Locked Up At 14: The Harrowing Story Of A Prison Orphan

[@LisaSpatafore]

The fact that he still wants to go home and see his mom after her not speaking or seeing him for 6 years tore me apart.

[@pechelinguesmartinez5102]

Same, he's still waiting for her.

[@fatimahbakare7869]

A child is a child. Every child deserves to be loved, a loving home and a mother's warm arms to go to. I am sure he longed for that despite his parents'attitude towards him.

[@Lynette-sv3ti]

A child's love for their parents, never ceases to amaze me.

[@davidgray1515]

His IQ is lower than a dog He has no idea what he is saying.

[@tikimillie]

@@Lynette-sv3tia child would literally rather be destroyed by their parents than be abandoned. Its very sad buy its survival instinct.

[@Dj-zz]

I’m 78 yrs. old, a dad, grandpa & great grandpa. I’ve been crying like a little baby. Thank goodness for the individuals who cared, intervened & mentored Justin along the way. Thank goodness for those who took the additional steps in seeing through changes to the broken system. To Justin’s Parents..You missed out. Justin is an incredible young man.

[@emmalouise9536]

Bless your heart, happy holidays, stay well ❤x

[@TheVery1stTime]

YEA I know the feeling it’s KIDS I know right now in similar situations that the system doesn’t pay close attention to because they look like every other face that’s in there with them and they don’t get noticed nor tolerated for those reasons

[@mandieam]

I know this kiddo from a residential facility i use to work at. He was such a good kid. Super sweet,helpful,funny. I could go on. I hope he's doing well now.

[@sciencewithmrs.santiago6225]

The reunion with him and Kate, I’m in absolute stitches 😭😭😭 He also says he doesn’t remember anything, but then remembers every single person by name. You can’t underestimate how powerful your impact can be 🥹🥹🥹

[@robynthompson1860]

I think he meant he can’t remember it cause it’s too much for him.

[@bettyheerema3028]

Thank you Kate for loving this abandoned little boy and bringing attention to his plight.

[@luluyarns]

Kate. Massive kudos to you for holding Justin up when he was below the surface. You changed his world and I hope that you continue to do so for others.

[@amandamayhue9057]

They need to give Kate a raise. Whatever she's making, she deserves more.

[@A-ID-A-M]

You can tell she feels like a mom or a big sister to him but has to remain professional and keep a clear boundary up. But some of her feelings cannot be hidden. Her love for him is so apparent. I can tell she has cried countless times worrying about him and his future and being excited for it at the same time. I am so glad people like her are working to help children in need.

[@DanaRayos-se9ze]

This breaks my heart 😢

[@ArtilleryAmy]

Justin’s parents don’t deserve him….he’s got a home in hearts all round the world….I wish you all the love and happiness you deserve Justin x

[@candisfirchau3810]

He needs some servuces including behavior, he coukd do well

[@booognish]

Just don’t leave him alone around your kids

[@ryankelly5426]

​@booognish honestly that really should be the case with anyone of his mental capacity. Their ability to understand is quite limited. Leaving your kids alone with anyone like that would be a parental mistake. His actions that got him there weren't the actions of someone with motive to do that specific act.

[@ryankelly5426]

Also now that I've finished the video, they stated the whole thing was made up in the first place. So while safer, I still wouldn't just based on the understanding of their capacity. I have a cousin that's roughly on a similar level as this kind seeming young man. He's got a good decade on him in age though, I'm just glad his grandma loves him and cares for him, though we worry about what happens when she passes, but honestly he's in his 40s now, and has plenty of other folks that know and care about him.

[@katerinataylor7183]

​@@booognishif you watched to the end, you'd have read that he never did anything to the kids, the adults made that accusation up so they could dump him in the juvenile justice system and not have to look after him...

[@MiPointIs]

50 years ago in UK a cleaner was extremely nervous around women, eventually once he felt comfortable speaking to me he told me that his mother had put him into a high security mental health institution telling authorities that she couldn’t cope with him. He was in his early 40s when the health authorities reviewed patients in long term care and released him. I always felt dirty that he had missed out on the best years of his life,

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

Wow what a story.

[@letitiakearney2423]

I think dirty is a mistake you probably meant sorry or something more emphatic towards him.

[@AlexGamingConsole]

He got rid of bodies and cleaned up crime scenes? Thats what a cleaner is

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady2]

💔💔💔

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

​@@letitiakearney2423No. It's a filthy, dirty thing that was done to him from start to finish! You don't get to dictate how others speak! You obviously are either very arrogant, or very ignorant of the English language. Either way, stay in your lane!

[@kayewilson8391]

The world needs more Mikes and Katie’s and Fred’s. I wish nothing but the best for Justin and pray his life continues to get better and better.

[@samiecarr1885]

The ending...got me. Like no other doccumentary ever has. From happy tears, to anger, to a dagger to the heart and a kick to the stomach. To absolute admiration, pride in humanity and happiness all over again..❤❤❤

[@David-lr4if]

I'm not crying, you are..... Seriously, coming from the father of an autistic 14yr old son this truly breaks my heart!

