Locked Up At 14: The Harrowing Story Of A Prison Orphan

In this eye-opening episode, we bring you the story of Justin, a young boy who has faced unimaginable challenges after losing his parents and being left to navigate the prison system alone. Witness the stark reality of life for a child in such dire circumstances, and the glimmers of hope that keep Justin moving forward. His story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Only Human celebrates and explores the unique and personal qualities we all have.  Our channel offers a range of TV series and documentaries about human experiences and life journeys - while looking at the challenges life throws at us, turning ordinary people into everyday heroes. 

#orphan #onlyhuman #prison

[LisaSpatafore]

The fact that he still wants to go home and see his mom after her not speaking or seeing him for 6 years tore me apart.

[Dj-zz]

I’m 78 yrs. old, a dad, grandpa & great grandpa. I’ve been crying like a little baby. Thank goodness for the individuals who cared, intervened & mentored Justin along the way. Thank goodness for those who took the additional steps in seeing through changes to the broken system. To Justin’s Parents..You missed out. Justin is an incredible young man.

[mandieam]

I know this kiddo from a residential facility i use to work at. He was such a good kid. Super sweet, helpful, funny. I could go on. I hope he's doing well now.

[sciencewithmrs.santiago]

The reunion with him and Kate, I’m in absolute stitches 😭😭😭

He also says he doesn’t remember anything, but then remembers every single person by name. You can’t underestimate how powerful your impact can be 🥹🥹🥹

[kayewilson]

The world needs more Mikes and Katie’s and Fred’s. I wish nothing but the best for Justin and pray his life continues to get better and better.

[luluyarns]

Kate. Massive kudos to you for holding Justin up when he was below the surface. You changed his world and I hope that you continue to do so for others.

[joshhastieYT]

That prison superintendent is a shining light in the system.

[ArtilleryAmy]

Justin’s parents don’t deserve him….he’s got a home in hearts all round the world….I wish you all the love and happiness you deserve Justin x

[mrtymac]

i’m so grateful documentary filmmakers and the platforms to share them exist. it’s cases like these that really highlight the need to shine light in the darkest areas, to provide hope and attention to the people and places that need it most.

[MHangman]

I waslocked up for drug charges as a kid, in the eastern us and they always threatned with me life improsonment, they would say all the time " if we lose your paper work you never going home "

[MiPointIs]

50 years ago in UK a cleaner was extremely nervous around women, eventually once he felt comfortable speaking to me he told me that his mother had put him into a high security mental health institution telling authorities that she couldn’t cope with him. He was in his early 40s when the health authorities reviewed patients in long term care and released him. I always felt dirty that he had missed out on the best years of his life,

[David-lrif]

I'm not crying, you Seriously, coming from the father of an autistic 14yr old son this truly breaks my heart!

[thatGUYbehindthemask]

the fact he he learned to read and read his 18th birthday card was awesome
he even looks like his adopted dad. i was adopted too. people always said i looked so much like my parents without knowing. haha

[samiecarr]

The ending...got me. Like no other doccumentary ever has. From happy tears, to anger, to a dagger to the heart and a kick to the stomach. To absolute admiration, pride in humanity and happiness all over again..❤❤❤

[beccal.]

What an amazing bunch of adults... bless them all for helping Justin.
My heart breaks for all the other "Justins" that fall through the cracks and are abandoned.

[krabbcake]

That judge that handled Justin's case should not have been a judge at all. How many other kid's lives were ruined over his 18 years presiding as a judge?

[emmasgrandma]

This video has me crying my eyes out for Justin. No child should have to go through what he went through.

[marcikrause]

How the HECK can they allow ANY juvenile to go to court without a lawyer???? They need to change that law!!!!
Ok, update: they have changed the law.

[winnepeterson]

Thank you to all the loving adults who helped Justin. Thank you for sharing this video. 🙂

[carlynduenas]

The progress Justin had made over the years is astounding! Broke my heart when he said his mom still hasn’t reached out to him! She nor any family member who abandoned that sweet young man do not deserve him!
My mom worked with special needs children and adults most of her life, and this just melts my heart! God bless him! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