Telling It and the Juvenile Justice System

As of 2024, Telling It has been invited to work with justice-involved youth, or young people navigating the juvenile legal system. This has included incarcerated youth, youth within diversion programs, youth on probation, and youth deemed “at-risk” through referral. 

Our commitment is to empower youth by supporting their development in emotional literacy, coping skills, and mental health. We do this through trauma-informed expressive arts therapeutically (not therapy); meaning creativity, fun, and play within safe, censorship-free and judgement-free spaces.

Our local justice system in Washtenaw County is implementing restorative justice practices, and working hard to move away from a punitive approach. Multiple community partners within the local juvenile justice system have identified a need for trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health programming, and have reached out to Telling It to help fill these gaps.

Although valiant efforts are being made to shift towards a more equitable and restorative approach, challenges continue within the current juvenile justice system.

Black, Indigenous, and other youth of color are disproportionately affected by systemic biases that lead to higher rates of arrest and incarceration. 

Research shows that incarceration does not reduce delinquent behavior. It does not address the underlying causes, which often stem from trauma and difficult life experiences. Many young people who come into contact with the justice system have already faced significant hardship and trauma.

Instead of providing support, juvenile incarceration frequently worsens these challenges. Facilities often rely on harsh punishments such as isolation and restraint, which can retraumatize youth and harm their mental and physical well-being.

Reforming the juvenile justice system is essential. By creating fair, trauma-informed, and rehabilitation-focused interventions, we can help young people heal and thrive by working within the system. This compassionate approach not only supports the well-being of vulnerable youth but also promotes safer, stronger communities. 

Telling It believes that our expressive arts philosophy offers a unique and essential service to justice-involved youth. Engaging in creative processes, whether through art, music, movement, or storytelling, helps young people:

• Reframe harmful thought patterns
  
• Connect with others
• Safely release pent-up emotions
• Develop important relational skills

For example, when engaged in arts-based movement activities, youth regulate their nervous systems. This helps them cope with the highly controlled environments many justice-involved young people face.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Additional research on expressive arts practices continues to expand, illuminating a plethora of mental health benefits.

At Telling It, youth are encouraged to speak their minds and be themselves. We believe that in settings often shaped by vulnerability and resilience, no topic should ever be “too difficult” or “off-limits.” Young people who are incarcerated need access to spaces where their stories can be heard without shame, censorship, or judgment. Honoring their voices is an essential step in supporting social-emotional growth.

Scientific studies have shown that expressive arts modalities have profound effects on the brain. Here’s what the arts can do:

• Build neural pathways that support social and emotional development.
  
• Release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins during the physical act of drawing, painting, or creating chemicals that naturally encourage generosity and empathy.

Telling It encourages youth to be present, embracing the idea of mindfulness. This means paying attention to what you’re feeling and thinking right now, letting go of distractions and things beyond your control. When youth engage in the arts in a mindful way, the critical parts of the brain responsible for self-judgment are quieted, making space for calmness, self-acceptance, and growth.

Telling It is here to walk alongside justice-involved youth on their journey, offering creative outlets, compassionate guidance, and a safe space to be heard. We believe that every young person deserves unlimited chances to learn, connect, create, and thrive, and that expressive art modalities are powerful pathways to make that vision a reality.