the kids in there. It was definitely encouraging to meet someone who loved their job, I think that job would be a very tough one. I know it has to be rough to see the same kids come in and out of that facility and bond with them and see them go back out into the world and have to suffer. selah789
I also agree that they called the kids residents instead of inmates. I thought by them calling the kids residents would help them mentally, so they could see that they weren't "nothing". I also liked how they give as many as 5 sometimes 6 chances for the kids to straighten up. It's always nice to know that there's people that won't give up on kids as easily. Princess012
I think your right about it being difficult about telling the difference between the people the should know better. From what I heard most of the kids are in there were there for gang related crimes. That was the pattern that I saw. Even if they are in a gang that should still know better, and that's what I hope the staff there will try to teach them. SirEagleEye012
One thing I thought was definitely different from the actual prison was chances. We learned that in the Juvenile Detention Center, adolescents are given 2nd, 3rd, etc. and sometimes 5th and 6th chances. The center was set on rehabilitation and showing the kids how there is a better life outside of what they may believe. It was sad to hear how majority of the teenagers have been there before. Some even like it there compared to their actual home, which really shows how bad and ugly their life may be at home and how they were raised. The culture one lives in really does predict the future one will have. The kids are given medical treatments, dental treatments, and for some, a bed/cot to sleep in. It just seems like if some of those kids were raised in another family or social structure, they may not be in the Juvenile Center at all. jme789
jme789 I totally agree with you, some kids aren't given that many chances! But just by that you can tell that they really are pushing to help those teenagers better their lives. It's sad because a majority of these problems start at home - you can be a great parent and your child(ren) may rebel or the opposite. This is why I feel that parents really need to be paying attention to what their young kids are doing. Life isn't all about drugs and the streets, there's more to life then that. I can say they are very lucky to have staff members that care rather than ones who don't. -Pink789
I really do believe that many of these teens are a product of their environment. It's not fair how that works. Luckily the Juvenile Detention Center is a place that is not necessarily trying to punish them, but they are really trying to help these teens better themselves and their lives. It's a place for them to go to get away from their chaotic lives, regroup, and hopefully evaluate what they've done and turn themselves around. -purple789
I found the juvenile detention center very interesting. I thought that it was great that they are learning what normal looks like with structure. I’m not saying what they did was good, but I mean first once these deviant children have expectations. Probably most of the parents have not given that to them before. I also liked that they had any care they need through their stay. Outside in the world they lacked care, food, shelter, and clothing. I say care because every one of the people that helps the patients here to have a better life and not come back. They are trying to rehabilitate these children and teach them social structure. The workers are the parents/care givers, teachers, and peers. I did however feel bad for kids having to sleep on those mats on the concrete. I liked how they said that we do not refer to them as in mates with cells because they still have a chance to change their life. Bubbles789
I agree with you that it was good these kids had structure in there. It was definitely interesting to hear that many of them liked being there. It's sad that their home life can help land them in there. I did like how they were considered residents. I do however think that while they do have many nice things, the bad beds is a must. There were four kids in there who committed homicide. I don't think they should have it that easy in there. -Aquariusgirl789
yes i agree it is very sad that there home life is most of the reason why those kids are there. those mats in the rooms looked very thin and uncomfortable i felt extremely bad for them it makes me realize what i got and that i dont want to get in trouble, those mats just look terrible now i see why they use the points system so kids can get out of their rooms for most of the day. i would not want to be in there at all.
I agree with you about the kids having structure. I think that the facility has done a great job of creating that structure too. It was interesting to hear that some of the kids actually prefer being their but sadly it wasn't a huge surprise to me. The level of care that they get in their is better than anything they got at home. Their are even adults that commit minor crimes so that they get some time in jail because they cannot afford healthcare or even food and shelter. I did not feel bad however about the fact that they slept on uncomfortable beds and did not enjoy an abundance of time outside of their day rooms. The children still did something wrong and they need to be punished for it so that they hopefully do not end up back their. I think the facility did a good job of balancing punishment with rehabilitation. vhammer789
I have visited the jail before and agree completely that they are very different. They get it pretty good compared to there. I liked how they are considered "residents" instead of inmates. I think it's pretty reasonable that they give them many chances. Some have it very hard at their home life. I like how much they focus on school too. It's good that they educate them as a normal routine and are pretty strict about it. I think they do need structure in there like he said. I couldn't believe there were 4 kids in there for homicide. They really do give them a chance to get their lives together in there. It was sad to hear that most of them had been in there before though. Overall I really liked the tour. It was so interesting to learn about. -Aquariusgirl789
I totally agree ! It was different and their labeled residents instead of inmates. The staff isn't armed to be a threat nor are they a threat to the residents. It gave me a nursing home environment more than incarceration facility. Because they are young they do need education and the classrooms gave me the feel so a sec we were at a parent-teacher meeting. (smile). It was no different from district 150 setup. I liked it too. It wasn't creepy dark and cold unlike the facility next door... cancer80-456
I thought the tour was very interesting. I was surprised that they just took our word that we didn't have any weapons on us or contraband before letting us in. Seems like that could be a pretty big liability. One of the facts they mentioned somewhat surprised me. The gentleman giving the tour mentioned that for a lot of the juveniles in there, they have a better quality of living inside of the facility than when they are at home. To me, that is a serious problem because instead of giving them an incentive to be hard working, law abiding citizens, we are giving them the incentive to break the law so they can get some security and stability in their lives. Unfortunately, I think this is more of a social problem than a CRJ problem. The only thing the CRJ side of that problem could do in an attempt to fix would be to lower the living quality inside juvenile facilities which I think would go against the main goal of juvenile incarceration and not solve anything. I always say this but to me, it always goes back to and falls on the parents. ISP456
I too, found it unfortunate that some of the residents felt more comfortable within that type of environment since they were exposed to education, medical attention, and even a structured routine. I agree that this doesn't solve anything since this may encourage some juveniles to act in criminal activities in order to get that structure back in their lives. BadWolf456
Touring the Juvenile Detention Center was definitely an eye opening experience. One thing that I realized was how much labeling a child as a "criminal" could psychologically affect the way a person especially a child views themselves. Most of us are so used to having structure and a loving family and support system to go home to everyday. This however, is not the case for most of the residents at the Juvenile Detention Center. It was also very eye opening to see and hear that many families have passed through the center. This just proves that many people are exposed to sociological factors at birth that can have an exceptional influence on a child's life. -Undergrad789
The Juvenile Detention Center actually quiet clean and bright. The residents are rowdy and young and it is a good idea for them to be in a single cells because that's the first step in rehabilitation. To be alone and think instead of having someone next to you all night persuading you to do or think different. Another is Visiting... Its hands on with your love ones... so that gives the residents that security from their love ones the touching laughing and talking. The residents aren't shackled nor is the guard sitting there strapped up and mugging waiting on some bull stuff to happen. The classrooms were interesting because posted on the doors were cursive writing to presidents to any and everything you would see at your child school. School isn't for everybody but you need it and even though their not in society going their going in the facility. cancer80-456
The Juvenile Detention Center was defiantly a new atmosphere for me.I learned quite a few things; like how they are referred to as "residents" instead of inmates. The small translation right there goes to show you how they detach the idea of a jail setting to a rehabilitation setting. Their attire is also different from an inmate, they wear sweats pants and a plain sweater; the suits they had before came to expensive which is why the decided to make this change. The setting was just all around different, they even had more carpet than a normal detention center.A big thing that caught my eye was when I learned about there suicide watch.. there most intense watch is there 4 minute watch, they check the person every 4 minutes because 4 minutes is brain dead. I was informed that other centers may wait longer, which I didn't understand why? but every place is different. -Pink789
Thats right, the different way they call things is a big way they set themselves apart from the adult jail/prison. There 4 minute suicide watch just shows that they care more then your average detention center. Corps456
i had a great time at the juvenile center, i learned quite a bit from it. i enjoy field trips to those type of places. i wish we could do more! we were told it cost 8.1 million dollars to build the place!, it was cool to know they refer to them as residents instead of inmates. i did notice there is alot of carpet in that place. i feel like it looks like a school in all honesty. the inmates we saw were quite loud but nothing major, the staff doesnt have uniforms, it just looks like a school to me. the residents are in plain grey sweats and sweaters which is cool and its also cool they give them colored undershirts to show there inmate type. i had a great time, id like to learn more, its crazy everyone there has a 4 year degree.
