Bad Kids? How to Create a Criminal

Bad Kids? (How to Create a Criminal) is a short video that graphically and movingly challenges maistream media messages about "young offenders." In less than five minutes, it takes viewers on a young person's journey through difficult family situations, problems at school, social isolation and substance abuse, to incarceration. Because it challenges people to re-examine their beliefs about the causes of crime, Bad Kids? has been well-received by those who are interested in crime prevention, and is used to create opportunities to engage others in discussing how individuals, communities, and service providers can build safer communities by supporting and involving youth. The accompanying pamphlet provides suggestions about how communities can help troubled youth avoid the path of crime and victimization.