About the Project

“This is the first time I know of for our office to host a movie screening – a bit out of the box in terms of normal business! This was a successful event that should have many stakeholders talking about right to counsel, shackling, probation, and other systemic issues.” – Amy Borror, Legislative & Media Liaison, Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Kids for Cash is a riveting look behind a notorious judicial court scandal that rocked the nation, exposing a need for juvenile justice system reform that works on behalf of children and families. Working with the film in its earliest stages of production, Active Voice convened strategy meetings with juvenile justice reform experts, and conducted test screenings with advocates and systems professionals alike, in order to craft a plan in advance of the film’s release.

Working around the film’s February 2014 theatrical release, we conducted a multi-city tour of screenings in states at the forefront of the movement, engaging influentials in dialogue and action in support of state-based reform. Though the film focuses largely on a judicial scandal, our work focused on what people can do to ensure that the juvenile justice system is working on behalf of children and families, and not causing more harm. Ultimately our campaign was effective at raising the visibility of juvenile justice reform efforts, attracting the support of influentials, and contributing to policy advancements.