Samantha Melamed

The lawsuit said state Youth Development Center staff used restraints excessively, including as cover for assaults that left kids bruised and battered — once with a shattered orbital bone.

Pennsylvania's Child Advocate found herself powerless to investigate complaints or affect policy change. She stepped down, and the post has not been filled.

Investors lost tens of thousands of dollars to BMB Matrix, an e-commerce company. Then, owner Adetunji Thomas-Quarcoo tried to get them to invest a retail business launched at the Moorestown Mall.

Investors lost tens of thousands of dollars to BMB Matrix, an e-commerce company. Then, owner Adetunji Thomas-Quarcoo tried to get them to invest a retail business launched at the Moorestown Mall.

A teen mom grew up in Philly’s child-welfare system. When she gave birth in juvenile detention, the system took her daughter.

David Dickson Jr. was convicted in 1995 of killing Drexel University student Deborah Wilson for her sneakers. Now, Philadelphia District Attorney Krasner has acknowledged the conviction is tainted.

Kyzir Reeves recorded the video for "I'm Still Alive" at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, where he awaits trial on charges related to a shooting that left three teens dead in 2023.

Five years ago, Philly DA Larry Krasner announced a policy overhaul, while city and state leaders proposed sweeping youth justice reforms. Those calls have faded and some policies appear forgotten.

An Inquirer investigation found Philadelphia has become an outlier in its rate of youth incarceration, as cities across the country have worked to curb reliance on institutions rife with abuse.

Pennsylvania leaders have acknowledged the harms and abuses in juvenile institutions. Yet Philly remains a national leader in using them.