Ep 2. Douglas County, GA: A Family's Loss

Beyond Scared Straight season 6 episode 2, titled "Douglas County, GA: A Family's Loss", focuses on a group of at-risk teenagers who visit Douglas County Jail. The teenagers are paired with inmates who try to scare them straight by revealing the harsh realities of prison life.

The episode begins with a montage of news clips, detailing the rise in gang violence and drug use in Douglas County. The teenagers are introduced, and each one explains why they have been referred to the program. Some have been caught stealing or fighting, while others have been involved in drug use or gang activity.

At the jail, the teenagers are separated into two groups: boys and girls. The girls are paired with female inmates, who show them around the jail and explain the consequences of their actions. The boys are paired with male inmates, who take a more aggressive approach.

One of the male inmates, named Big C, starts off by shouting and intimidating the boys. He tells them that if they don't straighten up, they'll end up like him - behind bars for life. He shows them his prison tattoos and explains what they mean, and tells them that they'll have to earn their own tattoos if they end up in prison.

The girls visit the maximum security unit, where they meet an inmate named Shamika. Shamika talks about her past mistakes and how they led her to prison. She warns the girls not to follow in her footsteps, and to make better choices for their own futures.

Back in the boys' group, the inmates lead the boys through a series of drills and exercises. They make them do push-ups and squats, and yell at them to keep going. One of the boys breaks down in tears, unable to handle the pressure.

After the exercises, the boys are taken to the holding cells. The inmates lock them in and leave them there for several minutes, in complete darkness. The boys become increasingly panicked, and some of them start to cry.

The girls are taken to the "baby unit", where they meet a young mother who is in jail for drug possession. The mother talks about how her daughter is the reason she wants to change her life, and how she hopes to be a better role model for her in the future.

As the day draws to a close, the teenagers are reunited with their parents. The parents are emotional, grateful to see their children and desperate for them to turn their lives around. The teenagers seem shaken by their experience, but it remains to be seen whether the program will have a lasting impact on their behavior.

Overall, "Douglas County, GA: A Family's Loss" is a raw and emotional episode that highlights the harsh realities of prison life. The inmates do not hold back, using tough love and scare tactics to try and steer the teenagers in a better direction. While the program is controversial, it is clear that it has a profound impact on some of the teenagers who participate.