Summary: "Kids for Cash" is a documentary film that explores a shocking scandal in the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system. In the early 2000s, two judges, Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan, were found to have accepted millions of dollars in kickbacks from the builders and operators of private juvenile detention centers. This led to the incarceration of thousands of children, many for minor offenses, in order to fill the beds of these facilities and generate profits. The film delves into the devastating impact this corruption had on the lives of the affected youth and their families, as well as the broader implications for the justice system and the erosion of civil liberties.

Why Watch:

🧑‍⚖️ Legal professionals and policymakers: This film provides a sobering case study of systemic corruption and the need for greater accountability and oversight in the juvenile justice system.

🧑‍🎓 Educators and students: "Kids for Cash" can be a powerful teaching tool, highlighting the importance of civic engagement, the rule of law, and the responsibility of institutions to protect the vulnerable.

🧑‍💼 Social workers and advocates: The film shines a light on the devastating consequences of prioritizing profits over the wellbeing of children, and can inspire efforts to reform and humanize the juvenile justice system.

🧑‍🍳 General audiences: This gripping documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in uncovering the truth behind one of the most egregious scandals in modern American history.