A Night In Jail
Raising Awareness for Youth Incarceration
On the evening of June 27, Trent McMillan, one of our founders, took the unusual step to voluntarily spend a night in Jail alongside 80 other industry leaders. Handing over his mobile phone, donned prison overalls, and prepared to spend a night in a prison cell. This experience was part of UnLtd's Adland Bail Out, a unique fundraiser aimed at breaking the cycle of youth incarceration. Trent’s journey from a corporate office to a cold, hard prison floor was not just a personal challenge but a powerful statement to raise funds and awareness for this critical issue.
The Adland Bail Out is an annual event organised by UnLtd, a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing, and creative industries with charities helping at-risk youth. Participants like Trent are “arrested,” fingerprinted, interrogated, and then locked up for a night. To secure their release the next morning, they must raise a specified amount of “bail” – in this case, $1,250.
The event is designed to offer a stark, albeit controlled, glimpse into the reality faced by many young people in Australia’s justice system. By participating, industry leaders can use their influence to shine a light on the harsh conditions of youth incarceration and rally support for initiatives aimed at prevention and rehabilitation.
Trent’s decision to participate was driven by startling statistics and a personal awakening to the realities of youth incarceration in Australia. Here are some key facts that underline the severity of the issue:
Age of Criminal Responsibility: In Australia, the age of criminal responsibility is just 10 years old (except in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory). This means children as young as 10 can be prosecuted and imprisoned.
Disproportionate Impact on First Nations Youth: Despite making up only 4% of the population, First Nations young people constitute 57% of those in detention.
High Recidivism Rates: An alarming 85% of young people released from sentenced detention return within 12 months.
Cost of Incarceration: It costs over $1 million per year to keep one young person in prison in New South Wales.
These figures are not just numbers but represent real lives and futures at risk. For Trent, as a father of three with his eldest child nearing the age of seven, the idea of imprisoning children as young as 10 was both eye-opening and deeply disturbing. As he was fingerprinted and interrogated, he couldn’t help but think of the young people who endure these procedures for real, often without the support systems he enjoys.
"As a father of three, with my eldest turning seven, I did not know that we, as Australians, are imprisoning children as young as 10," Trent reflected. "This was an eye-opening and extremely humbling experience to see how these youths are treated in incarceration and to hear some of their stories. The subsequent impact of being institutionalized has had on them is profound. There must be a better way, as organizations like BackTrack are proving."
The Activities: A Night in Prison
Trent’s night in jail was structured to mimic the real experiences of incarcerated youths, making the event more than just a symbolic gesture. Here’s a breakdown of the activities he and other participants undertook during the night:
Arrival and Processing: From the moment Trent stepped onto the prison grounds, he was treated like a true criminal. Guards screamed at the participants, demanding compliance and instilling a sense of fear and urgency.
Confiscation of Belongings: All personal belongings were confiscated, stripping the participants of their identity and dignity. They were instructed not to interact with or even look at other inmates or guards.
Interrogation and Fingerprinting: Participants underwent a mock interrogation and were fingerprinted, further driving home the reality of the justice system’s processing of youths.
Cell Lockdown: Trent and the other participants were locked in cells, with strict punishments for stepping out of line or not following instructions. This included being berated by guards and facing additional restrictions.
Prison Meal: The participants were fed a basic prison meal, providing a glimpse into the stark and often inadequate nutrition that incarcerated youths receive.
Sleeping Arrangements: Sleeping conditions were harsh, with participants given what could only be called yoga mats to sleep on. The cold, hard floor of the cell made for an uncomfortable and restless night.
Early Wake-Up Call and Exercise: The next morning, participants were woken up early and subjected to prison yard exercises in the chilly winter morning, emphasizing the regimented and unforgiving nature of prison life.
Reflections on the Experience
Spending the night on the cold, hard floor of a prison cell, Trent gained a small but impactful insight into the bleak reality many young Australians face. The experience reinforced his commitment to supporting reforms and programs that can offer these young people a chance at a better future. The experience highlighted not just the problems but also the potential solutions to youth incarceration. Organizations like BackTrack, which help at-risk youth by providing them with training, support, and opportunities, demonstrate that there are effective alternatives to imprisonment.
BackTrack's Model: BackTrack works by helping kids who have lost their way to reconnect with education, employment, and their communities. The organization has achieved remarkable success, with many of its participants avoiding further encounters with the justice system and instead building productive, fulfilling lives.
Raising Awareness and Funds: By participating in the Adland Bail Out, Trent aimed to raise both awareness and much-needed funds. Every dollar raised goes towards supporting programs that can prevent youth incarceration, provide support to those who have been imprisoned, and ultimately reduce recidivism rates.
Advocacy for Change: Beyond fundraising, events like the Adland Bail Out also serve as platforms for advocacy. They bring together industry leaders and influencers who can amplify the call for policy changes, such as raising the age of criminal responsibility and investing in community-based support programs.
How You Can Help
Trent’s night in jail is a powerful reminder of the impact that individual and collective action can have. Here are some ways you can contribute to this cause:
Donate: Support UnLtd and Trent’s fundraising efforts by donating. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps provide resources for at-risk youth.
Advocate for Policy Change: Join the campaign and initiatives that advocate for raising the age of criminal responsibility and increasing investment in preventative and rehabilitative programs.
