ACOMPASSION, RESPECT, INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION, EMPATHY pROGRAM (C.R.I.M.E.)

BACKGROUND

Part of an ongoing study led by Dr. Tyson McCrea, about developing compassion in profoundly disadvantaged youth, the C.R.I.M.E. Program, directed by Dr. Jeffrey Bulanda, was co-conceptualized by youth participating in the apprenticeship programs, and has been funded by the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority. The participating youth co-author the grant proposals and work on all aspects of program design and developing the program products. The youth decided that the purpose of this project is to replace crime with the positive alternatives that are the program's title. The youth have authored a workbook to use in educational presentations for elementary school youth; a documentary; and they are writing a book based on their experiences and their interviews with community children, with the assistance of the Editorial Board and Mentors (see the "Documentaries and Educational Materials Co-Authored by Youth" section of this website).