Former American Inmate Blind Reacts To Prison in FINLAND

[@JessicaKent]

KZbin has been very hard on me lately lol They are unsubscribing many of you and not notifying you guys when I upload. So like / comment so YT knows that you still want to see my videos! 💚💚💚

[@TrishaGoddard2]

KZbin we want to see Jess’s videos. Pls don’t be dumb😂

[@pumpkinqueen21]

I haven't been unsubscribed again lately but I RARELY get a notification- luckily I just somewhat memorize your upload schedule 😋🖤😘

[@naturallyherb]

I haven't been unsubscribed but I check your IG and KZbin daily for new content. I think you are an excellent role model of what humanity should be, and that the world would be so much better if there were more people around with the same current mindset as you.

[@zannadunstrand6289]

Omg im so soft and wimpy I just started crying seeing that you saw my comment about Nordic prisons, Jess! 😭😭 Im going through recovery - been clean since august, my best friend died in a car accident 1,5 week ago so right now everything is real hard But your videos keeps me motivated and strong. Hope you'll see this to. Thank you Thank you Thank you ❤️

[@zannadunstrand6289]

Also; you should check out the netflix series "Inside the World's Toughest Prisons" where they visit norway. Called "norway: The perfect prision?" S3E4. Its amazing.

[@tomphillips3162]

My ex-wife spent some months in a Finnish prison this last year. They gave her what she said was an apartment, she had a computer, she ate in a cafeteria, she said the food was good but she was not allowed to leave because she was wanted in the USA. She had medical issues that prevented her from working. She worked with a therapist that helped her work on issues from a horribly abusive childhood. After doing her time she was deported to the United States to deal with her issues there. Part of her release to the USA was they had to treat her in a humane way due to her past abuse.The therapist insisted on probation only. So no jail just probation, she was given a job as a house cleaner, the USA authorities reluctantly accepted.

[@pinkrainclouds2190]

Wow. That’s really respectable. They saw a traumatized woman making mistakes due to said trauma, helped her work through it and went to bat for her against the US government before sending her back while also ensuring she had a way to financially support herself because our prison system’s reputation precedes us.

[@phatmat2326]

That's amazing. And even shocking that the USA actually agreed n didn't renig on it once she was there

[@treefrog1018]

Wow. Finland has my respect.

[@makeuplearningmadness2671]

How AMAZING!!!!! I hope your wife is doing great, it sounds like she is.. I’m so glad that she was able to actually GET HELP instead of being treated cruelty and “less then” a person.. I’ve went thru abuse, both as a child and an adult and it isn’t easy as all trying to deal with past trauma and every day life, esp with people who lon look at you as something is wrong with YOU and they don’t understand what you’ve been through (or they don’t care) things are very hard to deal with when you’ve got such obstacles to overcome both in your own head and life so I’m absolutely so happy that she was able to be treated with such respect and care. Much love to her and you and your family!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@aritakalo8011]

@@phatmat2326 It would mean no more extraditions from Finland to USA. Countries have long memory and expect done agreements to be honored.

[@crimehun]

“If you treat a man as he is, he will remain as he is. If you treat him as though he is what he could be, he will become what he should be.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

[@siewitnessnews]

This is excellent!

[@Spetulhu]

Or he will become worse. Like one particularly nasty US prisoner said (murderer and all, but still a person): "why are you surprised when we act like animals after being treated like animals?"

[@kylie5869]

That is brilliant, thank you for sharing 🥰

[@jannepeltonen2036]

There's actual research on this, albeit on a trivial part of what "being what you could be" could be. (Although I'm not sure how ethical that research was.) However. A group of children was randomly divided in two. Of one group, the maths teacher was told that that group was especially good at maths. Of the second group, nothing specific was said. The teacher had higher expectations of the first group - and they ended up performing a lot better at maths than the second group.

[@astralclub5964]

If you treat a man like a dog long enough, eventually he will start to bark!

[@asher1013]

They even have an education system that is top 10 in the whole world. Finland is the role model and example for how this world SHOULD be. America has a lottt to improve on.

[@Unveranosinmi]

Are school system is crap. All of those hours spent at school and doing homework for what?

[@anthonycardenas1297]

Our school systems are crap in America because democrats and the school unions have destroyed it. Oh and finland has the population of Portland Or. Its not comparable.

[@CalculusKai]

@@anthonycardenas1297….So you want to go back to when school ended at age 12 then you went to work for the factory? Or when you could only go to college if you were a rich and a male?

[@stephanieseahorse4165]

So much more than just good education in Finland. They've good health care, longer maternity leave, 4 day working weeks for lots of people and free childcare. Only downside is half year is dark, half is light.

