WASHINGTON D.C : JEUNE ET EN PRISON AUX ÉTATS-UNIS - Tour du monde #4

• In 2010, the United States had approximately 780,000 individuals between 18 and 29 years old incarcerated • In 2013, the country had approximately 55,000 prisoners under 18 years old

Prison detention can lead to isolation and increased recidivism, aggravating the situation for young detainees

Free Minds is a non-profit organization in Washington D.C. fighting to ensure that young people's time in prison helps with reintegration rather than worsening their situation

The organization uses reading and writing as tools - reading to provide escape and writing to allow self-expression, emotional processing, and restoration of self-confidence

Free Minds organizes White Night events where volunteers read and critique poems written by incarcerated youth

• Encourage young prisoners and make them feel heard • Help them understand they are not alone • Provide constructive feedback on their creative work

Volunteers include Free Minds staff and formerly incarcerated youth who received support from Free Minds while in prison and now give back by mentoring others

Hugo attended a White Night event at a church in Washington D.C. that provided a venue for the gathering

Washington D.C. is not a federal state, which affects how the justice system operates

• Young people sentenced in Washington D.C. are sent to prisons across different parts of the United States • This geographic dispersion increases isolation of young detainees • Distance prevents regular family visits and support

The United States has a particularly high recidivism rate compared to other countries, with approximately 65% of prisoners serving a second sentence within 2 years

Free Minds' efforts show positive results, with only 5% recidivism rate among young prisoners participating in the project, compared to the national average of 65%