‘Touch starvation:’ California decides whether youth in detention should be able to hug visitors

ByJeremy Loudenback for The ImprintOriginally published on 3/24/26

Being a supportive mom can feel impossible when your child is locked up in the Los Angeles County juvenile hall. If he’s anxious, depressed or crying, there’s no reaching over for a tight embrace. But for the past three years, the county has restricted all types of physical contact during visits.

When she makes hourslong trips to her now 21-year-old son, that has left Chevonda Perry feeling “worthless” as a mother…

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