[@stephanieseahorse4165]

@@Unveranosinmi don't think Finland does homework for their kids. Or it's very minimal compared to USA, couple hours a week. Instead of hour(s) everyday. They won't be writing whole essays(I have Scandinavian cousins)

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

I was on vacation at a resort where I met a prison guard from Sweden. He told me his job was to get inmates ready to return to society. There wasn't a hard bone in his character. Authentic nice man.

[@annaf3915]

I have a friend from high school who`s a prison psychologist (in Austria). She`s one of the happiest, most carefree people I know. Loves her job because the inmates are always happy to talk to her - they are grateful that someone will listen to them. She even organised an outing to the Christmas market and let them do what they wanted for an hour. Only one of the guys didn`t show up at the time and place they`d agreed on and after a few stressful minutes, he called in saying he was lost and that they should pick him up.

[@Tove_Ishockey]

​@@annaf3915 that's sweet

[@jennawh]

As a Finn, this was so interesting to watch! I loved seeing your reactions and hearing your thoughts on Finnish prisons and this made me proud of my country as well! Also for some people here, I would like to point out that the prisoners serving a life sentence won't start off their sentence in an open prison like this, they will get to be moved to an open prison like this after years of good behaviour etc. so it makes a lot of sense.

[@NinjaFalllow]

Yes, I'm sure the amount of freedom people like him are given aren't given out on day one. I'm sure it's something that has to be earned.

[@mj-yo7vt]

Hi from Russia🇷🇺 🥰

[@marshmallow4646]

That makes more sense and freaks me out less 😅 I think programs like this are good for non violent offenders or offenders that prove they can be trusted,,,if a prisoner just murdered someone yesterday I think it would be ridiculous to give them this much freedom,,,though the education, humane treatment, and help for their trauma, should be a standard for any prison

[@ABCScandalFanatic]

Do victims families ever speak out have any issues with them basically being free even though they murdered their loved one?

[@hennasalokangas]

@@ABCScandalFanatic Very rarely do I see there being some kind of headlines or opposition towards these kind of open prisons. People here trust authorities and the victims of crimes get compensation as much as deemed right. It is hard to explain the mindset😅

[@Razzlion]

I like Norways way of looking at prisons, "Who do you want as a neighbour?" The ONLY reason to refuse to rehabilitate a prisoner is if their crime was so heinous that they will never be let go, other than that every single prisoner WILL get out eventually and then we are back to "Who do you want as a neighbour?"

[@Kristalya]

I really wonder what they will do with Anders Breivik after 21 years of behaving well in prison? 😱

[@Razzlion]

@@Kristalya He's never getting out, his sentence will be extended for as long as he's alive. If he ever were to get out someone would kill him, he will never be able to hide if he was let out. The 21 years max, is only that after 21 years you are legally allowed to have a hearing to get your sentence lowered or dropped, in his case they will extend it every 21 years until he dies.

[@halsoy]

@@Kristalya we have something called "forvaring". He's under that type of sentence.this is our version of life in prison. Which means he has to do the full sentence and has to be evaluated every time an active sentence is up. If found not fit to enter society he can have his sentence lengthened by a fixed amount. This can theoretically go on until he dies in prison.

[@AmyAndThePup]

@@Kristalya Who is this man and what did he do? Time to look him up. What Norway does is fascinating, too. So interesting to learn how other countries handle prison.

[@matiaspaavilainen907]

@@AmyAndThePup Im not quite sure but I think he went to some summer camp and killed many kids or all who were there.

[@vkdrk]

I'm from Slovakia where the system is kind of similar though our prisons aren't as fancy as those in Finland. There's an ongoing joke in Slovakia that prisons are like hotels. They give you food, you can study, train in the gym or watch TV in your spare time 🏋‍♂️ Most prisoners are working (legal requirement), many of them leave in the morning, go to work and come back in the evening (they can't stay out overnight). It's great for their mental health and it also makes it easier for them to go back to normal life after serving their time in prison. Focusing on rehabilitation and education is more important than "punishment" if you don't want them to commit crime and end up in prison again.

[@TheSnatchbuckler]

We call that "work release" here, and there are programs in every state. Small-time offenses and non-repeat offenders are eligible, and although nationwide numbers aren't readily available, state by state numbers suggest there are as many inmates using the program as finland has prisoners. We also have UNICOR and PREP, federal programs designed to help with job training, life skills, and re-integration. It's a two way street, though, and unfortunately, many offenders show no interest in using the help that's served to them on a platter.

[@ilarious5729]

We have the same joke in Finland, "just do a petty crime to go inside for winter if you're homeless " some older people say lol. But that's really not a thing anyone needs to do since there are services for homeless so it's just a joke about the system being so chill. But pretty much anyone isn't opposed to the system in reality, not even the victims families for what I've seen in the public and media, people see the system works and makes the society more safe.

[@vop4813]

How lovely to hear!! Greetings from Finland!