Since I’m interested in working within the correctional field, I thought the tour was very surreal for me, because it helped put all those prison videos I’ve watched into perspective. I understand that we had to sign confidentiality papers and such in order to go in, but I was surprised that we didn’t really have to go through the metal detector to check for weapons or anything. I think the main reason they didn’t really care because we were not going to physically be in contact with the juveniles, so there was no worry for passing contraband. It was surprising to see that there were no uniforms being worn or that the qualifications for acquiring a position there is to have just a bachelor’s degree. I had expectations that you had to have all types of requirements like a traditional C.O. needs to interact with inmates/residents. With that tour, I can definitely see myself working within that field and possibly within the juvenile population. BadWolf456
Going to the juvenille center was a very fun expeience for me because i have always wanted to know what it was like, how it look etc. i always had people tell me how it is but getting to expeience it myself was good. we learned alot about the juvenille center. when we first went inside i was scared and nervous i didnt know whaat the experience would be like. one of the things i like the most about the center is how they called them "residents" instead of inmates godschild789
I thought that the detection center was interesting. I was really impressed with the standard of care given to the residents. They have a great staff looking out for them that really cares about them. I thought it was cool when Breedlove said that the workers for the most part couldn't even tell you what the residents were in for, they just cared about rehabilitation and how they were improving and behaving on a daily basis. A lot of these kids don't have the care and structure needed. This is likely due to social forces that are not in as much control of them as they are in the facility. Things like peer pressure and expectations disappear when someone is in charge and you a tight structure to follow. I also thought that it was cool that they did not use physical force unless absolutely necessary. All of the staff were trained in ways of diffusing the children in certain situations so that hopefully physical force is not always needed. Taking everything I learned and saw into consideration, I think that they are doing a great job of balancing having a correctional facility with trying to help children and rehabilitate them so that they don't come back. vhammer789
I agree with what you have written. It was crazy to see such young individuals on the inside. They got alot of structure when they were in there. Something that most might not get on the outside. I really like how the staff got trained for physical actions so that they didnt have to go down that route. I also thought it was interesting that the staff was helping them so they wouldnt have to come back. So that the residents could hopefully make a better life for themselves. I enjoyed this trip alot. kakers789
The standards of care given were phenomenal. I thought the four minute rule for a child on suicide was very impressive, even more impressive; the tour guide mentioned that Peoria Country is the only detention center in the state that checks every four minutes, other centers will check at seven or ten minutes. It was really good to see just how much care they give the kids in the center. BHS456
I think that visiting that facility was a very humbling experience. My heart hurts for all those kids. I personally was in a great deal of trouble as a kid. Nobody could really speak any kind of truth to me that would change the direction that I was going down. I get that the juvenile detention people are trying to rehabilitate the kids so that they can some how teach them to follow the rules in the same way that they learned deviance. But, it would drive me crazy to teach a kid so much when as soon as they left that controlled safe environment they are put back in the crazy place that taught them deviance? I mean they are doing a lot of the illegal stuff that got them into trouble in order to survive. It just a never ending cycle. selah789
I totally agree my heart sincerely ached for these children. I just imagined how hard it would be if I was in the situation going to visit one of my children or being in there myself. I was very happy to see them getting help with school and learning. I never knew they did that in rehab. I think that visiting there was a huge eye opener for me and made me really appreciate the life I have and the people and family I grew up around. I never could understand why people would do something to get there in the beginning, but after hearing some of there home situations I have a better feel for them. I greatly enjoyed this trip! LAYLAY789
The juvenile detention center was definitely an eye opening experience. While I do feel bad for those kids that are in there, it should also be kept in mind that they are in there because of decisions they've made. With that being said, the fault doesn't entirely lay with the kids, after all people are products of their environment, its a pretty good possibility the actions they did in order to put them into the detention center were because they didn't know any better, or it was them trying to survive. Regardless of how the kids got to the center, once they are in, it was very clear the staff was trying to rehabilitate them. It was good to see the kids had to go to school four days a week, there were church organizations that came once a week, and the kids were on a points system, the more points they earned the more freedom they had. While no kid wants to go to a juvenile detention center, the rehab they get from it appeared to be very beneficial for the kids. BHS456
I felt the same as you did. When I saw what the kids had to sleep on and the small rooms they were confined to I couldn’t help but feel bad for them. But then I realized that they did something to deserve those conditions. Even still I felt bad. It was an eye opening experience; it showed me how different life could be. Ajw789
I never really thought about young people being in a juvenile detention center. This was truly a heart wrenching experience. I was amazed that when we got there we had to sign papers for the residents privacy. Yet they didnt make us go threw the metal detector to make sure we didnt have any weapons. I guess they trusted us. I thought was nice to see that the staff was their to help them revamp the residents life. The staff put alot of structure in the residents day, which is not always a bad thing. Its probably good for all involved. I think that its nice that the staff is their to help them know rightnd wrong and that they are trying to help the residents better their lives. Its nice to know someone is there to help you get back on the right track. This was a great trip. IT makes me truely question what I want to become in my future. kakers789
I would have to agree when you say its nice to see the staff was there to help revamp the kids life. When we think of jails we primarily think of cells and people being locked up for long periods of time just like it is on TV. The staff does put structure in these kids lives which is super important in my eyes. It gets them thinking and doing activities where they are not focused on their old life on the streets. Structure keeps them in line. They have to go to school, which in some of these kids cases may be the first time someone has made them go. Some of those kids were 16 or 17 and hadnt been to school since they were 13. There is a direct correlation between education and crime. As our education increases crime decreases. Thats something they are committed to working on. Im a huge supporter in the phrase "you did the crime, now you must do the time" and these kids are doing their time, but they are being rehabilitated at the same time which is great. They said sometimes they see these kids 2 or 3 times after they get out coming right back in for committing another crime, but some of them actually turn their life around and get back on track which is what that facility seems like they are trying to do. USA456
I think the facility is doing a wonderful job with not only having rules but also trying to help these kids turn their life around so they won’t keep committing crimes and going back to jail. I'm also a believer of an eye for an eye and like you said you do the crime you gotta do the time, but being that they're kids they need help and guidance. Love789
I was very happy I decided to take the tour of the detention center. When I saw the kids confided to those small rooms and saw what they were sleeping on every night I couldn’t help but to feel bad for them. But then I thought, they did something along the line to deserve those conditions. Then I wondered what made these kids deviant. It was explained to me that most of the kids come from broken homes where breaking the aw is the norm and it is all they know, its normal to be in and out of jail. Also some of the kids have to break the law to survive. Those are the kids I feel bad for, the kids who don’t know another way of life. I think the people working at the detention center are doing a good job to change those kid’s lives so they are not breaking the law. It was an eye opening experience; it showed me how different life could be. Ajw789
I agree, I didn't feel bad for all the kids but the kids that had no other way of surviving but to break the law was heartbreaking. Those kids are in a no win situation and it must feel as if they have no way out. Its sad to think that some kids felt that jail was the safets place for them because they knew they would get feed, have a place to sleep, and people that actually care about them. Its just sad that they can't get those things at home. PYT012
I agree with Ajw789, because I was really happy that I take the tour. I learned a lot and had answers to some of the questions that I had. I felt bad because of what they were laying on and how small that the room was, but I knew that the residents did something wrong and that they had to face the punishment. I was surprised that some of the residents liked being there and that some of them came from broken homes. It was an eye opener for me and now I think that some of the kids that I know, need to take a walk thru there and see what they think. It reminds me of a show "beyond scared straight" on TLC. Rosebud012
Going to the juvenile detention center was not what i was expecting. This is the first one i have been too that really focused more on the rehabilitation aspect rather then just keeping them in there rooms and waiting for them to leave. The fact that they are medically certified was also very impressive and shows how hard they are working at helping these young kids. It also showed me that they can only do so much to help rehabilitate the kids, if the parents keep making there home life hell its not going to make there kids change. Corps456
I agree with you Corps456 it wasn't what I expected either! I thought the place was going to be dirty and smelling but they were clean. In fact this lady was cleaning one of the rooms when we walk in. I thought the correction officers were going to be strict and mean but from what I saw they were laid back. The only thing that I don't agree with you on is the parents making their life a living hell can affect their rehabilitation. Sometimes it not the parents fault it can be the children environment, the people they hang with, or they just want to play the tough guy role. It can be numerous of things of why they commit crimes, you never know someone story. -Aries012
