Young Offenders

I stumbled across an article on the Guardian's website today written by Amelia Gentleman. She offers an insight into life in a young offenders' institute. It's a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece and, whilst it may not be typical of the funnier side of life that I typically look for, it's well worth a read.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/21/young-offenders-institution-ashfield
One article can't change the world or offer up solutions to a perennial problem, but if it opens minds and makes people think a little then it has definitely done its job. Having read it, I'm uncertain which side gets most of my sympathy, the staff for doing a thankless and sometimes dangerous job, or the young prisoners, many of whom might have fared rather better if they'd been given a better start in life. I was also struck by the fact that some of these boys have committed such serious crimes.
Some time ago I wrote a story that ties in with the subject of youth offending. It was perhaps a rather optimistic piece, but after reading this article you might be ready for something a little lighter. If you fancy a look, here's the link:
http://www.quirkytales.co.uk/stories/growingpains.php