[@linnig4759]

Same saying in Sweden, that prisons are like hotel. I guess it´s the same saying about the notorious prisons in US among ppl in US just because you get free food (even if the food are more for pigs than humans). And the thing with hotels are that you can check in and out exactly when you want to. No one would be glad to be locked up in a hotel room either. Yes prisons in parts of Euro are better than in many other places. But even how good they are, you are still forced and you are still in prison. Let´s not forget about that. As it should be if you committed a crime. I have done time in an open swedish prison when I was about 20, I actually enjoyed time there (I was in need to fix my life also), but I´ve seen how hard it is for average joes/normally functioning ppl with common family life outside to submit to the prison life.

[@miizzali]

I am from Finland and I love the way the society takes care of its people, we are so used to it that we sometimes take it for granted. I really don't mind paying taxes so that we can have health care for everyone, a free hot meal in school for ages 5-18, so that schools and university education is free, the mom box that is given to expecting mothers with clothes and other things so that no baby will go without and of course the prison system and other things that are designed to maintain a happy and healthy population. A lot of countries that don't have this are afraid that it wouldn't work or that it wouldn't be possible to control the population, well it might take a while to change but it works 🙂❤️ so interesting to watch you react to a video from Finland, I am always horrified when you talk about what you (and others) went through in prison. Take care Jess and keep working on that change 🙌

[@riesa85]

Don't forget that due to our very strict Constitutional laws we couldn't use any truly harsh covid-19 laws! Our rights meant they could only manage "harsh suggestions" unlike most of other countries around the world! Our government truly can not tell us what to do!

[@alliyahanderson3243]

I love this. The prisoners are treated as human beings. They’re being taught vital skills and never told that they are JUST a prisoner, JUST a criminal, or in this guy’s case, JUST a murderer. Nobody is ever JUST anything and we do each other a disservice to think that way. Should we have prison? Of course, but our prisons need a massive overhaul and we need to change the way we think about people who have committed crimes.

[@thegraystatetruth8399]

Could you imagine Chris Watts wondering around?

[@TheSnatchbuckler]

What about Hitler? Or Ted Bundy? The Unabomber, BTK, David Berkowitz- how should people like that be treated?

[@alliyahanderson3243]

@@TheSnatchbuckler I’m fine with lifetime imprisonment but the way that the states does it treats the prisoners as less than animals. You treat people horribly and they’ll behave horribly. The people you listed, if living should ever set foot outside a prison again. But if you have nothing for them to do what do you think they’ll do? That’s where fighting, beating, shivving, murders happen. Just because someone made a mistake or ended up being a ginormously shitty person doesn’t mean we should treat them as less than human.

[@0wly]

There are still some "normal" prisons here too but they are more for repeat offenders and for those who are deemed unfit to open prisons

[@rezkillz7409]

@@TheSnatchbuckler the same damn way. THEY ARE HUMANS. Wth are wrong with you people

[@victoriaadams3589]

You really should be proud of yourself for everything you overcame to get to where you are now. An amazing inspirational KZbinr and mom.

[@mikemejia9153]

Facts

[@babubackforlols7960]

As a Finn I'm very proud of our prison system. Another thing that's interesting is that there is a hotel in the capital Helsinki that used to be one of the old style of prisons, maybe you could do a video of it.

[@zannadunstrand6289]

Same in sweden. I think we have many "old school prisons" that is now hotels. But i mainly think of The "prision hotel" on the swedish island Gotland - still has the bars on the Windows and the walls with barbed wire. Everyone here in Visby and people who i've met that works/worked or have stayed there says its haunted 🙈🙈

[@KayGreylai]

Does Finland still pay church tax? All my info on Finland is two generations outdated XD

[@babubackforlols7960]

@@KayGreylai I'm a Finn American so I don't live there although I visit frequently.

[@KayGreylai]

@@babubackforlols7960 Ive always wanted to visit my extended Finnish family, and to see snow! I'm Australian so I've never seen snow.

[@GG-cg3iq]

@@KayGreylai yes, but you can opt out of it by leaving the church

[@zoeymckinley4380]

In the mid 1960s my American mom lived in Finland and the schools were following more of the American model and it wasn't working. Now they have the best schools in the world. They actively worked on improving them. We went back with my mom a couple years ago and so many things changed. All for the better. It is amazing to see they also work on improving prisons. We could really take a note from them. Thanks for this.

[@maryforbes3724]

You inspire me Jessica. I am so proud of the person you have become.

[@JessicaKent]

😭🥺 Ty so much for your kind words!!!

[@tessrenee3361]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@niadimitrova4112]

I know this sounds very 💩 and close-minded, you have actually changed my view on inmates- former and current, as well as the fact that crime is a choice, but it’s also what life can force one into. I am low key embarrassed that it took so long. So thank you. You are inspiring and have made me rethink how to live life.

