Busted

This film follows the harrowing experiences of two 12-year-olds, Billy and Janice, as they navigate the juvenile justice system after being arrested for drug-related offenses. Through their eyes, the audience witnesses the disorienting and dehumanizing process of entering juvenile hall—from booking, property confiscation, and medical examinations to court hearings and strict institutional routines. Stripped of their personal belongings, privacy, and independence, the children grapple with intense loneliness, fear, and regret, highlighting the heavy emotional toll of incarceration and the stark reality of youth detention.

Keywords:
juvenile justice, juvenile hall, youth detention, drug arrest, court hearing, probation, institutional life, teenagers, legal system, counseling