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Q: We're grateful to be doing this interview with a certified advocate for prisoners. How did you become actively involved with the cause?
A: First, I want to thank you for this opportunity. I am grateful. My interest in becoming an advocate derived from me meeting Charles Ferguson 1.5 years ago. As I learned more about his story along with experiencing the policies and procedures of DOC I knew without a doubt I had to do something to promote a change.
Q: For years the penal system has been a revolving door for our youths, and we have yet to find a solution. Where do you think we're going wrong?
A: I think the largest flaws in the penal system regarding juveniles, are the lack of consideration in regards to mental development, environment, family structure and possible traumatic events that may have occurred. There is most definitely a double standard that needs to be addressed regarding sentencing juveniles and the appropriate legal age of a juvenile. First, there should be a cap on sentencing for 25 years. If DOC is doing their job by providing programs and incentives regarding rehabilitation each juvenile should be granted a second chance. Regarding the legal age, juveniles should be defined as any person 2O and below. We all know despite there being lots of rights given to an individual at the age 18, it doesn't validate their adulthood. It is clear that all rights and acknowledgements of adulthood should take place at the age of 21.
Q: With the current uprising for prison reform, many celebrities have gotten involved with the fight. Do
you think this is the exposure needed to make a change?
A: Unfortunately, I don't believe all exposure is good exposure. Yes, celebrities can most definitely
bring awareness simply due to their followers and being in the public eye, but do we want that from all
celebrities. The world that we live in will look pass the upstanding celebrity that has a story to tell of
development and zoom in on someone who has had a rough time with the judicial system and
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continues to make mistakes.
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