[@issabellrevere8205]

That’s absolutely wonderful! That’s her goal & I know she holds so much pride in that! Your comment definitely made me smile! Definitely not sh*t minded, it’s totally okay! At least you’re being accountable and have watched Jess’s videos!

[@halli2196]

It’s awesome that you’re willing to open your mind and to admit you were wrong! It takes a very strong person to be able to do that!

[@doperagu8471]

👏👏👏 good on you! It's always best to be open to understanding what others go through and the barriers they might have that you don't. Having empathy for ALL people, even those who make a few mistakes, is the best way.

[@rezkillz7409]

You finally matured, good job

[@autumnguthrie3177]

High key proud you admitted it.

[@vanessarose6594]

Prison in America is a trap. I was a CO for 9 months at a minimum and that's hard too. It's hard seeing people treated the way a lot of officers treat them. It's inhumane and effected my mental health pretty bad.

[@vanessarose6594]

@Nati At 4:30 I no longer work in the department of corrections. The superiors were part of the problem. The particular facility I worked at is shut down due to low budget and not meeting living standards. I also got into a relationship with a former inmate upon leaving, and we now share two beautiful, healthy children and he is once again incarcerated because the system is made to trap people. He has court Feb 10th, hoping he's able to come home then. He had a panic attack at the hospital as I was going into labor and instead of the nurses trying to help him, they called the cops and he was arrested in front of me and my two year old daughter, and was told (while I was going into labor with contractions 2 minutes apart) if I didn't find someone to get my toddler they were going to have DHS come and take her from me.

[@anxygls6209]

@@vanessarose6594 what the heck? He's arrested for having a panic attack? I have gotten those a lot and know how difficult it is to deal with them in a calm environment. Being in that stressful situation it would just have been at least ten times worse. Also the fact they said they would take your child away, WHILE you're in labor? What the heck?

[@linnig4759]

@@vanessarose6594 Then even the nurses are part of the problems in US.. Im so sorry to hear that! That would get out to the news, sounds absolutely insane to call cops instead of giving help at a hospital..

[@leenatoivanen3787]

I'm finnish and I've been waiting for this one! I think it's important to keep prisoners close to other people to also remember that prisoners are not a threat to us (usually) but just people alongside of everyone else. The criminals who are not caught by the system are much scarier to me than the ones with the help of the system 👍

[@swipingmotion]

Hi! I´m from Finland and I've watched the original video a number of times before and with lots of different people reacting to it. However, I´ve never been quite as moved by anyone else's reactions before besides yours. It's so nice to see your genuine feelings shine through and to see your honest reactions and sentiments on display in this video. You seem like a really nice person and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavours! Best regards!

[@hetatoiviainen9489]

Welcome to Finland, we welcome you with open arms! We truly, truly stand behind reforming prisoners back into our society - inprisonment is the punishment, and we do not believe in stripping the persons other rights beyond that.

[@gracegreen9136]

Keep going queen!! Keep spreading facts like this, show other Americans that they’re being lied to, show footage of a better way! You’re doing amazing! Please never stop ❤️

[@emmiivv]

Finnish subscriber here, hi Jessica! ❤ Love your videos and thank you for telling about your experiences too, keep it up! It must be so interesting and weird to see how different prisons are here in Finland and in America

[@eliciajames9444]

I love how much you care for the people you advocate for watching you almost cry because of how you mainly these people were treated after what you've been through is so touching.

[@matthewbarry2079]

Healthcare, recidivism/prison reform, childcare, so many things are wrong with America preach Jess!!!

[@tanakaobi]

...and they keep saying "greatest country of all"...

[@saraa.4295]

It' s all connected.. A good education, starting with childcare, up to university helps create opportunities that stop crimes of poverty, healthcare stops people from relying on painkillers, making them addicts..

[@matthewbarry2079]

@@saraa.4295 this is such a thoughtful explanation I love it!

[@DetectivesDaughter]

My husband retired from being a CO. They use to joke that they needed a digital sign so they could put in the inmates name and say “Welcome Back Home.” He said the system is broken and seriously needs fixed. Thank you Jess for all you do!!♥️

[@panchomcsporran2083]

A message to the Finnish....stop being so damn good at everything, you're making the rest of us look bad.

[@laulutar]

We're all too busy thinking we aren't good enough to make anyone else feel bad :D

[@cinderellaandstepsisters]

Finland is not good at everything. There is no paradise on earth.

[@Baer9471]

@@cinderellaandstepsisters and nothing is perfect in this earth, but people can always do their best

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

Can you blame them for wanting the best they can make? It wasn’t that long ago that they were occupied by Russia; it took a bit to have a say in how their own country is run.