I agree the visit was not what I was expecting either besides the rooms being so extremely small. I thought they treated the children fairly being that they did do something to have to be in the detention center. Whether they were just rebellious or just bad upbringing. I liked how the kids were not refined to their rooms day in and day out, and how they were able to get points for extra activities. It seemed to me that the goal was for the detention center to get the children rehabilitated so they are able to interact with the outside world -toybox789
The juvenile detention center was an eye opener. The kids are criminals but they're still kids and the center is actually trying to help them. They are trying to rehabilitate this and prepare them to be reintroduced to society without having to return to the center. I could tell that the staff actually cares about the kids and wants to see them to better. It was sad though seeing kids that weren't much younger than myself in there. Seeing the kids made me think about them and how the must feel but also how their families must feel. It was a great experience, heartbreaking though. PYT012
I was really excited about visiting the juvenile detention center because I never been to one or got to visit one. When I first walk in the detention center the security officer showed us the intake room and as he was showing us that this other correction officer brought in a boy to the room right next to us. I was kind of nervous as he walk in between us because the correction officer said they had people in there for attempted murder. I really like how the security room is set up because cant no get in that not suppose to be there and the kids cant get out so everybody is safe. I like the fact that the kids go to school. Also like how they get time to come out there rooms and play games or basketball. I can tell that the staff members really care about them. I sad seeing young kids like that put away. One thing that really hit me was when the correction officer said some of them don't want to leave because they don't have a home to go to. I really wish we had more support groups in Peoria that can help children stay or get on the right path. Overall I really enjoy this trip and I cant wait to visit the County Jail! -Aries012
The juvenile detention center was a great experience and very educational. I always expected the juvenile detention center would always be like a jail, but I was surprised to see that it wasn't. It is actually more like a rehabilitation. The residents still attend school, still have chores and free time. They receive points and later can use those points to stay out later or spend the points on activities like basketball. I thought I was really interesting how they have different colored shirts for different behaviors and how long you have been there. The Juvenile Detention Center has great structure which is well needed and a lot of the residents actually appreciate the structure. Children work better when they have a good structured schedule. I was kind of nervous when I first went in because I expected way worse, but I am very glad to see these children getting help. LAYLAY789
The juvenile detection center was a good experience for me because I have never been in one before. I thought that it was a jail for youth, but I was wrong. I liked that they still made the residents attend school and if they didn't they were punished for it. I was surprised that the workers wear regular clothes and didn't wear uniforms. I didn't know that some children liked having structure. I had a lot of questions answered while I was there. I give credit to the people that is in the office that keeps track of everything in the center. I like that they are a rehabilitation center for the youth instead of a jail because you want the children to learn from their mistakes. I am glad that professor white had us walk thru the center because it helped me to understand what they do there. Rosebud012
I've been to the juvenile detention center twice and this time was more informational for me. I like the idea that they have to attend school, I believe school is very important and just because they're locked up doesn't mean they have to be excluded from learning something. The way they operate things is a good form of rehab for the youth I agree. Love456
I agree with you that their is a great system at the juvenile detention center. I like the reward system and the fact that they wear normal clothing also to make it a much better setting. I too also liked how they had to attend school there even though they are all set at different grades levels that they at least get taught almost daily. Conservation789; Conservation456
Visiting the juvenile detention center was an interesting experience. I appreciated the way the workers did not treat the children as inmates, but as a child in a group home who is awaiting to go home. I like how they were able to receive points to get extra privilages like snacks and activities. I was surprised to learn that the youngest person in the center was just 11 years old. My son is only 10 years old and I cannot imagine what someone so young can do to end up in juvenile. I remember visiting the county jail in the 8th grade and it was an exciting experience, so I was secretly excited to visit the juvenile detention. The children are still on a diet to where they have to be at least offered milk with meals, as well as fruit. Their classrooms were very neat thus I was happy that they are offered school. The facility also earned rewards which I found very good. I think they are treating the children as well as they can and it is good to see that the children are getting support and not being treated like animals or the bottom of the barrel, .-toybox789
I think that the point system that they have incorporated there is a great idea! It gives the kids reasons to be on good behavior. Its kind of like the detention center is actually giving them the free will to behave themselves. The fact that even if they have a "bad morning" then their entire day isnt ruined is a great idea. They can learn each day how to control themselves and better themselves to receive the full amount of points for each day. The structure that this facility provides is a very tough thing to do, but the children definitely need it! Ford012
I thought Juvenile Detention Center was a mini prison before taking the tour. Now that I taken the tour, I see that it's not a mini prison, more like a rehab center. I thought it was sad to see kids as young as 10 years old committing murders or attempting murder. It's crazy how the kids environment can make them do things and think that way. It's extremely sad that when some of those kids get out, they go back for doing the exact same thing. Also when my group was told that some kids would rather stay there than go back to the streets or home. Overall, it was an interesting experience and makes me think differently about the Juvenile Detention Center. Princess012
I completely agree with everything you said @Princess012. It's said that our society pushes children to commit crimes or deviant acts. I think that the Detention Center helps the children because it's structure because most of the residents probably don't have that at home.
I thought that our tour of the Peoria County Juvenile Justice Center was awesome. At the begining of the tour he said it cost 8.1 million dollars to build. That goes to show how much security is in a place like that. I was suprised that the officers do not wear uniforms but after they explained why it makes perfect sense. Same with why they they call them residents instead of inmates. The reason they do that reflects rehabilitation. They dont want them to feel like inmates. They want them to reflect on what they have dont and understand they they can have a second chance. The system they use during the intake with fingerprinting he said is the same system used by the FBI so when they get fingerprinted it goes through the same database all across the country. We then went into the control room. I thought that it looked like a very complicated system and was suprised that it was only one person controlling everything and every door in the facility. We went into where all the residents rooms are and although they were all screaming and hollering at us it seemed a lot less restrictive that a normal jail. The staff said that they are usually only locked up for like an hour and a half during the hours we were there. The rest of the time they were able to hang out in the day room and play games. They have a school area there that all the residents are required to attend. That is very important with rehabilitation because they want these kids to feel like they are worth more and get some kind of education so they can become productive. We have to remember they are kids. The cafeteria area there was a lot smaller than what i expected. They are only allowed to have 24 residents in there at one time. Something i found interesting was that all residents must be given fruit every day as well as at least one cup of milk. He said its because these kids are still growing and it doesnt stop just because they are in detention. They also have to have a gym time where they can run around and play basketball and other activities. That facility has an accreditation as well which is very impressive. I dont know the exact figure but i want to say that its less that 15% of these juvenile centers have accreditations which is awesome for peoria. They are really setting themselves apart. Overall I was very impressed with the facility and staff as well as the way it is run. This is a state of the art building that is focused around rehabilitation.USA456
This was my second time visiting the Juvenile Detention Center and I love how they run the facility it's very casual and not stricken with harsh rules the people working there don't wear uniforms they’re very casual and they use appropriate terms instead of calling the kids inmates they refer to them as residents and instead of saying cells they say rooms. I am all for them watching the suicide risk kids every four minutes that's very important to do. Some kids do it for attention or very depressed and they need as many eyes on them as possible. I think it should be more than one nurse working there and on call 24 hours. Overall I was impressed with how they did things. It's sad that they have to have a building for kids or teens but it's because of the choices the kids make that get them there. Love456
I'm currently a CNA and I wish to work at the juvenile detention center or county jail as a nurse for a little bit. I believe is should be more than one nurse on call, rotating shifts, anything can go on through the night and I strongly believe in keeping the kids and the other staff members there safe as possible. I've visited the center before but this time it was a more thorough tour and I learned a lot more about the center. I knew a couple people there that I went to school with and it's sad to think about how they were once out and about freely in the world now they're locked up. I think we should be able to talk to residents who are willing to listen to us and encourage them to do better and that being in there isn't the end of their life. Love789
I really enjoyed the tour. I'm glad I went. I like how they run the detention center, like they don't call them inmates. This is a good way of helping the children see that they still have hope and if they get their minds right they can change their life around. It's sad that children do deviant acts being so young. They said that the youngest child there was 11. That's really young to be in a detention center. I feel like there are people out there meant to help kids change their mentality by talking to them all the time. Forming relationships with the children could help them because I feel like most of the kids are there because they have no one there for them so they commit crimes. Beneke789.
