Omigosh you just reminded me of this article by Joe Stommel (Jesse’s dad) on correctional pedagogy in prison http://www.hybridpedagogy.com/journal/correctional-pedagogy-prison-reform-life-death-learning/

I always thought (but more so after that article and your comment) that youth who are in these situations deserve a heck of a lot of attention and care in order to help them become productive citizens. The problem, I’d think, was that a system that attempts to create order and discipline would probably backfire on kids who probably have all sorts of issues and a rebellious streak. Joe’s article and what you just said about your probation officer are really touching – I have no experience with this kind of thing, but i keep wondering now many people in those positions are caring and think about the kids or even adults “under” their care as full humans to nurture?