[@anonymous-cx9ix]

Thanks to your channel I've become really interested in prison reform and you have inspired me to go to university and study psychology and criminology! ❤

[@JessicaKent]

🔥 👏💚

[@LiamLovesMetal]

As a Canadian I can vouch that there is a long wait to see a specialist for many conditions, like, 8-10 months after your referral. However, life threatening illness is taken really seriously and you’ll get treatment and surgery just as fast as Americans in that case. To be completely honest, I’d rather wait 6-7 hours waiting in triage than have to pay to go to the hospital or pay for health insurance

[@Kiterpuss]

As an American, I would choose waiting for hours or months over being in medical debt forever. A broken leg shouldn't cost your home or financial security.

[@cicelymasden4477]

Sameee

[@Unveranosinmi]

@@Kiterpuss it’s ridiculous 😞

[@Mel.H_]

As an American I can say we still have wait times like that, even though we're financially responsible for it. Of course it varies office to office but the fact that we pay does not make the wait times much less. Wow. I didn't even know that was part of the discussion.

[@chaidabangobango]

If America wants affordable and more accessible healthcare, then it is time to turn free market solutions. Being innovative 💡 is forward-thinking.

[@Princess-bd9ip]

I was just about to try and watch your old videos because I ready watched all your recent videos thank you for making me not bored

[@ilubebe143]

Thank you Jessica! This is so important for people to see. Inmates should be treated like humans. Not trash. ♥️♥️

[@linnig4759]

And the prisons can´t be private owned. Corporations only want ppl to come back. In the Nordics prison guard say "I hope we meet again, but not here!" or "good luck and never come back!" when they let you out. Prison corp. they take away everything that costs, even important meds for the prisoners, just to be able to steal more of ordinary americans tax money for themselves, money which they later put in tax paradises. Its a theft from all americans and a betrayal to the average ppl when they let out ppl in a worse condition than when they got in.

[@john65999]

she is adorable, and tells it like she sees it, a very powerful force inside this young lady, must watch!!

[@isabelapiva5096]

You got so emotional with the man experiencing VR... I could see in your eyes the difference something so simple could make in one's well being behind bars...

[@merjakotisaari9046]

Treating a prisoner badly doesn't bring that victim back, but treating a prisoner well, and educating him, he won't do it again

[@feychildtarot355]

This is a mind blowing reaction video. It gives me hope for humanity and it infuriates and disheartens me how far behind America is not only in prison, but healthcare education the poverty divide among others.

[@gumsguey]

Thank you so much for educating us on these topics, Jess! Honestly I'm so grateful for your channel. XOX

[@nyatanbol]

Amazing what happens when prisons are actually designed to rehabilitate. Thanks for doing this video, Jess! I really enjoyed watching this.

[@jjones3256]

I and many others 100% still want to see your videos. We are and always have been behind you! Please keep your head Up

[@niklasgroning5792]

You are awesome Jessica! 😘 Greetings from Finland!

[@angeltaylor4855]

You’re such an inspiring person and so down to earth I’m so glad to have found your channel and get to listen to your opinions on change. I believe people like you talking like this is the first step to a better future for everyone !

[@autumnguthrie3177]

This is so amazing. I wonder how different my uncle would be if we were from Finland. He's been in and out of lock up since he was about 12. He's a good person but he doesn't "belong' in our society. I'm sure he'd be thriving there instead of living here doing the same illegal things over and over just to survive.

[@autumnguthrie3177]

I'm bawling

[@TheSnatchbuckler]

Sorry, but why do you think it would be different? In your own words, he's a lifelong criminal that doesn't belong in society. You can't blame the system when someone repeatedly breaks the law.

[@autumnguthrie3177]

@@TheSnatchbuckler or if he couldn't stay out of lock up at least he would have a better wealthy of life. That would be comforting.

[@fortuna7469]

All the best for your uncle!

[@autumnguthrie3177]

@@fortuna7469 thank. He's been out for a bit now with no plans on going back so hopefully he's able to stay under the radar if he beaks the law.

[@haleigh1008]

This was a great video, I really like this series and I'm very happy for the person you have become Jessica. Wonderful job

[@jannatrimble6633]

My ex husband is in prison in Arkansas. His release date was this past Monday. Due to the holiday he wasn't released. But now we are being told because the prison is on lock down due to covid he can't be released until the facility isn't on lock down. This is crazy to me. So now no one knows when he'll get out. Due to the lock down also they can't make calls at all. Our system is messed up. He's served his time but isn't being released. Which I have now had to explain to my child idk when dad is coming home because of covid. Like you said they are telling us if he hadn't done what he did there wouldn't be a issue because he wouldn't be there. 🤬😡

[@ilarious5729]

I'm from Finland and as soon as I found your channel and watched few videos I thought I'd recommend you to react to this, can't believe you've done a video on it less than a month ago lol. Thank you for everything you do!