Yes. That was one of the main area's I liked also. How they try their hardest to rehabilitate the children by teaching them discipline and being almost father-mother figures to a certain extent. It shows that they really want to decrease the crime rates. HTV789
It was sad how some children, go to juvenile because its better than home. I had nephews who was sent to juvenile, not because they didn't have a good home, only because they were caught up into gangs. Going to the juvenile is really different from the jail. I noticed how kids were different color shirts to represent of there behavior. I also like how they keep up with there suicide watch much better than other centers. I am majoring mental health, so this was a good experience for me. I also worked at a lot of group home with mentally ill residents, so while we was on our tour some of the things he was saying I was already familiar with. I will be graduating soon and I never thought about looking into working at a juvenile or a jail, so I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see what is like in the juvenile detention faculty. myapic789
Such a great experience going on this tour. The best thing about is I like how the title the juvenile's "residents" and not "inmates". Many people outside the center would think they treat them exactly like inmates and not know they given them more of a rehabilitation type atmosphere. It was good seeing how they put them around carpet and offer schooling and other things to earn rewards in order to lead them in the proper direction by teaching them disciplinary principals. HTV789
Before the tour started I asked a couple of students were they scared or nervous about being here and what may or may not happen of course their answers were "no". But as for myself going on this tour I was a bit timid. But overall the tour was very eye opening, I expected to see the kids in orange uniforms. ..not sweats...and the workers in police uniforms. ..not nike shirts. Compared to the jail the detention center was more "kid friendly" in way, because they have a gym and they actually go to classes, so that they CAN better themselves. Our tour guide mentioned that while the kids are in regular school and not locked up...they dont want to go! But when they are locked up they dont have a choice but to go. I think that its very beneficial that the kids have the opportunity to go to classes while in juvie, yes these are trouble kids..yes they have personal issues...but they are given a sceond and maybe even a third chance. And thats what they need...tough love. -CHIATIA012
The Peoria county Juvenile Detention center take 2. This was the second time I was blessed with the oppertunity to see this center, and i'm still able to learn a few things. This time around I learned that some of the residents can be over the age of 17. If you are 23 years old and have an open case from a crime you commited when you were 16 and you have a warrent for your arrest you will be staying in a center not the jail. SM456/SM789
First off since I am not a criminal justice major this was the first time that i ever been to any correctional facility. What I know about jails and prisons is what I see on documentaries and show shows like Cops. And I also to knew a couple of federal prison guards so i do have an idea. Going through the Juvenile Detention Center right here in Peoria kind of Shock me in many ways. First the staff didn't call themselves guards or corrections officers they just called themselves staff. And the staff also didn't carry around any weapons at all. Since I never been next door to the jail I dont what kind of weapons they carry but I sure they carry some sort of a weapon. I can see why the staff dont carry weapons since they are kids, but still I would want too. I had a great time and I cant wait to tour the jail next month. SirEagleEye012
SirEgaleEye, I also have never seen our correctional facility here in Peoria! It was so eye opening to me that we have to have such a larger center for our youth! I have seen plenty of shows on TV about what jails are like and how they are run but I have never got to experience it firsthand. I really like the point you made about the wording they use at the center and that they do not use any type of weapons. It was really great to see it being run more like a rehab and therapy center and less like a jail. I think that is great for the children and gives them a second chance at their lives. They get to learn and apply structure and responsibility that they might not have the chance to experience in the real world. I really agree with your comment great points! ~Temupusfugit012
I found this visit to be both interesting and informative. I have always grown up discussing how inmates are treated in a prison, but have never really learned about the juvenile side of it. The part that I found the most interesting was when the guide was showing us the classrooms where they go to learn. The teacher/ teachers must have to be very skilled to be able to teach a classroom full of kids that range from ages 11-17, all at different levels. I think the part of the whole visit that struck me the most was when he said that many of the kids there actually like being there better than their home environments. It made me think that that may be the reason why some of the kids are constantly coming back there after being released. They liked the structure of it and once they are released, they get home to their chaotic life and hate it, so they might lash out just so they can get themselves back in there. It's an endless cycle and it's very sad. -purple789
I found the visit to the peoria county juvinile institution both interesting and knowledgable. I discovered that they are not keep as prisoners or inmates but more as patents, to like a nursing home just getting some help, except they are locked up. Though what I didnt like about that was that they are prisoners and they should be treated like one so they dont go back. I liked several things at the institute I noticed when I was there. I liked how there is only one control board to open and close all the doors so no one can get out. I also liked how the staff made it so that there was a reward system for the kids if they behave. As in giving them things like an extra shower or getting an extra hour to stay outside of their cell. Though what I also found interesting was that they where teaching them there, That is what I really liked about the institute was how they also get there own personal tutor there also. Though what i found interesting was that they have a long grading average than i thought they would be. I also did like the fact that none of the staff are aloud weapons so no correctional inmate could hustle or subdue one so they couldnt do any damage. Conservation789
Wow, was the Peoria county juvenile detention center tour eye opening to me! I had no idea what was going on right in my own town. One of the first things that really caught my eye was the size of it. The facility is huge, it is really sad to me that it has to be so large. It showed me that we have a huge problem with our youth getting into trouble. However, the center was not at full capacity but it was still too many youth to be locked up. It made me really sad to hear that there were children as young as 10 or 11 that had be residences in the center. Kids that young should not be anywhere close to a detention center. I think that theses children’s home lives and who they grow up with are a main reason they are in trouble. Some of them might be struggling with other problems such as wanting to be like their peers and feeling like they need to be deviant. It just breaks my heart to see all those kids in there! I will say that they are at a great facility and have a good chance to turn their lives around. I just hope they can make a better life for themselves once they are back in the real world. ~Tempusfugit012
I was shock how they didnt treat them as prisoners or criminals, inmates . They labeled them as residents and the guards were staff. They didnt even have to carry a form of pertection . There was so many ways it was looking for the betterment of the (child ) Inmate than i would have never realized or would have thought it would have been like. with how much they have protection for the resident and the worker with how they keep tract with the wand thing and how they keep tract with the door openings and closing. I think they should use the same thing with other real jails. The center being the largest in the state is amazing also and it wasnt that full but then again it is just the being of the summer i would assume it would get pretty full come nice weather with kids getting out of the house after a very long winter. LEO.012
It was definitely sad seeing how many young individuals that are in there. I think it would be difficult to differentiate between the ones who "should know better" and the ones that necessarily shouldn't. i liked the way that they treated the children as "residents" and not inmates. Its really awesome how they take so many things into consideration about how they verbally and physically treat them all, and that they are given a strong chance of rehabilitation before its too late!
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I agree with what you say. A big problem that they could face is why should they have to change my behavior, or they are owed something for all that they have been through. I mean look at society, in order for them to move forward, and conform into society there will be a lag. The lag in this would be the mind set or set of behavior learned from their environment. Bubbles789
DeleteI was really impressed how much the one correctional officer actually seemed to care about the "residents". I didn't catch his name but it was the black correctional officer that was giving the tour. It seemed like he thought of the "residents" like they were his siblings. He mentioned that whenever a shooting happens in Peoria, 80% of the time he had seen that individual come through the juvenile detention facility before and he I could tell that he was somewhat touched by that on an emotional level.
