What to expect-For incarcerated juveniles & their parents

At Cross and Bars, we have the highest respect for every child and family we serve, and in that spirit, the purpose of these videos is to reduce the stress on kids and their families when a child may be facing juvenile detention, by providing a brief video representation of what they might experience at key points of the process, from intake, living in a secure detention facility, through the court process and final disposition.  While in detention, the child will find staff who care about them and their futures, while maintaining order and the safety of all residents.  A broad range of services is typically provided to children in juvenile detention, from nutrition, exercise, education and health care to chaplains and volunteers to provide spiritual counseling and emotional support, in addition to that provided by the staff.    It is important that kids listen to, respect and promptly obey all staff instructions during their time in detention, that they avoid getting caught up in issues with other kids, and that parents or guardians keep informed as to the status of their child's procedings throughout the process.  It is also critical to the emotional well-being of your child to visit him or her during regular visitation hours, as often as possible.  We want to thank the kids and parents, as well as the detention center and court staff appearing in these videos, and Calamari Productions for providing these videos as a service to those experiencing the juvenile justice system for the first time.  There are many experienced and caring staff available to kids and families to help get you through these trying times, and it is important to reach out to them for assistance when needed.  And keep the faith - to all who want it, this experience will be the beginning of a better tomorrow.