[@laulutar]

Yay, as a long term Finnish viewer, I'm glad you were able to react to this one! Our criminal justice system isn't perfect (for example, the sentences for people who've committed things like sexual assault are almost non-existent in most cases), but I'm pleased that the general idea of prisons is to allow for rehabilitation and not punishment for its own sake.

[@justhereforthevideos2798]

Canadians (I'm Canadian) always complain about wait times here for health care. But tbh it's usually just entitlement. My husband had cancer. After he was diagnosed he had the surgery and was in treatments within 2 months. Including all the testing and such. Now, have I waited for tests and things? That were important bur not life threatening? Yes. But has anyone I known waited for things when it was super urgent? No. There's a lot of people and a limited # of hours in a day, limited health care workers, limited testing machines etc. Sometimes we gotta wait our turn🤷‍♀️ at least we know it's because some one else needs it. Without universal health care u know you're test is fast because some one else that needed it but couldn't afford it was SOL. and that's just sad.

[@JessicaKent]

🥺💚

[@pri.sci.lla.]

Thank you for sharing about this because I’ve been curious. I wish we had universal healthcare.

[@justhereforthevideos2798]

@@pri.sci.lla. the system is far from perfect. And like any government stuff there's a lot of bloating and waste. But to think of the alternative, I just can't imagine. And to be the only developed country without some sort of universal Healthcare is shameful honestly

[@pri.sci.lla.]

@@justhereforthevideos2798 ty for replying! I can totally see that. It’s very sad here, I had to go to the ER a few years ago and got charged almost $7,000 (they charged me $35 for a single Tylenol that I had to beg for because I was in so much pain) I was 18 years old, no insurance or help, I thought my life was over. I agree it’s shameful!

[@justhereforthevideos2798]

@@pri.sci.lla. ughhhh that's brutal. I spoke with a young woman the other day whose dad had passed and she was deeply in depth from HIS medical bills. It broke my heart. I makes no sense

[@TheOm4n]

Long time fan. This was interesting, never seen a prison from my home country 🇫🇮

[@JessicaKent]

Friend! 💚💚

[@zoolkhan]

your reaction actually has some meaning and weight here. thank you, and best wishes from finland

[@ashleighharman5842]

New subscriber! I found your channel in my recommended videos and I’m so happy you’re talking about these tough issues. While I’ve never went to jail, I’ve struggled with addiction since I was a teenager, I’m currently trying to get sober and you are such an inspiration. I have gotten sober before but relapsed after very stressful health events. Thank you for your inspiration. ❤️

[@charitywood192]

Yes, queeeeen. Let’s love and support these people who’ve made mistakes and who maybe haven’t had the love and they deserve. Go Finland.

[@erikafoley6418]

I grew up in remote northern Finland and moved to us when I was 7. Started getting into drugs and legal trouble when I was 19 and I remember sitting in a disgusting county jail for 9 months in a cell with a woman who would wake me up in the middle of the night hugging me talking about how she used to braid my hair when I was a kid or she would freak out and scream about how there is someone outside the door and need to call 911. And all I would think about is how is how much I wish I would have gotten arrested in Finland instead.

[@Hi_Im_Akward]

You said this very well. Thank you for advocating for the vulnerable people in our country.

[@junejune9619]

"The fear of prison does not keep people from using drugs." YAS queen, say it!

[@JessicaKent]

👏💯

[@mrmurphythegolden8079]

I’m so happy you have to this channel it gives such needed representation 💕

[@almabowman3813]

I love hearing you talk about prison reform, mental health and the homeless because everything you say just makes sense and I have no idea how we got it so wrong!

[@dinis2001]

Very emotional video. Very well done Finland. Greetings from Portugal!

[@pumpkinqueen21]

Love Your videos Jess!! 🖤 Thank You for being YOU! 🖤

[@skurkela]

Your words are so true! Greetings from Helsinki.

[@liv_love_equine2610]

It finally gave me a notification! KZbin had unsubscribed for me and turned off notifications. I'm so excited to watch this video!

[@JessicaKent]

Aeeyyyy lol

[@chrissymeri4957]

Love you girl! Glad you're taking care of your mental health... Post when you can! We love you no matter what and want you at your best.

[@naturallyherb]

Very interesting! Really surprised that they can come and go in their own cars. I've been to Finland before and their public transportation is so much better than in America, though some rural areas in Finland still lag behind in transit coverage.

[@leas7830]

Laukaa is by no means "in the middle of nowhere" but as a student, own transportation is definitely needed.

[@alisondelli-gatti8500]

watching the genuine admiration in your face & watching you almost tear up has me so so proud!!! you’re an amazing human 🤍

[@Haghenveien]

Here in Spain we don't have open prisions like that, but we have something called "Tercer grado". That's when inmates only go to prision to sleep, and they can have a regular life the rest of the time. Getting the Tercer grado is a case by case thing. Sometimes the sentence would say that you can't get before you haven't served certain time, but sometimes it's posible to get it from day one. It's not uncommon for people that it's their first time and lower sentences to serve their time like that. Keep in mind that anything under two years if it's your first time, you don't go to prision at all. Personal circunstances are also taken into account, how well the person is adapted to society. Another case where people are likely to get the Tercer grado is when they have sort of serious/terminal illness for humain reasons.

