WHAT KIND OF MOTHER ARE YOU?

In this gripping true story, a misguided mother consents to her daughter’s overnight jail detention after a minor brush with the law. But once her daughter becomes involved with the juvenile justice system, it is unbelievably difficult to obtain release.

Teenager Kelly Jameson (Nicholle Tom) and her boyfriend Jake Preece cut school. When he tries to steal a blouse at the mall, they are arrested. Stung by harsh accusations by her mother, Laura (Mel Harris), and stepfather, Rob, Kelly runs away with Jake.

Two days later, she is escorted home by a policeman after Jake attempted another theft. In an argument, Kelly slaps her mother. This violence triggers Laura’s memory of Kelly’s abusive, alcoholic father, who committed suicide.

The officer suggests keeping Kelly in jail overnight to let her cool off, assuring Laura that she may pick her up in the morning. Upon arrival, Laura is told Kelly has been transferred to Juvenile Hall and assault charges filed. After a hearing, Kelly is sent to Northside Centre.

Kelly’s manipulative caseworker, Marcy Hackman, critical of Laura’s parenting, decides Kelly must be held longer. At the centre, Kelly is beaten by one of the girls, and an inmate is raped by a maintenance worker. Another girl has a nervous breakdown, and Kelly’s roommate is sent back to Juvenile Hall because of a small infraction.

When Laura’s attorney advises her to bring media attention to Kelly’s plight, Marcy fabricates a story of Kelly’s attempted suicide, causing her to be returned to Juvenile Hall.

As mother and daughter undergo psychological evaluation, hidden feelings surface. Laura confides she’s tried to protect Kelly from knowing about her father, but Kelly is enraged to hear him defamed. Their session becomes a shouting match. Both fear they have ruined chances for Kelly’s release.

At the hearing, Marcy recommends a longer term with stricter rules. Laura testifies that the blame is hers for not being a better mother, and Kelly admits her misdeeds. The ordeal has enabled them to see each other with new understanding. Given their promise of a better, stronger relationship, the judge rules in their favour. At last, Kelly is free to go home.