[@aenglegurl]

My son is also ASD. He's 24 though, and barely anyone knew about it. It's sad to see that nothing has changed in 24 years 😢

[@uncle_Samssubjects]

I was in the places like that 20 years ago for being poor White and from a broken home. It's cash for kids, and Biden is pardoning his help. My case could of fixed this but those with credentials cover for each other, as I exposed my judge on the stand and got punished for it. In the US we have one right, the right to submit or die.

[@spyrogirlkim]

This boy has been failed.

[@joshhastieYT]

That prison superintendent is a shining light in the system.

[@egroegartfart]

Absolutely. Him and the lady that worked with him there. I would love to speak to and interview the prosecutor, judge and anyone else involved in the decision to send him to maximum juvenile prison. What an injustice. All because he wanted more pork chops. Sjre, itbwas absolutely wrong to do what he dis. But with his mwntal capacity i rhink it should be obvious he didnt have the ability to know the gravity of doing what he did. Thats the differwnce between him and a kid with an average mental ability who shouls have been sent to prison. But he should not have been. But luckily theres been people along the way that recognized this and have tried to do better for him. The people that are responsible for him being imprisoned need to have further education.

[@egroegartfart]

Wow, he wven looks like his adoptive father. And what an amazing guy that guy is. He fewls lucky and said that his life is complete with juatin in it. So cool.

[@joshhastieYT]

@@egroegartfart Yes, even worse since at the end of the program they said that those accusations were made up by his family because they did not want to raise him any longer.

[@egroegartfart]

@@joshhastieYT thats terrible.

[@jerrypalmer3534]

@@egroegartfart I don't think its education..the prisons are owned by corporations and many time the people that confine them , get kickbacks....I don't know if this is the case here, but how could anybody know?

[@thatGUYbehindthemask]

the fact he he learned to read and read his 18th birthday card was awesome he even looks like his adopted dad. i was adopted too. people always said i looked so much like my parents without knowing. haha

[@Meyou1n1]

My son looks just like his adopted father!!! People didn’t know I had another child and they ask me if I’m the stepmom!!!

[@ssmith2526]

Ugh, I’m adopted and look nothing like my parents (different races). Who cares if the adopted child looks like their non-biological children. Does looking similar make the bond closer or make them more like “real” relatives? No. It’s sad that is the attribute you focused on most and ascribed some value to what is essentially a fluke.

[@JohannaBarnard-sl4jb]

Thats too funny, same goes for my nephew. He even looks like his siblings !

[@matthewfiedler4739]

@@ssmith2526I’m adopted too shut up lmao why are you so mad they were just pointing out he looked like him

[@ssmith2526]

@@matthewfiedler4739 btw shut up back at ya, dbag

[@crystalgaudette5665]

When he said the one thing he would tell his mom “I want to go home” absolutely broke me. No child should have to miss home for any amount of time. Especially for as long as he went without a home.

[@carlynduenas5923]

The progress Justin had made over the years is astounding! Broke my heart when he said his mom still hasn’t reached out to him! She nor any family member who abandoned that sweet young man do not deserve him! My mom worked with special needs children and adults most of her life, and this just melts my heart! God bless him! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@emmasgrandma1]

This video has me crying my eyes out for Justin. No child should have to go through what he went through.

[@EthanLomas]

Crying? Don’t cry, be angry. Take action! These kids need help

[@tisketisja5528]

@@EthanLomas What action have you taken?

[@emmasgrandma1]

@@EthanLomasI am in Canada We have group homes here

[@EthanLomas]

@@tisketisja5528 I have donated $1000 to the prison social fund!

[@iTsEfFiNsTePhh]

@@emmasgrandma1The heartbreaking thing is while they have groups and programs (here in America too) that help kids more often then not they end up being just as bad if not worse then the situation they came from 😕 And that's even IF they help those kids in the first place. I know this first hand because I grew up in an abusive home and I lost count how many times CPS (child protective services) and the cops were called yet nothing was ever done in fact all of those times the agents didn't even look in my general direction let alone talk to and see me (in some cases abuse/neglect was going on right in front of them yet they still did nothing) they fell for my mom's manipulative BS hook line and sinker and/or just didn't care and tbh that's why at a certain point I stopped caring about being "saved" and realized I could only rely on and help myself because I had been let down so many times by the adults in my life and even more importantly the adults in my life who were supposed to protect and love me. Really the only saving grace looking back at it was my teachers who reported it because they noticed the bruises and marks on my body and how I was acting at the very least they cared about me. But not all kids are/were as lucky as I was and either ended up being killed by their abuser or wound up in the system where they were killed or abused even more. On paper these programs are good but the execution is horrible so having them doesn't automatically mean they're running smoothly and that all kids in it are being treated right 😕

[@jamieennen964]

The fact they're saying Justin never committed the molestation offense he was accused of, that they just said that so they didn't have to take care of him has me so unbelievably mad! They could have called the state to take him since his mom n dad were MIA! Instead they lied and had him sent to prison at 10yrs old. Unbelievable! They should have charged brought up against them and Justin's adopted dad should sue the court for not appointing him an attorney when he has an IQ of 42 and has no idea how the court system works so he could have been properly represented!!! They SHOULD BE AND NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! So it doesn't happen to another innocent child!