[@jurristi]

You have a voice of reason and empathy. Thank you.

[@BeccaReevesXX]

If you treat humans like an animal, they will behave like animals. Sadly I don't think whoever is in charge of our prisons really care

[@kaylabeals8597]

Thank you for these few moments of peace today ❤️

[@Annagracie24]

Love your channel Jess 🥰

[@JessicaKent]

Thank you!

[@GeographyCzar]

YES!!! Thank you for posting this!!

[@poppycrew7013]

Never clicked on a video so quickly in my life. I married a Fin. I have a VERY unique last name. If you know Finnish names, then you know. Haha. I have all daughters and people always ask if they are Swedish or Russian because Finnish people are gorgeous people and my girls all look very Finmish and beautiful if I can say that knowing they're mine too. *wink* ?(I'm Irish) Anyway, people rarely guess that my kids are Finnish but they can tell by their icy blue and bright green eyes, milky white skin and slender build that they "must be nordic or something like that." Finland has incredible social programs to aid their citizens. They really take care of their people. Take a look into how they help families prepare for the birth th h of a new child. It'll blow your mind. We here in the "good 'ol USA" could learn a few things from the Fins. Thanks for posting this. I'm going to show my family as soon as I finish watching it myself. Have a beautiful day Jess. XoXo

[@bjornfred7250]

When I saw you tearing up when they spoke about how we treat prisoners here in finland like any other person , I may have lost a few tears, that shows me and I know tha is not the case in the US. Very good reaction video! Love from Finland❤

[@osheridan]

I believe wholeheartedly that the American prison system is built for revenge, not justice or kindness. And when your country runs on revenge, it becomes a game of passing cruelty down. And it will never, *never* be right. Thank you to Finland for handling this so well, honestly hope the rest of the world takes after them.

[@ImaginaryMdA]

Great video! I want everyone to see this, it's so important!

[@josephpratt8223]

I would suggest that you do blind reactions for every prison system throughout Europe but also Canada and New Zealand as well.

[@someones_daughter_]

Tell her to skip Belgium though, might be a 'rich' central European country but our prisons are stocked with too many people a cell and the infrastructure is so old it's ridiculous. In that way some of Europe still tries to blindly emulate the US without a second thought

[@tommilaitinen5555]

Seeing you get emotional for seeing people treated humanely, that melt my heart. Most people that are imprisoned are victims of circumstances and victims of other stuff. That though is an excuse for bloodwork and all criminalities, but it should be understood that they are not very far from us, as people, as people who make mistakes, and might end up in a long row of new sentences if they (we) are not helped. I appreciate very much the Nordic way of supporting people living harsh realities and struggling emotionally. And seeing people treated well, and achieving their dreams, that makes me sometimes very emotional because of the beauty of life.

[@Blunt_Man]

The war on drugs has done more damage than drugs alone could ever do.

[@algilmer3608]

Thank you for always being such a fabulous representative for us. You are such an amazing role model, and your platform is changing how people perceive us.

[@amberchallis8752]

I love that you said, "the opposite of addiction is connection." It is so true! My son's schools have changed the way they do their "d.a.r.e.'' programs over the last couple years. They don't do the d.a.r.e. curriculum anymore at all actually. They still do their Red Ribbon week but they talk about how important connection is and what steps to take to keep connections in your life. They don't just tell the kids to "say NO to drugs kids." They're actually teaching them what it really takes to not want those drugs in the first place. I was so freaking happy when I saw how much they changed things. I hope you see this comment Jess and know that some schools are finally taking steps to start kids off the right way.

[@treefrog1018]

Psychologists discovered this in rats years and years ago. The opposite of addiction is connection.

[@Falk4J]

Head's up to you for making this type of videos. You are absolutely right in all of your comments. I as a German where our prison system is not quite like Finland's but still way better than the US's I dare to say. May God bless you and protect you on your mission to make this world a better place!

[@zenmelz]

gotta love the rally english we like to do in Finland😂 we're still good at languages tho... there's an open prison in my city and it hasn't caused any trouble for the "free people", it's an amazing system

[@Baby.Annihilation]

I showed my mom your channel right after I discovered it! We love you so much. We love that you're taking your awful experiences and turning them into awareness! I've spent time in jail for a DUI (only a month.) And it is so eye opening to see how fucked up and dysfunctional our system is. ❤

[@elisabethopp1]

I love you, Jess! I was just thinking I wanted more of this series, so thank you!!! You’re so amazing and inspiring!!!

