Teenage Killers
Second Chance Killers
“Miller’s Children: Why Giving Teenage Killers a Second Chance Matters for All of Us” by Dr. James Garbarino is a powerful and insightful book that explores the impact of childhood trauma and adversity on the lives of incarcerated youth. Garbarino’s extensive research, combined with his clinical expertise provides a deep understanding of the complex issues that these young people face. The title, “Miller’s Children” is a reference to Miller v. Alabama, a Supreme Court decision that outlaws mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles convicted of murder.
The book examines the stories of young people who have been caught up in the criminal justice system, revealing the ways in which their difficult childhoods contributed to their involvement in crime. Garbarino also sheds light on the various programming and interventions that can help these young people turn their lives around.
One of the key concepts explored in “Miller’s Children” is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). ACE refers to a range of negative experiences that a child may encounter during their upbringing, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Garbarino argues that ACEs can have a significant impact on a child’s development in criminal activity.
Another important concept in the book is Emerging Adulthood. This term describes the period of life between adolescence and adulthood, about 18 to 25 years of age, during which time young people are still developing and making important decisions about their future. Garbarino argues that this stage of life is particularly important because human brains are not fully developed which hinders decision making. It is also important for incarcerated youth as it presents an opportunity for them to make positive changes and turn their lives around. It is further argued that the protections that Miller v. Alabama offer juveniles should also be extended to, some degree, those who committed their crime during the ages of Emerging Adulthood.
For prisoners who may have ACE or committed their crime during the period of emerging adulthood or for attorneys seeking post sentence relief or a sentence reduction for their clients, “Miller’s Children” can be an invaluable resource. By understanding the impact of ACEs and the importance of emerging adulthood, lawyers can make a compelling case for reduced sentences or alternative forms of punishment that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Overall, “Miller’s Children” is a powerful and informative book that sheds light on challenges faced by incarcerated youth and the ways in which childhood trauma can contribute to their involvement in the criminal justice system. It is an essential read for incarcerated people or attorneys working on sentence reductions as well as anyone interested in early childhood development and how negative environments impact their lives into adulthood.
