Kids Behind Bars
Realities, brain science, and politics of life sentences for adolescents in the U.S.

The Adolescent Redemption Project event hosted at The University of Akron

In the United States, nearly 12,000 people are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed under the age of 18. The practice of sentencing youth to potentially lifelong imprisonment is virtually nonexistent anywhere else in the world. This event takes a “Second Look" at realities, brain science, and politics of life sentences for adolescents in the U.S. and gives an update on potential future changes in legislation.

The panel features Joshua Puckett, Founder of The Adolescent Redemption Project (TARP), sentenced to life at age 18, currently incarcerated who will be calling into the event live from prison.

We also hear from brain science specialist and criminal defense attorney Laurel Kelly Young, and the End Life Imprisonment Strategist from the Sentencing Project Alexandra Bailey.

The panel is moderated by assistant professor Dr. Daniela Jauk-Ajamie (Departments of Criminal Justice Studies and Sociology) and TARP Executive Director Kyle Robinson.

Watch the recording of the event that features the founder of TARP. a brain science specialist and criminal defense attorney, and End Life Imprisonment Strategist from the Sentencing Project.

Resources and Literature

For those interested in getting involved with The Adolescent Redemption Project, consider coming to the monthly Village gathering for people interested in learning more about their work.

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