Kids Who Sell Crack

(9 of 9)

On a spring afternoon, a few of Bennett's young friends settle down for their regular freewheeling discussion. "She is a hell of a lady," says Leo, 15. "She kept my brothers out of trouble. My sisters, my friends." She has just helped Leo get a job for the summer as a supervisor for a neighborhood cleanup crew. This afternoon Bennett wants to talk about crack. Have any of the children been talking to the dealers lately? Have any of them been smoking? "We're not accusing anybody here. We're going to help people here," she says warmly. "Let's get honest. You know Mrs. Bennett knows more than you think she does. But she isn't going to get on you. I love you."

CHART: TEXT NOT AVAILABLE

CREDIT: TIME CHART BY CYNTHIA DAVIS

CAPTION: DRUG-RELATED JUVENILE ARRESTS

DESCRIPTION: Drug-related juvenile arrests in Detroit, 1981-87; New York, Washington, Los Angeles, 1980-1987.