It’s the scandal that rocked the nation: 3,000 kids vs. 1 judge who had the capability to ruin their lives forever. In 1995, Mark Ciavarella was elected judge in Luzerne County based on his “tough love” policies. He won the county over and was elected for another 10-year judicial term in 2005. However, in January 2009, Judge Ciavarella is caught up in a scandal so shocking, it makes national headlines. What became known as the “Kids for Cash” scandal piqued the interest of director Robert May, who captures this real life dramatic event in his latest documentary, appropriately titled Kids For Cash.
It seems like a scenario straight out of a Lifetime movie, but to the residents and kids of Luzerne County, PA, the “Kids for Cash” scandal was all too real. Judge Ciavarella was hell-bent on sending kids to juvenile detention centers to “think about what they did.” During his term as judge, Ciavarella sent away almost 3,000 kids, but what makes this story a unique one is discovering why. It didn’t matter if it was talking back to an adult, creating a fake MySpace page, or buying a scooter that, unbeknownst to the buyer, happened to be stolen, Judge Ciavarella showed no mercy. Parents of children who were incarcerated knew that the punishment didn’t fit the crime, and knew they had to do something about it. Teaming up with lawyers and investigators, Ciavarella is eventually found guilty of fraud and tax evasion; it turns out that he was receiving money from the privately owned jail he was sending the juveniles to, hence, the name “Kids for Cash” was born.
The end song perfectly summarizes the vibe of the film: Skala & Kolacny Brothers’ cover of “Creep”.
Robert May acts as a fly on the wall while making the film, the very existence of this documentary was even kept secret from the FBI. However, the tone of the film does not seem rushed or anxious, in fact, May takes his time developing the story by introducing the audience to five kids who stood before, and were ultimately sentenced by, Judge Ciavarella. The film breaks down walls by getting personal and capturing their depression, heartache, sadness, and confusion. And while the story is ripe with emotion, May remains impartial in his storytelling; whatever direction the audience will find sympathy towards is not forced by the filmmaking, as May gives equal screen time to both the judge and those affected by him.
Part educational, part drama, Kids For Cash is not the average social awareness documentary. Feelings will be evoked, and engage the audience to form an opinion about this real life event. The end song perfectly summarizes the vibe of the film: Skala & Kolacny Brothers’ cover of “Creep”. The eerie voices of choir children singing one of Radiohead’s most popular songs, “Creep,” is the audible equivalent of the sensation you feel in your gut. Full of shocking revelations, verdicts, and death, Kids For Cash is an eye-opening, important film that should be seen.
