A conversation inside Indy’s juvenile detention center

The Marion County Juvenile Detention Center is located right in the middle of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. It saw more kids admitted in 2023 compared to 2022 according to the Marion County Probation Department. Chief Probation Officer, Christine M. Kerl said last year they saw mostly teens between the ages 15-17 with an average stay of about 22 days. Since 2000 Pastor Denell Howard has visited the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center, implementing a leadership program for youth. RELATED: Juvenile justice reform law is a step forward, but some say it’s just the beginning “Hello young men. How are y’all doing? How are y’all feeling?” Howard said recently to a group of seven boys gathered inside an art room at the detention center. In a single file line, they had filled the room with their hands behind their backs as if they were handcuffed before sitting down.   A 16-year-old answers him.   “Mid..” he said, shrugging his shoulders.  The teen had been in juvenile detention two times already.   A 2019 census showed that Indiana locks up more kids and teens than the state of New York. Black youth in Indiana are 2 ½ times more likely to be detained and 3 ½...