[@kateness24]

I am loving this series of yours! I hope you keep going on this.

[@staceyevans4737]

Wow!! Finland is really doing what needs to b done and they r showing how successful their programs are. America sit up and take notice and we all need to fight for prison reform!!

[@girlsurfingtheinternet8195]

Ur reactions are so beautiful and heartwarming, u made me cry😥

[@saltytomato84]

“Well you shouldn’t have broken the law and gone to prison”….99.9% of people have made a decision that could’ve ended in them being in prison, from texting whilst driving to driving intoxicated to buying or doing drugs. The only difference between a prisoner and someone on the outside? The prisoner was caught when they did something illegal. We are all one small decision to going away for life. People do not grasp that not all prisoners are seasoned criminals, most are just regular people who made a dumb decision and got caught. Their arrest alone is usually enough to reform them but our system keeps them locked up and turns them into more of criminals. 😑

[@whitttrujillo8470]

I actually started Cerebral from your last video they sponsored. Thank you for telling me about them. I'm loving it so far❤❤❤

[@JessicaKent]

I’m so glad!!

[@lisachatham8690]

If I ever have to do prison time, please make sure I do it in Finland. I don't think I ever will but I believe in never say never, life can throw many things at us all.

[@mezrenas9696]

You are an amazing person we need more people like you in this country

[@katekennedy2550]

Seeing prison life in Finland makes it seem like I'm looking at a completely different planet. It's fascinating! I just wish my dear friend could've ended up somewhere like that instead of county jail. RIP my lovely 😭💔

[@BigSpanky777]

Its so heartbreaking to see your reaction to prison. I can tell by your facial expressions that it really scarred you. Im so sorry 😞 😔 😢 💔 i pray that you continue to turn your life around for the better. Soooo inspiring!!! God bless you and your family jess!!

[@AnanusBananus]

Not every prison here IS open. You deserve to Be there

[@danivega6086]

I’m here to stay and I’ve been a lurking follower on TT for soooo long. Thank you for showing the other side of crime/prison/addiction. Love your content on every platform! I’m gonna play catch up on these videos since I didn’t realize you were on here!!!!!!

[@RosarioMataH]

It'll be interesting to have a video on immigrant inmates, on your experience and in general. It's known that being in prison in a foreign country, probably not speaking the language, etc, complicates things even more

[@kiplutu]

Love you pointing these important issues, I did time in CO and most of it is the same with little differences here and there

[@Neea555]

I live in Finland and the system is kinda great but there are also things that should be changed for example if you rape a child you get like 0-3 years in prison… I think that is way too little

[@Maddie_w5678]

And also we should be able to keep the psychos locked up for good and not let them reoffend, like this one man called “the strangler” who would strangle someone every time he was released from prison... like literally the next day

[@miinamnn]

I agree, it seems like a lot of the sentences are really short and I don’t think that murderers and chomos etc should be able to walk outside the prison freely when they are doing their sentences. However, it is nice that we treat prisoners as human and actually try to help them integrate back into society.

[@JessicaKent]

It’s similar here. Ugh

[@Maddie_w5678]

I will never understand how you can get decades for something like forgery or larceny but only get a few years or MONTHS!!! for raping a child (or anyone for that matter). Overall people who commit crimes against children are a special kind of evil and don’t deserve a second chance in my opinion. Makes me so angry to know that in Finland someone like Chris Watts would eventually walk free

[@sarawilson1796]

The law was changed in 2019 and now the sentence is 4-12 years

[@taakaashi]

you are so strong jes, i am so happy for you! this prison is so different and i believe that it really makes a change

[@jenjuice432]

I'm astonished. Mind you, I haven't finished the video yet, but the prisoners seems like they have a better life than a lot of us than the free world!! 🤯

[@dreamy_teaparty_princess]

I find it so funny to see other people who are not from Finland reacting to things in Finland when I live in here.

[@mikaelasimone1439]

Would love if you compared juvenile prisons around the world as well ! It would be interesting to see if the juvenile prisons in countries like Finland and Norway mirror the adult prisons?!?!

[@ashylonen42379]

Hi Jess! I hope that you're doing well. Thank you so much for making some of the most amazing content that I've ever watched. Your videos are interesting in the best way possible. Your insight and your commentary are incredible, and I hope that the USA sees these videos and starts to make changes to their prison system. Also, you are one of the most inspiring and one of the most amazing human beings ever. I'm extremely happy that I found you and your channel. Rakastan sinua aina ja ikuisesti which means I love you always and forever in Finnish💖💖💖💖💖💖😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@anni8456]

Never clicked this fast. A Finnish follower here🙋‍♀️

[@JessicaKent]

Can I come live with you!? 🤣🤣

[@anni8456]

@@JessicaKent Any time!😂

[@lijntje266]

thank you so much for reacting to this one :)