[@AlexGamingConsole]

You're not really that mad. You're gonna instantly get over it and never think about it again. So you're not that mad at all

[@AlexGamingConsole]

When and where in the video did they say he didn't do it? I heard them say he most likely didn't understand what he was doing. That still means he did it. I missed that part.

[@jamieennen964]

@@AlexGamingConsole first of all you dk me. So dont say oh you forget about it and all that bs. To answer ur second question..... end of the video. Read the words on the screen...

[@abadazadytgaming7200]

​@@AlexGamingConsoledo you feel dumb yet?

[@Mary-uv8kt]

I thought this initially too! Those sons of b’s should be charged. But considering the gift they (inadvertently as it may be) bestowed on him by doing so, perhaps it wasn’t such a bad lie in hindsight. He now has a real family🥰🥰🥰

[@samanthafairweather9186]

I was shocked when it was said that the "crime" Justin was originally sentenced for never even happened! I cannot believe that people would make up such a horrific lie, just so they don't have to take responsibility for their own child. Who does such a cruel thing to their child? I'm so happy that Justin has such a loving dad in Mel. It goes to show that family can be anyone - as long as there is love . Bloody doesn't even come into it. I wish Justin nothing but the best! 💖😘🇭🇲

[@serendipidus8482]

Hes in 24 hour one to one care. You cant get better than that.

[@MsMesem]

He has found a father who loves him and two brothers! Heck, can't get much better than that.

[@parkerposey8155]

It is not ok to take a parents word over a child's. Both sides should be deeply scrutinized. My mother did it to me. She didn't want me and she found out my dad was coming to get me from out of state. The day I got out of school for Christmas break, I arrived home to CPS waiting for me with my suitcase already packed. I was 11 about to turn 12 New Years. I wasn't allowed to have contact with anyone outside of the foster home or CPS for about 9 months. As a matter of fact, no one knew where I was. How they found out I was in foster care was because my dad went to the authorities. He was questioned for hours about sexually abusing me and giving me alcohol and drugs. Totally baseless accusations. We were allowed a two hour supervised visit in a room at a CPS office. My mother didn't want my dad to have me either, a vindictive narcissist. I spent five years in a foster home. It was court ordered I was not to have contact with my dad until I turned 18. My family let me talk to him any chance there was. They knew who the real abuser was. It took that long for my mother's sister to be able to bring me home to my family. Unfortunately, the damage was done. Trust gone. I learned I could only depend on myself and my ability to have meaningful relationships hindered.

[@_Laura_Marie]

​@@parkerposey8155I am so sorry for everything that you went through. I hope that your foster parents were good people and that you were able to have a good childhood (as good as you could have had). I hope that you and your dad can make up for lost time as soon as you turn 18. Every child deserves to have good parents. Unfortunately, not every parent deserves to have children. My heart truly goes out to you ❤

[@sarahm.1632]

​@@parkerposey8155 I believe this happens more often than most people realize, the part where women use their children as pawns to hurt the child's father, because he doesn't want her anymore. This is such a heart wrenching situation and in your case especially, because you lost out on 5 years that you could've had a loving dad. I'm so sorry this happened to you and I hope you're able to rise from those ashes and build a relationship eventually with your dad that you'll gain trust with. I wish for you to heal and gain even more than you lost. ❤

[@liseklerekoper2441]

This video is proof positive that what children need most is unconditional love, closely followed w/ a sense of belonging & safety. Justin just blossomed at the second facility & started to develop a sense of self & self esteem. The director of the juvenile detention facility is an amazing human being for being willing to get Justin the type of setting that he needed and not keep making him a throw away kid. Given the enormous cost, I’m sure that was a very difficult decision for him to make and it shows his integrity & compassion. That’s not seen very often in these types of facilities, for juveniles or adults. Justin now has a chance for a real life & w/ the willingness of Mel to adopt him, Justin will realize unconditional love, as it’s never too late. Fantastic program …thank you Only Human!!!🌟

[@winnepeterson6570]

Thank you to all the loving adults who helped Justin. Thank you for sharing this video. 🙂

[@MargaretaStLouis-bo5hr]

All Justin ever needed and deserved was pure unadulterated unconditional love. That is all anyone needs.

[@MA-mh1vs]

NO, he needs far more than love. He requires 24/7 supervision.

[@TheAnbyrley]

That's what Christ offers. It can transform your life.

[@highlandsoutdoors2041]

@@MA-mh1vs He is a Kid "WHAT" kid does not need 24/7 Supervision.

[@MA-mh1vs]

@@highlandsoutdoors2041 Normal 14yr olds don't need literal 24/7 supervision. That is a level of care far beyond typical childcare. That is like a family I know with autistic children who have automatic locks on the exterior doors so their teen kids can't wander outside and locks on the bathroom so they don't flood the house along with a whole host of other things no parent would have to do with a teen child.

