S1-E3: Dream Boldly, Prioritize the Mission (Vinny Schiraldi)

In this week’s episode, Sam and Abram chat with Vinny Schiraldi, who oversaw radical changes running Juvenile Corrective Services in Washington, DC and Directing the NYC Department of Probation. Listen to Vinny explain how, guided by his approach of “acting incrementally while dreaming boldly,” he vastly cut down on institutionalization, abuse, and corruption. The story includes a steady stream of trauma and a lot of patient collaboration.

Topics of conversation include the advocates and bureaucrats with whom Vinny painstakingly reformed the system; how to work with staff who are traumatized by, but also propagate, a toxic status quo; myths and facts about juvenile justice; and how an institution that is a site of abuse and violence can become a place of healing. Vinnie also shares how he went from working at a group home to running a major juvenile justice system – and how he arrived at his conclusion that “mass incarceration is going to end.”

Content warning: This episode includes descriptions of abuse and assault of minors, and mentions of sexual violence. “

Additional Reading:

Show notes by Hannah E. Brown; “Aquarela” do Brasil by Ary Barroso, Performed by Peter Markowski, Luke Maurer, and Abram Guerra; Thanks to Chris Martinie for logo and all of you for your love and support.

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