For corrections officer Gordon Cruse, the youths he supervised were more than juvenile offenders. They were unique individuals with their own circumstances, serving time, separated from family and friends. By listening well, Cruse connected with them. His examination of the youth justice system chronicles the history of youth custody centres, government policies, sentence leniency, judicial education, social work, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He applauds the efforts of Chuck Cadman, whose tragic loss of his son led him to work to improve victims' rights. With loads of good advice for parents, this engaging narrative is recommended for students, school counsellors, social workers and the legal community.