They’re Still Kids: A Family’s Call for Better Treatment in Utah Juvenile Detention Centers

By Ezra Magana, Ezra’s Perspective

I’m 18 years old, and one thing I’ve learned is that everyone makes mistakes. Some mistakes are bigger than others, and some come with serious consequences. But no matter what someone has done, I don’t believe any teenager deserves to go hungry.

My family is currently experiencing the juvenile justice system firsthand through a loved one who is being held in a Utah juvenile detention center. This situation has opened my eyes to concerns that I never thought I would have to think about. While I understand the need for accountability, I also believe that accountability should never come at the expense of a young person’s basic needs.

Recently, my family learned about a dinner that consisted of just four dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, two celery sticks, and a mini bag of pretzels. When I heard that, I was shocked. Growing teenagers need proper nutrition. Their bodies are still developing, their minds are still growing, and they need balanced meals to stay healthy.

What made this even more concerning was hearing that youth were reportedly told by staff, “You guys receive leftovers from the DT across the street.” When I heard that, it honestly broke my heart. Whether it was meant as a joke or a serious statement, it sends a troubling message. Young people in state custody should never feel like an afterthought. They should be receiving meals that meet their nutritional needs, not wondering if they’re simply getting whatever is left over. As a family member, hearing something like that makes me question whether these youth are truly receiving the care they deserve.

Some people might read this and immediately think, “Well, they shouldn’t have broken the law.” I understand that point of view. Actions have consequences, and young people need to be held accountable for their choices. However, there is a difference between consequences and neglecting basic human needs.

Juvenile detention centers are supposed to focus on rehabilitation. The purpose is to help young people learn from their mistakes, make better choices, and eventually return to society as productive members of their communities. If rehabilitation is truly the goal, then we should be making sure these youth have access to proper nutrition, education, and support.

As a family member, this issue is personal. It’s difficult enough knowing someone you care about is locked up. It’s even harder wondering whether they’re getting enough food to eat. Every day, families across Utah worry about their loved ones in detention facilities. No family should have to question whether a child in state custody is receiving adequate meals.

This issue goes beyond one meal or one facility. It raises larger questions about how youth in detention are treated and whether current standards are truly meeting their needs. Transparency matters. Accountability matters. Families deserve answers, and youth deserve care that reflects their age and developmental needs.

At the end of the day, these are still kids. They may have made mistakes. They may have broken rules or laws. But they are still someone’s son, daughter, brother, sister, grandchild, or friend. They are still human beings deserving of dignity and respect.

That is why families, advocates, and community members will gather at the Utah State Capitol on July 11 at 2:00 PM to raise awareness about conditions in juvenile detention facilities and advocate for change. This event is not about excusing criminal behavior or eliminating consequences. It is about ensuring that youth in state custody are treated humanely and receive the nutrition, care, and support they deserve.

I encourage anyone who cares about Utah’s youth to attend, listen, and learn. Whether you have a loved one in the system or simply believe that every young person deserves dignity, your voice can make a difference.

Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how we help people learn from them. If we truly want young people to leave detention better than when they entered, we must ensure they are treated with humanity while they are there.

They’re still kids. And being a kid who made a mistake should never mean going hungry.