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Abstract
Psychiatric nurses have long advocated for children with mental disorders, but few have gone behind bars to advocate for these youth. This paper offers suggestions for advocating on behalf of the most underserved of children?youthful offenders. Efforts in Maryland, as an example, portray conflicting convictions: to punish or to treat. These conflicting convictions permeate our juvenile laws, juvenile facilities, and treatment programs. A discussion of successful programming demonstrates the strengths of advocacy and the difference one person can make. Steps are outlined to assist nurses in the development of activist roles in advocating for these troubled youth.