Meet Megan Thompson

As a Rosalynn Carter Fellow for Mental Health Journalism, Thompson explored issues surrounding the well-being of girls in the juvenile justice system and the connection among children, poverty, and mental health.

Thompson said she never thought of herself as an insensitive reporter, but her Rosalynn Carter fellowship has made her more aware of the stereotypes about people with mental illnesses. Throughout the fellowship, she also focused on success and resilience. "It really kind of stuck with me," she said. "For example, when talking about kids and poverty for my story on toxic stress, I didn't want the story to come across as though we have millions of kids who are doomed. It's a serious problem but there are ways it can be mitigated."

Supplemental Links:

How Does the 'Toxic Stress' of Poverty Hurt the Developing Brain?

To Help Delinquent Girls, Programs Aim to Rehabilitate Rather Than Incarcerate

Gentler Justice: Florida Youth Detention Center Enacts 'Homelike' Reforms

I Am Beautiful': Meet Once Incarcerated Girls Who Turned Their Lives Around

Also:

We invite you to learn more about the goals of The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism.