American kids keep getting shot. Now they’re also increasingly competing for help

In Memphis, programs to help at-risk youths work overtime to make sure they don’t get lost in the criminal justice system One Friday afternoon in late July, at the Shelby county juvenile court in Memphis, a 14-year-old boy waited to learn whether he would be allowed out of detention before his birthday. The teenager had been accused of assault. His birthday was Monday. If his case was not resolved that afternoon, he would turn 15 in custody. Continue reading...

Chip Brownlee for the Trace · Thu, Sep 17, 2026, 6:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

American kids keep getting shot. Now they’re also increasingly competing for help

In Memphis, programs to help at-risk youths work overtime to make sure they don’t get lost in the criminal justice system

One Friday afternoon in late July, at the Shelby county juvenile court in Memphis, a 14-year-old boy waited to learn whether he would be allowed out of detention before his birthday.

The teenager had been accused of assault. His birthday was Monday. If his case was not resolved that afternoon, he would turn 15 in custody.

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