[@highlandsoutdoors2041]

@MA-mh1vs that is not the kids fault that is the parents fault they didn't teach their kids right and what even is normal 🙄

[@jadelynn1703]

at the 30 min mark of this video, the amount of positive change Justin has made is actually so amazing. He's talking more, he looks like he's more aware, just wow.

[@MsMesem]

IQ of 42?! I really don't think it is that low. He responds well to his environment and those around him. He works stuff out on his own.

[@Marie.b]

Thanks. I'm skipping to that because I can handle this anymore.

[@danikafarnsworth5590]

Things take a positive turn around the 18 min mark when he moves to Damar. He seems excited, fearless and he pretty much stops cussing. 😊

[@BriAnderson-b8h]

Soo you think he's faking retardation . Very Leonardo DiCaprio of him

[@Jamiesantos1]

Under 70 is clinical mental retardation. ​@@MsMesem

[@krabbcake8371]

That judge that handled Justin's case should not have been a judge at all. How many other kid's lives were ruined over his 18 years presiding as a judge?

[@jonathanjacobs8989]

They are in for a rough ride

[@williamhartweg6935]

Absolutely! They criminals! There should go to prison for Child abuse!

[@christinaortiz7567]

I haven’t even finished watching this. I can’t stop crying. I can’t imagine abandoning my child no matter the circumstances.

[@NanciBK]

This documentary is really well done. The videography and narration are excellent, and the story progresses in a really informative and engaging way. Justin's story is both heartbreaking and infuriating. The changes to the system that have happened are really hopeful. But the last 5 minutes of this absolutely wrecked me. 😭🥰

[@leeannhoffman3556]

So glad he got his family now and hope he gets to see the Pacific ocean.❤

[@marcikrause3462]

How the HECK can they allow ANY juvenile to go to court without a lawyer???? They need to change that law!!!! Ok, update: they have changed the law.

[@jordanlanigan6980]

This comment made me lol 😂

[@kirstenornelas881]

In my state EVERY minor is given an attorney (guardian at litem which is the child’s lawyer only. This is sickening he was tossed in an environment he didn’t belong and worse didn’t understand.

[@scurvofpcp]

In America children do not have rights, I mean yeah they should, but in practice... not so much.

[@stellamcqueen4809]

Any minor that the police want to interview due to suspicion of having committed a crime should be automatically given a lawyer. They are way too vulnerable without a knowledgeable adult present and looking out for them.

[@Lolchumpz]

I lived in Indiana and had gotten in trouble as a child had no legal rep either that was in 02

[@OrnamentalPlague]

Intentionally forgetting cases just so you can sleep at night.... Is EXACTLY why our system is broken.

[@agebaann]

Right? Don't be a judge, you clearly can't handle it. It's that simple.

[@HuffYenkem]

Not to mention he was a judge for almost 2 decades... How many other kids did he send to a place to ruin their lives and just not bat another eye, even though he could of been very clearly wrong.

[@ctwalston1565]

As stated by several of the administrators, the cost is unsustainable! Follow the money!

[@limpdklittle]

@@ctwalston1565 You would think by now being 2024 "Follow the money" would be common sense.

[@michaelragusa5138]

What is not clear to me is why Justin is in prison? What did he do?

[@elainetompkins1189]

Mike Dempsey, you are a hero and an angel!! What an amazing soul you are!! Thank you to everyone who took Justin under their wing and showed him love, patience, and kindness and who fought for him! You are all such very special people!! I cried through this whole video! I used to work with kids with special needs in the public school system. I'm retired now. What a special young man Justin is! I hope he will always have someone amazing to look after him and show him love! His mother and father don't deserve him! He's so much better off without them!! Justin has stolen my heart and the hearts of many!!

[@beccal.5369]

What an amazing bunch of adults... bless them all for helping Justin. My heart breaks for all the other "Justins" that fall through the cracks and are abandoned.

[@sales-copy-cop]

the lady from the penitentiary is super cute with Justin, it just put me off a little bit, that she never went to visit him 😥 He deserves unlimited hugs for the rest of his life🤗

[@alexissandusky]

typically individuals living in care facilities who have cognitive impairments and emotional outbursts keep the same schedule and have limited changes in their day to day so they can slowly adapt and learn how to cope and heal. Someone visiting who has ties to the individual's past could cause an episode. It's likely he took small outing and that was his first time having outside visitors like that.

[@Dylan_Lanckman]

He stopped cussing, no more nightmares, he got rid of the 'prison walk', found a home.... Too bad so many kids went before him that were forgotten or even landed up on death row. Justin's parents don't deserve him and it's heartbreaking to see him asking for them all the time. The faint light at the end of this long tunnel is that changes, albeit slowly, are happening.

[@leegreen9928]

No more condemnation focus onwards and upwards. Before you judge where this comes from know it is The word of God. It is written. I love you.

[@MiPointIs]

It’s great to see Justin become more confident and able to live his best life thanks to all the wonderful people who cared and realised he deserved the chance to reboot his life.

[@carolwelch5834]

I’m crying. I was one of those kids too at 11 years old in Baltimore city Md. God Bless

[@Ruey-pv7jx]

God Blesses you Carol as a strong beautiful Soul💛.