DeleteISP456
I agree I thought that the man that gave us owe tour actually cared about the kids in there. It was definitely encouraging to meet someone who loved their job, I think that job would be a very tough one. I know it has to be rough to see the same kids come in and out of that facility and bond with them and see them go back out into the world and have to suffer.
Deleteselah789
I also agree that they called the kids residents instead of inmates. I thought by them calling the kids residents would help them mentally, so they could see that they weren't "nothing". I also liked how they give as many as 5 sometimes 6 chances for the kids to straighten up. It's always nice to know that there's people that won't give up on kids as easily. Princess012
DeleteI think your right about it being difficult about telling the difference between the people the should know better. From what I heard most of the kids are in there were there for gang related crimes. That was the pattern that I saw. Even if they are in a gang that should still know better, and that's what I hope the staff there will try to teach them.
DeleteSirEagleEye012
One thing I thought was definitely different from the actual prison was chances. We learned that in the Juvenile Detention Center, adolescents are given 2nd, 3rd, etc. and sometimes 5th and 6th chances. The center was set on rehabilitation and showing the kids how there is a better life outside of what they may believe. It was sad to hear how majority of the teenagers have been there before. Some even like it there compared to their actual home, which really shows how bad and ugly their life may be at home and how they were raised. The culture one lives in really does predict the future one will have. The kids are given medical treatments, dental treatments, and for some, a bed/cot to sleep in. It just seems like if some of those kids were raised in another family or social structure, they may not be in the Juvenile Center at all. jme789
ReplyDeletejme789 I totally agree with you, some kids aren't given that many chances! But just by that you can tell that they really are pushing to help those teenagers better their lives. It's sad because a majority of these problems start at home - you can be a great parent and your child(ren) may rebel or the opposite. This is why I feel that parents really need to be paying attention to what their young kids are doing. Life isn't all about drugs and the streets, there's more to life then that. I can say they are very lucky to have staff members that care rather than ones who don't. -Pink789
DeleteI really do believe that many of these teens are a product of their environment. It's not fair how that works. Luckily the Juvenile Detention Center is a place that is not necessarily trying to punish them, but they are really trying to help these teens better themselves and their lives. It's a place for them to go to get away from their chaotic lives, regroup, and hopefully evaluate what they've done and turn themselves around. -purple789
DeleteI found the juvenile detention center very interesting. I thought that it was great that they are learning what normal looks like with structure. I’m not saying what they did was good, but I mean first once these deviant children have expectations. Probably most of the parents have not given that to them before. I also liked that they had any care they need through their stay. Outside in the world they lacked care, food, shelter, and clothing. I say care because every one of the people that helps the patients here to have a better life and not come back. They are trying to rehabilitate these children and teach them social structure. The workers are the parents/care givers, teachers, and peers. I did however feel bad for kids having to sleep on those mats on the concrete. I liked how they said that we do not refer to them as in mates with cells because they still have a chance to change their life.
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I agree with you that it was good these kids had structure in there. It was definitely interesting to hear that many of them liked being there. It's sad that their home life can help land them in there. I did like how they were considered residents. I do however think that while they do have many nice things, the bad beds is a must. There were four kids in there who committed homicide. I don't think they should have it that easy in there. -Aquariusgirl789
Deleteyes i agree it is very sad that there home life is most of the reason why those kids are there. those mats in the rooms looked very thin and uncomfortable i felt extremely bad for them it makes me realize what i got and that i dont want to get in trouble, those mats just look terrible now i see why they use the points system so kids can get out of their rooms for most of the day. i would not want to be in there at all.
Deletesnakebite456
I agree with you about the kids having structure. I think that the facility has done a great job of creating that structure too. It was interesting to hear that some of the kids actually prefer being their but sadly it wasn't a huge surprise to me. The level of care that they get in their is better than anything they got at home. Their are even adults that commit minor crimes so that they get some time in jail because they cannot afford healthcare or even food and shelter. I did not feel bad however about the fact that they slept on uncomfortable beds and did not enjoy an abundance of time outside of their day rooms. The children still did something wrong and they need to be punished for it so that they hopefully do not end up back their. I think the facility did a good job of balancing punishment with rehabilitation. vhammer789
DeleteI have visited the jail before and agree completely that they are very different. They get it pretty good compared to there. I liked how they are considered "residents" instead of inmates. I think it's pretty reasonable that they give them many chances. Some have it very hard at their home life. I like how much they focus on school too. It's good that they educate them as a normal routine and are pretty strict about it. I think they do need structure in there like he said. I couldn't believe there were 4 kids in there for homicide. They really do give them a chance to get their lives together in there. It was sad to hear that most of them had been in there before though. Overall I really liked the tour. It was so interesting to learn about. -Aquariusgirl789
ReplyDeleteI totally agree ! It was different and their labeled residents instead of inmates. The staff isn't armed to be a threat nor are they a threat to the residents. It gave me a nursing home environment more than incarceration facility. Because they are young they do need education and the classrooms gave me the feel so a sec we were at a parent-teacher meeting. (smile). It was no different from district 150 setup. I liked it too. It wasn't creepy dark and cold unlike the facility next door... cancer80-456
DeleteI thought the tour was very interesting. I was surprised that they just took our word that we didn't have any weapons on us or contraband before letting us in. Seems like that could be a pretty big liability. One of the facts they mentioned somewhat surprised me. The gentleman giving the tour mentioned that for a lot of the juveniles in there, they have a better quality of living inside of the facility than when they are at home. To me, that is a serious problem because instead of giving them an incentive to be hard working, law abiding citizens, we are giving them the incentive to break the law so they can get some security and stability in their lives. Unfortunately, I think this is more of a social problem than a CRJ problem. The only thing the CRJ side of that problem could do in an attempt to fix would be to lower the living quality inside juvenile facilities which I think would go against the main goal of juvenile incarceration and not solve anything. I always say this but to me, it always goes back to and falls on the parents.
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I too, found it unfortunate that some of the residents felt more comfortable within that type of environment since they were exposed to education, medical attention, and even a structured routine. I agree that this doesn't solve anything since this may encourage some juveniles to act in criminal activities in order to get that structure back in their lives. BadWolf456
DeleteTouring the Juvenile Detention Center was definitely an eye opening experience. One thing that I realized was how much labeling a child as a "criminal" could psychologically affect the way a person especially a child views themselves. Most of us are so used to having structure and a loving family and support system to go home to everyday. This however, is not the case for most of the residents at the Juvenile Detention Center. It was also very eye opening to see and hear that many families have passed through the center. This just proves that many people are exposed to sociological factors at birth that can have an exceptional influence on a child's life. -Undergrad789
ReplyDeleteThe Juvenile Detention Center actually quiet clean and bright. The residents are rowdy and young and it is a good idea for them to be in a single cells because that's the first step in rehabilitation. To be alone and think instead of having someone next to you all night persuading you to do or think different. Another is Visiting... Its hands on with your love ones... so that gives the residents that security from their love ones the touching laughing and talking. The residents aren't shackled nor is the guard sitting there strapped up and mugging waiting on some bull stuff to happen. The classrooms were interesting because posted on the doors were cursive writing to presidents to any and everything you would see at your child school. School isn't for everybody but you need it and even though their not in society going their going in the facility. cancer80-456
ReplyDeleteThe Juvenile Detention Center was defiantly a new atmosphere for me.I learned quite a few things; like how they are referred to as "residents" instead of inmates. The small translation right there goes to show you how they detach the idea of a jail setting to a rehabilitation setting. Their attire is also different from an inmate, they wear sweats pants and a plain sweater; the suits they had before came to expensive which is why the decided to make this change. The setting was just all around different, they even had more carpet than a normal detention center.A big thing that caught my eye was when I learned about there suicide watch.. there most intense watch is there 4 minute watch, they check the person every 4 minutes because 4 minutes is brain dead. I was informed that other centers may wait longer, which I didn't understand why? but every place is different. -Pink789
ReplyDeleteThats right, the different way they call things is a big way they set themselves apart from the adult jail/prison. There 4 minute suicide watch just shows that they care more then your average detention center. Corps456
Deletei had a great time at the juvenile center, i learned quite a bit from it. i enjoy field trips to those type of places. i wish we could do more! we were told it cost 8.1 million dollars to build the place!, it was cool to know they refer to them as residents instead of inmates. i did notice there is alot of carpet in that place. i feel like it looks like a school in all honesty. the inmates we saw were quite loud but nothing major, the staff doesnt have uniforms, it just looks like a school to me. the residents are in plain grey sweats and sweaters which is cool and its also cool they give them colored undershirts to show there inmate type. i had a great time, id like to learn more, its crazy everyone there has a 4 year degree.
