Corey Kean is an exceptional juvenile justice advocate. He has mentored troubled youth in detention centers and spoken on Capitol Hill to introduce juvenile justice legislation alongside members of the U.S. Congress. He has also worked with local leaders in Pennsylvania to strengthen the state's commitment to delinquency prevention.
Years ago, however, Corey was involved in a gruesome crime in, older Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Following the lead of a controlling cousin, Corey—in the 8th grade at the time—was involved in the murder of his uncle. Corey was charged with criminal homicide and placed in an adult county jail. Removed from juvenile jurisdiction, he faced the possibility of having an adult criminal trial and being sentenced to an adult prison. Youth in adult prisons are 8 times more likely to commit suicide and 5 times more likely to be raped than if they were in juvenile facilities. And, upon release, much more likely to commit another offense.
Corey, fortunately, was sent back to the juvenile court system and given a chance to rebuild his life. He received six years of intensive therapy from Alternative Rehabilitation Communities, Inc., a maximum-security program for juvenile offenders. He took responsibility for his actions and continued his education. Through the juvenile court system, Corey has transformed himself into the leader he is today.
See all winners of Spirit of Youth Award.
