This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Michele Deitch, an expert on prison reform and juvenile justice and an award-winning teacher at the University of Texas, addresses the problem of youth who are prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system and confined in adult jails and prisons. She describes the troubling conditions she has witnessed, and discusses the kids she has encountered in the course of her work who have persuaded her about the need to change the laws and policies that permit this practice.

Michele Deitch ’82 is a Senior Lecturer at The
University of Texas at Austin, where she holds a
joint appointment at the Lyndon B. Johnson
School of Public Affairs and the UT School of Law and teaches graduate-level courses in criminal justice and juvenile justice policy. Trained as a lawyer, her particular expertise includes juveniles in the adult system, the management of juvenile offenders, and prison conditions and independent correctional oversight, and she has authored numerous publications on these issues that have
garnered national attention. Along with her
students, Deitch works closely with Texas
legislators and other key stakeholders to conduct research that helps inform and shape policy and practice. Deitch has been the recipient of a Soros Senior Justice Fellowship, as well as numerous awards for her teaching and commitment to service-learning. She holds a J.D. with honors from Harvard Law School, an M.Sc. in psychology (with a specialization in criminology) from Oxford University (Balliol College), and a B.A. with honors from Amherst College, where she also served on the Board of Trustees.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)