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Since I’m interested in working within the correctional field, I thought the tour was very surreal for me, because it helped put all those prison videos I’ve watched into perspective. I understand that we had to sign confidentiality papers and such in order to go in, but I was surprised that we didn’t really have to go through the metal detector to check for weapons or anything. I think the main reason they didn’t really care because we were not going to physically be in contact with the juveniles, so there was no worry for passing contraband. It was surprising to see that there were no uniforms being worn or that the qualifications for acquiring a position there is to have just a bachelor’s degree. I had expectations that you had to have all types of requirements like a traditional C.O. needs to interact with inmates/residents. With that tour, I can definitely see myself working within that field and possibly within the juvenile population. BadWolf456
ReplyDeleteGoing to the juvenille center was a very fun expeience for me because i have always wanted to know what it was like, how it look etc. i always had people tell me how it is but getting to expeience it myself was good. we learned alot about the juvenille center. when we first went inside i was scared and nervous i didnt know whaat the experience would be like. one of the things i like the most about the center is how they called them "residents" instead of inmates godschild789
ReplyDeleteI thought that the detection center was interesting. I was really impressed with the standard of care given to the residents. They have a great staff looking out for them that really cares about them. I thought it was cool when Breedlove said that the workers for the most part couldn't even tell you what the residents were in for, they just cared about rehabilitation and how they were improving and behaving on a daily basis. A lot of these kids don't have the care and structure needed. This is likely due to social forces that are not in as much control of them as they are in the facility. Things like peer pressure and expectations disappear when someone is in charge and you a tight structure to follow. I also thought that it was cool that they did not use physical force unless absolutely necessary. All of the staff were trained in ways of diffusing the children in certain situations so that hopefully physical force is not always needed. Taking everything I learned and saw into consideration, I think that they are doing a great job of balancing having a correctional facility with trying to help children and rehabilitate them so that they don't come back. vhammer789
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you have written. It was crazy to see such young individuals on the inside. They got alot of structure when they were in there. Something that most might not get on the outside. I really like how the staff got trained for physical actions so that they didnt have to go down that route. I also thought it was interesting that the staff was helping them so they wouldnt have to come back. So that the residents could hopefully make a better life for themselves. I enjoyed this trip alot. kakers789
DeleteThe standards of care given were phenomenal. I thought the four minute rule for a child on suicide was very impressive, even more impressive; the tour guide mentioned that Peoria Country is the only detention center in the state that checks every four minutes, other centers will check at seven or ten minutes. It was really good to see just how much care they give the kids in the center. BHS456
DeleteI think that visiting that facility was a very humbling experience. My heart hurts for all those kids. I personally was in a great deal of trouble as a kid. Nobody could really speak any kind of truth to me that would change the direction that I was going down. I get that the juvenile detention people are trying to rehabilitate the kids so that they can some how teach them to follow the rules in the same way that they learned deviance. But, it would drive me crazy to teach a kid so much when as soon as they left that controlled safe environment they are put back in the crazy place that taught them deviance? I mean they are doing a lot of the illegal stuff that got them into trouble in order to survive. It just a never ending cycle.
ReplyDeleteselah789
I totally agree my heart sincerely ached for these children. I just imagined how hard it would be if I was in the situation going to visit one of my children or being in there myself. I was very happy to see them getting help with school and learning. I never knew they did that in rehab. I think that visiting there was a huge eye opener for me and made me really appreciate the life I have and the people and family I grew up around. I never could understand why people would do something to get there in the beginning, but after hearing some of there home situations I have a better feel for them. I greatly enjoyed this trip!
DeleteLAYLAY789
The juvenile detention center was definitely an eye opening experience. While I do feel bad for those kids that are in there, it should also be kept in mind that they are in there because of decisions they've made. With that being said, the fault doesn't entirely lay with the kids, after all people are products of their environment, its a pretty good possibility the actions they did in order to put them into the detention center were because they didn't know any better, or it was them trying to survive. Regardless of how the kids got to the center, once they are in, it was very clear the staff was trying to rehabilitate them. It was good to see the kids had to go to school four days a week, there were church organizations that came once a week, and the kids were on a points system, the more points they earned the more freedom they had. While no kid wants to go to a juvenile detention center, the rehab they get from it appeared to be very beneficial for the kids. BHS456
ReplyDeleteI felt the same as you did. When I saw what the kids had to sleep on and the small rooms they were confined to I couldn’t help but feel bad for them. But then I realized that they did something to deserve those conditions. Even still I felt bad. It was an eye opening experience; it showed me how different life could be. Ajw789
DeleteI never really thought about young people being in a juvenile detention center. This was truly a heart wrenching experience. I was amazed that when we got there we had to sign papers for the residents privacy. Yet they didnt make us go threw the metal detector to make sure we didnt have any weapons. I guess they trusted us. I thought was nice to see that the staff was their to help them revamp the residents life. The staff put alot of structure in the residents day, which is not always a bad thing. Its probably good for all involved. I think that its nice that the staff is their to help them know rightnd wrong and that they are trying to help the residents better their lives. Its nice to know someone is there to help you get back on the right track. This was a great trip. IT makes me truely question what I want to become in my future. kakers789
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree when you say its nice to see the staff was there to help revamp the kids life. When we think of jails we primarily think of cells and people being locked up for long periods of time just like it is on TV. The staff does put structure in these kids lives which is super important in my eyes. It gets them thinking and doing activities where they are not focused on their old life on the streets. Structure keeps them in line. They have to go to school, which in some of these kids cases may be the first time someone has made them go. Some of those kids were 16 or 17 and hadnt been to school since they were 13. There is a direct correlation between education and crime. As our education increases crime decreases. Thats something they are committed to working on. Im a huge supporter in the phrase "you did the crime, now you must do the time" and these kids are doing their time, but they are being rehabilitated at the same time which is great. They said sometimes they see these kids 2 or 3 times after they get out coming right back in for committing another crime, but some of them actually turn their life around and get back on track which is what that facility seems like they are trying to do. USA456
DeleteI think the facility is doing a wonderful job with not only having rules but also trying to help these kids turn their life around so they won’t keep committing crimes and going back to jail. I'm also a believer of an eye for an eye and like you said you do the crime you gotta do the time, but being that they're kids they need help and guidance. Love789
DeleteI was very happy I decided to take the tour of the detention center. When I saw the kids confided to those small rooms and saw what they were sleeping on every night I couldn’t help but to feel bad for them. But then I thought, they did something along the line to deserve those conditions. Then I wondered what made these kids deviant. It was explained to me that most of the kids come from broken homes where breaking the aw is the norm and it is all they know, its normal to be in and out of jail. Also some of the kids have to break the law to survive. Those are the kids I feel bad for, the kids who don’t know another way of life. I think the people working at the detention center are doing a good job to change those kid’s lives so they are not breaking the law. It was an eye opening experience; it showed me how different life could be. Ajw789
ReplyDeleteI agree, I didn't feel bad for all the kids but the kids that had no other way of surviving but to break the law was heartbreaking. Those kids are in a no win situation and it must feel as if they have no way out. Its sad to think that some kids felt that jail was the safets place for them because they knew they would get feed, have a place to sleep, and people that actually care about them. Its just sad that they can't get those things at home.