[@carolwelch5834]

@@Ruey-pv7jx peace and love.. Always be kind

[@kernelcorn7716]

​@@carolwelch5834I hope you're doing well Carol. I'm glad this video could find you. Continue to become the person you wish to find in the world.

[@somberspacegaming]

Peace bruh

[@banterj]

Oh this broke me up

[@janepiper-lunt7655]

My nonprofit rescued a 30 yr old autistic man who was put in a mental hospital when he was FIVE!!! He had a similar past as Justin’s and made the rounds of group homes where he was abused, taken advantage of and stolen from. His mental health records are filled with wrong diagnoses. He is autistic. When we met him he was locked out of his group home a 7 am until 4:30 pm, left on his own to find food, busk for money and completely feral, in all kinds of weather. No one had ever worked with him on socialization. We found a family to take him in, hooked him up with MHMR, straightened out the mess of his SSDI and he is now a happy, funny wonderful guy. 95% of homeless ppl have had childhood trauma. 51% have had traumatic brain injuries.

[@sbeasley7585]

100% of people in prison, on drugs, and with mental health issues had been abused as a child.

[@diamondcutter1983]

Thank you for sharing Justin’s story with us. I’m crying as I write this, I will never understand how that sweet boy was thrown away by his family! God Bless that young man!

[@roadhousepress]

I am so glad he got people who care about him to help him.

[@ismailkin4469]

Yeah, his adopting dad is so great, and they look alike!

[@redmare1746]

I'm so happy people went the extra mile to help Justin. I hope he has a fulfilling, happy life.

[@avajoyporter9064]

Love this story. So glad he finally has a Dad who loves him and, that Justine loves. So happy for him.

[@kathylecluyse7820]

This!

[@stacyholt6529]

Thanks!

[@lisataylor4658]

This Brought Me To Tears, Happy & Sad Tears, I'm So Glad He Has So Many People That Love's Him An Cares For Him, His Donor Family Don't Deserve To Come In His Life Now, If They Wanted To Be Apart Of His Life They Should Have Been There Since Day 1, Congratulations Justin & Mel

[@ShawnS4ntiago]

As someone in the md dss system specifically bmore city, they failed me so bad, i love to see that someone like me is getting the support they need and deserve. Im not bout to write a sob story, im just proud that there are people who care.

[@FayeVert]

You don't have to tell your story here, but you should tell your story to the people in power so they'll do something to help other kids.

[@M_SC]

Well I believe you and I’m sorry all of the things happened to you. You deserved better

[@ALICE-m8f]

A child that has never been loved or known happiness or joy,and imprisoned for being mentally disabled. Sending him love and hope for the future me and my dog send him hugs.❤

[@kungfreddie]

He looked pretty happy in prison tbh... ppl adapt very easily.. I was to prison for 3 yrs.. those were 3 of the happiest yrs of my life!

[@kellydoscope_eyes]

@@kungfreddieYou think he looked happy being locked in a room when they had to, with nothing inside? That's not fair. That was a horrible environment for him. Also they did their best to take care of him since clearly he wasn't supposed to be there. Have some compassion.

[@alfredfreedomjones5105]

@@kungfreddie you must’ve had a really difficult life if prison was the happiest years of your life …

[@m.htruth8880]

They're in prison because they have no one that cared abt them. When you have no parents or abusive parents, the $4kids system will scoop you up and funnel you into the prison and homeless industrial.

[@SandraStanley-ih5qt]

Thank you to every single person that made this man's life count, and for making the changes for those children following him. Emotions were felt and tears she'd. But what a happy ending x

[@yeahB]

That didn’t stick good with Justin when Kate said that she thought she’d never see him again. He probably thought „why? You could have just visited me“ She was his family in prison

[@iambeiam]

Justin’s story break my heart. Brought tears to my eyes. Bless everyone who didn’t give up on him. I wish Justin a better future

[@rachelhowell5536]

As a nurse it is heartbreaking to see the long term effects of deinstitutionalization ... Mental health is real and support is needed

[@AlexGamingConsole]

It really don't even show him being free for you to make that comment. It doesn't have to do with this video at all.

[@alsalcal]

​@@AlexGamingConsole huh? Do you know what deinstitutionalization is? Their point was that if he could have been institutionalized in a mental health facility, he wouldnt have ended up in jail.

[@YesWithYesse]

@@AlexGamingConsoletotally out of context

[@drgirlfriend211]

@@AlexGamingConsole whelp… safe to say you don’t know what institutionalization means….. check your knowledge before you resort to being rude.,.

[@crazycoyote9732]

Thank God for Cathy,Mike and Fred for helping this young man reach his full potential,as well as loving him along this journey!! Thankyou for this great outcomes story,we need more of these in our world! Take care and God Bless!

[@serenitypalmer490]

And Mel, his adopted dad.

[@crazycoyote9732]

@@serenitypalmer490 absolutely,didn't read that til after I commented!!

