LOS NIÑOS

They are little children, in little bodies, and with little children mentalities; but they have committed adult-size crimes, like armed robbery, assault, rape, and even murder. They can’t be housed with juveniles that have committed petty offenses; and they can’t be housed with adult delinquents. They are then, incarcerated in a limbo of sorts; the Juvenile Adult Remand Detention System; in adult facilities, but “out of sight and sound” of the adults. They must, however, abide by the same rules. Some of them exhibit tough exteriors, but many times, their childish minds cannot comprehend even what they have done. It is then that the Detention Officers confront the “child” (el niño), who weeps, and mourns for his mother, his family and his lost future. Los Niños tells the story of only 31 of these children. There are hundreds of thousands of them nationwide. Along with our child prodigies, and our honor students, they also are America’s future.