DeletePYT012
I agree with Ajw789, because I was really happy that I take the tour. I learned a lot and had answers to some of the questions that I had. I felt bad because of what they were laying on and how small that the room was, but I knew that the residents did something wrong and that they had to face the punishment. I was surprised that some of the residents liked being there and that some of them came from broken homes. It was an eye opener for me and now I think that some of the kids that I know, need to take a walk thru there and see what they think. It reminds me of a show "beyond scared straight" on TLC. Rosebud012
DeleteGoing to the juvenile detention center was not what i was expecting. This is the first one i have been too that really focused more on the rehabilitation aspect rather then just keeping them in there rooms and waiting for them to leave. The fact that they are medically certified was also very impressive and shows how hard they are working at helping these young kids. It also showed me that they can only do so much to help rehabilitate the kids, if the parents keep making there home life hell its not going to make there kids change. Corps456
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Corps456 it wasn't what I expected either! I thought the place was going to be dirty and smelling but they were clean. In fact this lady was cleaning one of the rooms when we walk in. I thought the correction officers were going to be strict and mean but from what I saw they were laid back. The only thing that I don't agree with you on is the parents making their life a living hell can affect their rehabilitation. Sometimes it not the parents fault it can be the children environment, the people they hang with, or they just want to play the tough guy role. It can be numerous of things of why they commit crimes, you never know someone story. -Aries012
DeleteI agree the visit was not what I was expecting either besides the rooms being so extremely small. I thought they treated the children fairly being that they did do something to have to be in the detention center. Whether they were just rebellious or just bad upbringing. I liked how the kids were not refined to their rooms day in and day out, and how they were able to get points for extra activities. It seemed to me that the goal was for the detention center to get the children rehabilitated so they are able to interact with the outside world -toybox789
DeleteThe juvenile detention center was an eye opener. The kids are criminals but they're still kids and the center is actually trying to help them. They are trying to rehabilitate this and prepare them to be reintroduced to society without having to return to the center. I could tell that the staff actually cares about the kids and wants to see them to better. It was sad though seeing kids that weren't much younger than myself in there. Seeing the kids made me think about them and how the must feel but also how their families must feel. It was a great experience, heartbreaking though.
ReplyDeletePYT012
I was really excited about visiting the juvenile detention center because I never been to one or got to visit one. When I first walk in the detention center the security officer showed us the intake room and as he was showing us that this other correction officer brought in a boy to the room right next to us. I was kind of nervous as he walk in between us because the correction officer said they had people in there for attempted murder. I really like how the security room is set up because cant no get in that not suppose to be there and the kids cant get out so everybody is safe. I like the fact that the kids go to school. Also like how they get time to come out there rooms and play games or basketball. I can tell that the staff members really care about them. I sad seeing young kids like that put away. One thing that really hit me was when the correction officer said some of them don't want to leave because they don't have a home to go to. I really wish we had more support groups in Peoria that can help children stay or get on the right path. Overall I really enjoy this trip and I cant wait to visit the County Jail! -Aries012
ReplyDeleteThe juvenile detention center was a great experience and very educational. I always expected the juvenile detention center would always be like a jail, but I was surprised to see that it wasn't. It is actually more like a rehabilitation. The residents still attend school, still have chores and free time. They receive points and later can use those points to stay out later or spend the points on activities like basketball. I thought I was really interesting how they have different colored shirts for different behaviors and how long you have been there. The Juvenile Detention Center has great structure which is well needed and a lot of the residents actually appreciate the structure. Children work better when they have a good structured schedule. I was kind of nervous when I first went in because I expected way worse, but I am very glad to see these children getting help.
ReplyDeleteLAYLAY789
The juvenile detection center was a good experience for me because I have never been in one before. I thought that it was a jail for youth, but I was wrong. I liked that they still made the residents attend school and if they didn't they were punished for it. I was surprised that the workers wear regular clothes and didn't wear uniforms. I didn't know that some children liked having structure. I had a lot of questions answered while I was there. I give credit to the people that is in the office that keeps track of everything in the center. I like that they are a rehabilitation center for the youth instead of a jail because you want the children to learn from their mistakes. I am glad that professor white had us walk thru the center because it helped me to understand what they do there. Rosebud012
ReplyDeleteI've been to the juvenile detention center twice and this time was more informational for me. I like the idea that they have to attend school, I believe school is very important and just because they're locked up doesn't mean they have to be excluded from learning something. The way they operate things is a good form of rehab for the youth I agree. Love456
DeleteI agree with you that their is a great system at the juvenile detention center. I like the reward system and the fact that they wear normal clothing also to make it a much better setting. I too also liked how they had to attend school there even though they are all set at different grades levels that they at least get taught almost daily. Conservation789; Conservation456
DeleteVisiting the juvenile detention center was an interesting experience. I appreciated the way the workers did not treat the children as inmates, but as a child in a group home who is awaiting to go home. I like how they were able to receive points to get extra privilages like snacks and activities. I was surprised to learn that the youngest person in the center was just 11 years old. My son is only 10 years old and I cannot imagine what someone so young can do to end up in juvenile. I remember visiting the county jail in the 8th grade and it was an exciting experience, so I was secretly excited to visit the juvenile detention. The children are still on a diet to where they have to be at least offered milk with meals, as well as fruit. Their classrooms were very neat thus I was happy that they are offered school. The facility also earned rewards which I found very good. I think they are treating the children as well as they can and it is good to see that the children are getting support and not being treated like animals or the bottom of the barrel, .-toybox789
ReplyDeleteI think that the point system that they have incorporated there is a great idea! It gives the kids reasons to be on good behavior. Its kind of like the detention center is actually giving them the free will to behave themselves. The fact that even if they have a "bad morning" then their entire day isnt ruined is a great idea. They can learn each day how to control themselves and better themselves to receive the full amount of points for each day. The structure that this facility provides is a very tough thing to do, but the children definitely need it!
DeleteFord012
I thought Juvenile Detention Center was a mini prison before taking the tour. Now that I taken the tour, I see that it's not a mini prison, more like a rehab center. I thought it was sad to see kids as young as 10 years old committing murders or attempting murder. It's crazy how the kids environment can make them do things and think that way. It's extremely sad that when some of those kids get out, they go back for doing the exact same thing. Also when my group was told that some kids would rather stay there than go back to the streets or home. Overall, it was an interesting experience and makes me think differently about the Juvenile Detention Center. Princess012
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything you said @Princess012. It's said that our society pushes children to commit crimes or deviant acts. I think that the Detention Center helps the children because it's structure because most of the residents probably don't have that at home.
DeleteI thought that our tour of the Peoria County Juvenile Justice Center was awesome. At the begining of the tour he said it cost 8.1 million dollars to build. That goes to show how much security is in a place like that. I was suprised that the officers do not wear uniforms but after they explained why it makes perfect sense. Same with why they they call them residents instead of inmates. The reason they do that reflects rehabilitation. They dont want them to feel like inmates. They want them to reflect on what they have dont and understand they they can have a second chance. The system they use during the intake with fingerprinting he said is the same system used by the FBI so when they get fingerprinted it goes through the same database all across the country. We then went into the control room. I thought that it looked like a very complicated system and was suprised that it was only one person controlling everything and every door in the facility. We went into where all the residents rooms are and although they were all screaming and hollering at us it seemed a lot less restrictive that a normal jail. The staff said that they are usually only locked up for like an hour and a half during the hours we were there. The rest of the time they were able to hang out in the day room and play games. They have a school area there that all the residents are required to attend. That is very important with rehabilitation because they want these kids to feel like they are worth more and get some kind of education so they can become productive. We have to remember they are kids. The cafeteria area there was a lot smaller than what i expected. They are only allowed to have 24 residents in there at one time. Something i found interesting was that all residents must be given fruit every day as well as at least one cup of milk. He said its because these kids are still growing and it doesnt stop just because they are in detention. They also have to have a gym time where they can run around and play basketball and other activities. That facility has an accreditation as well which is very impressive. I dont know the exact figure but i want to say that its less that 15% of these juvenile centers have accreditations which is awesome for peoria. They are really setting themselves apart. Overall I was very impressed with the facility and staff as well as the way it is run. This is a state of the art building that is focused around rehabilitation.USA456
ReplyDeleteThis was my second time visiting the Juvenile Detention Center and I love how they run the facility it's very casual and not stricken with harsh rules the people working there don't wear uniforms they’re very casual and they use appropriate terms instead of calling the kids inmates they refer to them as residents and instead of saying cells they say rooms. I am all for them watching the suicide risk kids every four minutes that's very important to do. Some kids do it for attention or very depressed and they need as many eyes on them as possible. I think it should be more than one nurse working there and on call 24 hours. Overall I was impressed with how they did things. It's sad that they have to have a building for kids or teens but it's because of the choices the kids make that get them there. Love456
ReplyDeleteI'm currently a CNA and I wish to work at the juvenile detention center or county jail as a nurse for a little bit. I believe is should be more than one nurse on call, rotating shifts, anything can go on through the night and I strongly believe in keeping the kids and the other staff members there safe as possible. I've visited the center before but this time it was a more thorough tour and I learned a lot more about the center. I knew a couple people there that I went to school with and it's sad to think about how they were once out and about freely in the world now they're locked up. I think we should be able to talk to residents who are willing to listen to us and encourage them to do better and that being in there isn't the end of their life. Love789
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the tour. I'm glad I went. I like how they run the detention center, like they don't call them inmates. This is a good way of helping the children see that they still have hope and if they get their minds right they can change their life around. It's sad that children do deviant acts being so young. They said that the youngest child there was 11. That's really young to be in a detention center. I feel like there are people out there meant to help kids change their mentality by talking to them all the time. Forming relationships with the children could help them because I feel like most of the kids are there because they have no one there for them so they commit crimes. Beneke789.