[@maevelee4023]

I saw justins original story a while back and was so happy to see this video! so glad he is in a happy safe home and thriving. I thought about him often and this brought so much closure. thank you

[@shellyann8818]

Justin's back story is absolutely heartbreaking (prior to DAMAR). No child, no matter what, should have a life like he had. However, the life he has now with love, support, & family is truly heartwarming. Thank you to everyone who played an integral part in getting Justin to the life he has now. You are all Angels ❤💙

[@bonesbrigader]

People can be monsters. What everyone did for him has me more emotional than i think i can handle.. Thank you so much. I just wish more kids can get the love and attention that was shown to Justin. Cool kicks dude

[@ksair6399]

This video is full of heroes. It’s easy to forget and feel removed from those with chaotic, interrupted lives. It’s beautiful what these people did for Justin. I wish all kids had such strong advocates.

[@Boomchocolatté]

11:38 if he suddenly started having a fear response that could’ve been a red flag for abuse from some “male employee” at that facility. Because he can’t maybe “tell” on them. Not anyone in this video…but I hope they thoroughly explored that.

[@Maisdetimenosdemim]

Wow what a great documentary! The end was the best part of it! So thankful that are still so many good people in this world. 🙏🏼

[@kaykepop4084]

He seems like such a sweet heart❤. I pray he's doing well and has genuinely loving people in his life to support and care for him always. 🙌🏽

[@gregl8531]

The parents should be arrested for child neglect and falsifying an arrest and putting this child in prison . Lets see how they like it

[@louisebb4183]

I totally agree 100% How can anyone not to say a parent do something like this to a child that hey created! Jail 100% and pay support.

[@micheleh5269]

God help us. This is unconscionable. Yet such a wonderful young man he has become

[@shari9721]

It wasnt his parents that made the false report , it was the people he was living with at the time , I forget if they said it was relatives or a friend of his Mother's .

[@SoaringStephanie]

Dad's dead, they said suicide, mom can't be found.

[@gregl8531]

@@shari9721 they said it was his parents who did it.

[@dinahconnell6947]

It's so sad Justin was just thrown away by everybody my heart breaks for this little guy😢

[@serendipidus8482]

He has 24 hour one to one care. That's the best he could get on the planet. Apart from an actual mother.

[@sarahm.1632]

​@@serendipidus8482stop with this nonsense. A 24 hour care giver is in NO way even remotely comparable to a normal childhood. You sound slow.

[@serendipidus8482]

@sarahm.1632 he didnt have a normal childhood parenting situation. So he didnt have that option... one to one care is the best the state could provide for somone. Shouldn't have been in a prison but its still pretty amaxing that he got that.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

@@serendipidus8482 A 24 hour care giver is not normal for a kid nor is it as replacement for an actual family.

[@williambrinkmeier1772]

​@sarahm.1632 great insult considering the situation your talking about lol

[@kkaye76]

My mom was a teacher in a boys' correctional school in Texas. Shed come home sometimes and cry about the lives of these children whos only crime was not having parents who cared about or took care of them. This boy reminds me of some of them. Hodspeed to all those who help these kids. I pray for reform within the system.

[@nikkieggleston1528]

Justin's story has has moved me in ways I can't even explain. I haven't felt this wide range of emotions from an experience in out of all of my 41 years of life.

[@ginaanderson4606]

Parent's seriously need to start being held accountable for the damage they do to their children! Justin and many other children should never have to go through that amount of pain and trauma. Prayers of strength and peace for Justin and all the other children trying to heal from being abandoned by their parents/ family. This broke my heart. How could you do that to your child/children!!!!

[@MsMesem]

The abuse and neglect by his family cost the state dearly financially.

[@Jenifer_G]

Some parents need to be taken to court for neglect and abuse, by their children.

[@kathrynnoonan8457]

True but there also needs to be more support available for these families to begin with. I’m not talking about the families where this is abuse because that’s never ok but there are lots of other good parents that give up there special needs kids because there is not enough help and support. I’m a special needs mum and I’m so grateful to have access to lots of supports but having lived experience helps me understand how these kids get abandoned. Often it’s also by parents with their own disabilities/mental health struggles that can barely look after themselves.

[@Jenifer_G]

@@kathrynnoonan8457 good point

[@hayley183]

⁠@@kathrynnoonan8457This is so important. If the system put more money into supporting children at home then there would be less children in the foster system, in the prison system, in nursing homes. Children with disabilities need a broad support system and if the parents don’t have any support, it’s going to lead to caregiver burn out. A person can reach the point where they physically or mentally can not do it without help. That certainly does not EXCUSE doing something like Justin’s parents did, but it can help explain why that might happen. These kinds of changes are happening. I’m seeing it as a parent of 2 disabled children. They are slow though, and there needs to be more done.

[@Alaska-Bush-Mom]

14:50 I PRAY that the staff who Justin has bonded with, will stay in contact with him so he doesn’t feel abandoned again. Transition him into the next step of his life. For as long as he needs and deserves.

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

I'm so glad that this story ended with a happy ending. Justin has transformed into a better version of himself, and he now has a family to love/care for him.

