In a letter to the editor, psychotherapist Ingrid Skinner discusses the proposal allowing violent juvenile offenders aged 13 to 17 to be sentenced to prison. She highlights that resistance to this proposal risks repeating past mistakes in dealing with youth crime, suggesting that society's current circumstances warrant a different approach. Skinner shares her personal experience as a treatment assistant at a youth prison in California during the 1970s, where she worked with young offenders heavily involved in serious criminal activities.

Skinner emphasizes the importance of having well-trained staff who are aware of the complexities of working with troubled youth. She argues that a well-structured youth prison could potentially rehabilitate these offenders instead of simply punishing them. By allowing prisons to focus on recovery, there is a chance to reintegrate these youths into society positively, thereby decreasing the risk of recidivism.

Ultimately, Skinner calls for society to reconsider its stance on juvenile incarceration, advocating that youth prisons should be seen as a viable option for rehabilitation rather than solely as a punitive measure. She believes this change is essential to address escalating juvenile crime rates effectively and humanely.