ReplyDeleteYes. That was one of the main area's I liked also. How they try their hardest to rehabilitate the children by teaching them discipline and being almost father-mother figures to a certain extent. It shows that they really want to decrease the crime rates.
DeleteHTV789
It was sad how some children, go to juvenile because its better than home. I had nephews who was sent to juvenile, not because they didn't have a good home, only because they were caught up into gangs. Going to the juvenile is really different from the jail. I noticed how kids were different color shirts to represent of there behavior. I also like how they keep up with there suicide watch much better than other centers. I am majoring mental health, so this was a good experience for me. I also worked at a lot of group home with mentally ill residents, so while we was on our tour some of the things he was saying I was already familiar with. I will be graduating soon and I never thought about looking into working at a juvenile or a jail, so I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see what is like in the juvenile detention faculty. myapic789
ReplyDeleteSuch a great experience going on this tour. The best thing about is I like how the title the juvenile's "residents" and not "inmates". Many people outside the center would think they treat them exactly like inmates and not know they given them more of a rehabilitation type atmosphere. It was good seeing how they put them around carpet and offer schooling and other things to earn rewards in order to lead them in the proper direction by teaching them disciplinary principals.
ReplyDeleteHTV789
Before the tour started I asked a couple of students were they scared or nervous about being here and what may or may not happen of course their answers were "no". But as for myself going on this tour I was a bit timid. But overall the tour was very eye opening, I expected to see the kids in orange uniforms. ..not sweats...and the workers in police uniforms. ..not nike shirts. Compared to the jail the detention center was more "kid friendly" in way, because they have a gym and they actually go to classes, so that they CAN better themselves. Our tour guide mentioned that while the kids are in regular school and not locked up...they dont want to go! But when they are locked up they dont have a choice but to go. I think that its very beneficial that the kids have the opportunity to go to classes while in juvie, yes these are trouble kids..yes they have personal issues...but they are given a sceond and maybe even a third chance. And thats what they need...tough love. -CHIATIA012
ReplyDeleteThe Peoria county Juvenile Detention center take 2. This was the second time I was blessed with the oppertunity to see this center, and i'm still able to learn a few things. This time around I learned that some of the residents can be over the age of 17. If you are 23 years old and have an open case from a crime you commited when you were 16 and you have a warrent for your arrest you will be staying in a center not the jail.
ReplyDeleteSM456/SM789
First off since I am not a criminal justice major this was the first time that i ever been to any correctional facility. What I know about jails and prisons is what I see on documentaries and show shows like Cops. And I also to knew a couple of federal prison guards so i do have an idea. Going through the Juvenile Detention Center right here in Peoria kind of Shock me in many ways. First the staff didn't call themselves guards or corrections officers they just called themselves staff. And the staff also didn't carry around any weapons at all. Since I never been next door to the jail I dont what kind of weapons they carry but I sure they carry some sort of a weapon. I can see why the staff dont carry weapons since they are kids, but still I would want too. I had a great time and I cant wait to tour the jail next month.
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SirEgaleEye, I also have never seen our correctional facility here in Peoria! It was so eye opening to me that we have to have such a larger center for our youth! I have seen plenty of shows on TV about what jails are like and how they are run but I have never got to experience it firsthand. I really like the point you made about the wording they use at the center and that they do not use any type of weapons. It was really great to see it being run more like a rehab and therapy center and less like a jail. I think that is great for the children and gives them a second chance at their lives. They get to learn and apply structure and responsibility that they might not have the chance to experience in the real world. I really agree with your comment great points!
Delete~Temupusfugit012
I found this visit to be both interesting and informative. I have always grown up discussing how inmates are treated in a prison, but have never really learned about the juvenile side of it. The part that I found the most interesting was when the guide was showing us the classrooms where they go to learn. The teacher/ teachers must have to be very skilled to be able to teach a classroom full of kids that range from ages 11-17, all at different levels. I think the part of the whole visit that struck me the most was when he said that many of the kids there actually like being there better than their home environments. It made me think that that may be the reason why some of the kids are constantly coming back there after being released. They liked the structure of it and once they are released, they get home to their chaotic life and hate it, so they might lash out just so they can get themselves back in there. It's an endless cycle and it's very sad. -purple789
ReplyDeleteI found the visit to the peoria county juvinile institution both interesting and knowledgable. I discovered that they are not keep as prisoners or inmates but more as patents, to like a nursing home just getting some help, except they are locked up. Though what I didnt like about that was that they are prisoners
ReplyDeleteand they should be treated like one so they dont go back. I liked several things at the institute I noticed when I was there. I liked how there is only one control board to open and close all the doors so no one can get out. I also liked how the staff made it so that there was a reward system for the kids if they behave. As in giving them things like an extra shower or getting an extra hour to stay outside of their cell. Though what I also found interesting was that they where teaching them there, That is what I really liked about the institute was how they also get there own personal tutor there also. Though what i found interesting was that they have a long grading average than i thought they would be. I also did like the fact that none of the staff are aloud weapons so no correctional inmate could hustle or subdue one so they couldnt do any damage. Conservation789
Wow, was the Peoria county juvenile detention center tour eye opening to me! I had no idea what was going on right in my own town. One of the first things that really caught my eye was the size of it. The facility is huge, it is really sad to me that it has to be so large. It showed me that we have a huge problem with our youth getting into trouble. However, the center was not at full capacity but it was still too many youth to be locked up. It made me really sad to hear that there were children as young as 10 or 11 that had be residences in the center. Kids that young should not be anywhere close to a detention center. I think that theses children’s home lives and who they grow up with are a main reason they are in trouble. Some of them might be struggling with other problems such as wanting to be like their peers and feeling like they need to be deviant. It just breaks my heart to see all those kids in there! I will say that they are at a great facility and have a good chance to turn their lives around. I just hope they can make a better life for themselves once they are back in the real world.
ReplyDelete~Tempusfugit012
I was shock how they didnt treat them as prisoners or criminals, inmates . They labeled them as residents and the guards were staff. They didnt even have to carry a form of pertection . There was so many ways it was looking for the betterment of the (child ) Inmate than i would have never realized or would have thought it would have been like. with how much they have protection for the resident and the worker with how they keep tract with the wand thing and how they keep tract with the door openings and closing. I think they should use the same thing with other real jails. The center being the largest in the state is amazing also and it wasnt that full but then again it is just the being of the summer i would assume it would get pretty full come nice weather with kids getting out of the house after a very long winter. LEO.012
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