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Full episode
159: Mother’s Day
Act Two

Are You My Mommy?

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When Jessica Robinson was sent to adult prison at the age of 14, the state did such a terrible job taking care of her that several women—an embezzler, a convicted murderer, and some thieves—stepped in to mother her. Alex Kotlowitz reports. Seven thousand young people like Jessica are now in adult prisons nationwide. (21 minutes)

By

Alex Kotlowitz

Song:

“It's Mom” by Sarah Seligman

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More by Alex Kotlowitz

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488: Harper High School - Part Two
Feb. 22, 2013

Act One: The Eyewitness

Most murders in Chicago happen in public places — parks, alleyways, cars.
488: Harper High School - Part Two
Feb. 22, 2013

Act Four: Devonte, Part Two

In the first hour of our Harper High School shows, Alex Kotlowitz talked to a junior named Devonte who a year earlier had accidentally shot and killed his 14-year-old brother.
487: Harper High School - Part One
Feb. 15, 2013

Act Two: A Tiny Office on the Second Floor

Reporter Alex Kotlowitz spends time in the social work office, where the effects of gun violence are most often apparent.
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