[@banterj]

I can’t finish it….it is too much!you are stronger than me

[@Big_Dog2303]

Bless those folks that adopted Justing. He now feels loved, safe and that he belongs. It's such a heartworming story. Thanks to all who looked out for Justin ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jedjones5406]

I wish I could find a family too. I was an orphan and I had a very abusive foster family that I grew up with. I was sexually abused, and beaten badly every day of my life. I didn’t leave them until about a month before my 31st birthday. I went into a special needs trust. I had abusive staff there too. I am still quite scared and I suffer anxiety and depression. I always wished that I was adopted into a loving home that never hurt me. I have brain damage too. Even though I am 46 now I still wish I had a family. I get sad and cry myself to sleep at night. I have become a good caring and gentle person.

[@singmysong1167]

That's so sad, hun. Have you considered looking for and finding a caring church family in your community? Many churches have regular services, praise and worship, and church meal functions often. Sunday School classes, before the worship service, are where you can really get to know the groups. Hope this helps. Remember, "Cast all your cares upon Jesus, for He cares for You."

[@jedjones5406]

@@singmysong1167 Thanks 🤗😊☺️

[@robbrent]

Well done and best wishes from 🇿🇦. Share your love with others and you’ll be rewarded in return. You are special and loved.

[@jedjones5406]

@@robbrent Thanks 🤗😊☺️

[@jedjones5406]

@@robbrent Thanks 🤗😊☺️❤️

[@serenitypalmer490]

I about bawled when I noticed he could read. That is HUGE. Love sometimes does make all the difference.

[@MsMesem]

I think they found low IQ because of his traumatic and neglected child hood. The parents had no time for him so he could not develop.

[@jessicaemghee]

When he talked about his mom. My heart hurts for this guy. MAN! That is so brutal.

[@janehallowell5886]

I am so grateful that Justin found people who truly love him and want him to be the best he can be ❤❤❤

[@jackdaniel9213]

The fact he says “ I don’t know what happend to my mum maybe she is lost somewhere “ killed me no brother she abandoned you but what you got from that is so much more then what your mother would have done for you I hope your doing well ❤

[@nealacarter4194]

A little bit of love and being amongst those like you goes a long way! Wishing him and all the kids in his situation the best ❤

[@TattooedGranny]

I am glad Justin’s life was turned around by very caring staff. He was one of the lucky ones. It is wonderful to see him have a loving Dad and a good life.

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

20:30 him running was a beautiful moment. He never should've been in prison. Thank god there were people who cared and made it happen, even tough it wasn't easy and wasn't cheap

[@chilloften]

I’m an RN and would adore working with these young people, abandoned. Thank you for loving and helping this kiddo. It hurts my heart so badly that mom can’t give, not an ounce. He still longs for her. 💔💔

[@noneofyourbusiness0818]

That's an odd thing to say..that you would "adore" working with abandoned kids..

[@chilloften]

@@noneofyourbusiness0818 I think they’d adore having me around rather than you.

[@grt1769]

@@noneofyourbusiness0818 Jfc some ppl can't be happy with anything....

[@nikkieggleston1528]

GOD BLESS these angels, these miracle workers, that are caring for him 24/7,advocating for him! Everybody needs to watch this just to learn from their live and compassion for this child. Our world would be a better place

[@shelleedavison8275]

This young man deserves so much. Thank you Mel - what a man!!! I wish you continued success - so sad but so happy!!!

[@KandMe1]

I am a little stunned to put it mildly. Yesterday I watched that movie about the girl who got held back by her drug addled addicted parents and after the mom died of aids she won a scholarship to top university through posting an essay through a NY Times comp. Sometimes these cut so deep but the promise of God, he stores our tears, keeps them, he saves them for us. Sometimes it’s too much; that judge, what he said, 20 years, his trouble sleeping. God bless Justin.

[@lulasnannajodie7723]

As a retired woker at a uk childrens group home i am somewhat de sensitised and hardened (you have to be) but i cried a few times at this documentary, happy tears in the end. Justin looks like mel, like they were destined to be father and son. Earth angels are real. I wish them both a long happy wonderful life.

[@dogzdream]

He was set up for a crime he didn't commit by his own family because they didn't want him anymore, these people like the damar staff and Mel saved this boys life, he has flourished and I wish him the best.

[@emmalouise9536]

Justin needs and deserves 100% unconditional love and support, I just wanna hug the lil guy ❤️

[@terrisparks311]

There is a special place for his mother one day. Over all I think Justin is now where he belongs, just sad his own family did not want him - been through a terrible lonely life but now he is happy. Thank you God for putting these special people in Justin's path 🙏🙏

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Please provide us with an update. Justin does matter. He is important. He is precious. I hope he is always loved. My heart goes out to him. 😊❤

[@perplexed6088]

when Justin talks about his mom it just breaks my heart. Just boggles my mind how a mother just abando s her child. I wish him all the best.❤🙏🙏

[@ghostednobrand116]

Mel is a great human! Justin had to go through a lot to finally learn what family can be. Super cool he found his brothers too.

[@cessiahc]

In so many ways, i felt, thank God he wasn't left his mother & father who not abandoned him, but first accusing him of a crime, he never committed not probably would ever. Monsters. But he was in place that kept him safe, even if it was prison. I can't even imagine what would have happened to him. While he still has a deep longing for his parents, family, naturally, he has had some of the most generous people around him, & finally a father. He is loved & treasured by so many. So happy for him.

[@AidaLorenzo-fj4oz]

These dedicated and beautiful folks are changing the world for the youth. This has been a beautiful transitional initiative, and we are all grateful. Thank you

[@longbottom4956]

What an unbelievably happy ending to such a terrible story. Bless all those people who SAW him, right person at the right time in the right spot.

[@nfair1968]

As a woman who was unable to have children,I would've given anything for a "Justin". I'm so sorry this poor boy has had to have this life when there are so many women like me who would have been proud to call him son & give him the life and love he deserved.

[@foreverpainful]

you can always adopt :)

[@banterj]

Your comment broke my heart .i have never done this before and it is corny but my spirit lead me to send you ❤ and encourage you to stay strong

[@taylorboyd8244]

This story broke my soul and made me proud of the people involved trying to help this man succeed. I hope he’s doing well!

[@agbs_creations]

Hearing him in prayer made me emotional. I truly hope he is doing well. I would love to give him a hug.

[@Jen-Inspired]

My heart hurts for Justin…life isn’t fair. I’m so thankful for everyone that has helped Justin along the way…God bless you. Super proud of Justin’s progress. Gosh this is heavy 😢😢😢

[@TinasCrazyLife]

My mama heart wants to take Justin in and just love him. Ive followed his story for a few years.

[@MiPointIs]

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do” Wise words from Kobe Bryant

[@carollynt]

Yes, insisting on a helicopter ride in horrible weather and bringing along kids knowing full-well that it was in-advisable to travel that day is so wise.

[@foreverpainful]

why quote and care about a r@pist

[@tianna1116]

@@carollyntthere’s no need to be mean or rude

[@Jeweleye62]

To all the kind and loving individuals who fought for Justin, thank you. To Mel....bravo, you are a legend and shining light for Justin in what had otherwise been a cruel world. ❤

[@TootsiesCreations]

Prayers for Justin and quite frankly for all those kids. Thank you to the people that are fighting for what’s right!

[@dizzzawn]

It was so beautiful to see Justin at the end with his arm around Mel in a few of the photos. You can tell Justin did that because he wanted to and his ability to show affection grew with the help of everyone who showed him kindness over the years.

[@juliecowley6187]

Have a very happy and bright future Justin.

[@claireangel9595]

Wow kate, thank you. Ive been loosely following Justins story for a few years now. Over the past month he has been popping in to my head more frequently, I had been apprehensive about checking back for an update because I was honestly afraid of what the answer could be. I am so grateful to see how life has turned out for Justin. Thank you for highlighting the stories that society hides. There is a special place in heaven for you kate. You are a blessing and so are all the people who care for our most vulnerable children. I just want to say in case you hadn't heard it lately, Im so proud of you kate. Love to you and yours.

[@ALICE-m8f]

It lovely to see the good work the support workers have done with Justin . You can tell they genuinely care about him. When he was transferred to the other home that wasn't about punishment,locks and chains,he came on leaps and bounds and thrived to his potential.

[@maxxitee4761]

I hope Justin’s mom and dad come upon this video and it breaks their hearts as much as it is hurting us. They have 3 sons who need to see them if nothing more so they lose that sense of being abandoned. Come on ! Mum and dad

[@NigelBarker-c5e]

Wow .this story really touched me. And the coverage over the years is so well documented.weld to this lovely lad pulling through and the support he had together him there and for finding a loving home.

[@TerryA-s5b]

The prison system is horrible for anyone, it's a warehouse of the lost. Many adults would not be in the place they are if they were given the care needed when young. This was a great documentary, I only hope Justin is able to resolve his past and ger access to the resources he needs as an adult to function and live in regular society.

[@zoeolsson5683]

Yes I am of that belief too. Many people go bad because there real needs weren't met in childhood. A perfect society would lift up all families out of poverty and screen for issues with parenting before the baby even arrives ... An alcoholic dad help get him clean ... A neurodivergent mum help her get support ... Maternity and paternity leave I think we should also have a social contract in society that we all have a foster mum and a foster dad in addition to our parents and other mentors .... Like the god father/mother of old .... But have those people have real engagement with the health and development of that child. Aggh I 'm off on a tangent

[@elladoz1966]

The system has failed them . Law enforcement is clueless on handling person's living with disabilities.🤔.

[@elladoz1966]

It's a lucrative business.

[@zelzabez593]

Oh man, this had me crying at least 5 times. Both sad and happy tears. Thank you to the woman who made the film and to all the staff who take care of these kids. I’m so happy Justin found some love and kindness in his world. Not all kids have it so lucky…. and we all know that’s a very, very low and devastatingly heartbreaking bar. ❤

[@tianna1116]

Same, I was sobbing the entire time basically. My eyes are now puffy and sore.. and I will be thinking of Justin often and wondering how he’s doing. I hate the cruelty in this world so much