A well-researched, insightful case for the redemptive power of healing. * Kirkus Reviews * Through compelling real-life cases, Before Their Crimes illustrates that the human capacity to heal and transform can survive against all odds. Dr. Smiths passion for her work is obvious throughout as she urges and practices compassion for even the most serious offenders. Everyone from a curious general reader to those working in criminal justice and education should read this book. -- Anthony Romero, Executive Director, ACLU Before Their Crimes should be a must-read for elected officials and policy makers who want to make lasting change. Often news coverage of abhorrent crimes is the driving force for imposing harsh penalties and removing discretion from judges. Before Their Crimes provides a window into the complexity of individuals with criminal behavior and provides vital context sometimes absent in rushed policy discussions. The key to improving public safety is understanding what led to criminal behavior in the first place and addressing the issues during incarceration. Before Their Crimes makes a notable contribution toward the understanding and insight needed to bring about constructive change. -- Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles and Former Member of Congress We wonder why young people commit violent crimes. What were they thinking? What warped them? Before Their Crimes answers those questions. Through interviews with the now-adult offenders, the author, a psychotherapist and expert on juvenile offenders, shows how the early trauma of each child led to the horrific crime each committed. The outcomes, and ways they might have been avoided, are explained in ways that everyone can understand. A must-read. -- Margaret S. Henry, Former Supervising Judge (retired), Dependency Court (cases involving abused and neglected children), Los Angeles Superior Court Wendy Smith has written a powerful and deeply moving book. It is that rare combination of emotion, factual insights and inspiration. Read it and savor it and encourage others to read it. -- Robert Greenwald, Brave New Films With profound insight into science and theory, Dr. Wendy Smith invites us to discover compassion in the roots of human experience, revealing that chance shapes our destinies as powerfully as choicea truth made starkly visible in the lives of those impacted by incarceration. -- Dorian Traube, PhD, LCSW, Neidorff Family and Centene Corporation Dean and professor, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis Dr. Wendy Smiths personal journey of healing brought her proximate to incarcerated people who society deemed "bad" and undeserving of a real first, let alone a second, chance when they were children. Through such proximity, compassion, and understanding, Before Their Crimes uncovers an epidemic of childhood trauma, the redemptive qualities of everyone, and the true path towards healing. -- Xavier McElrath-Bey, MA, Executive Director, Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Through interviews with multiple juvenile offenders who had been sentenced to lengthy prison terms, including life sentences, Dr. Wendy Smith has written a primer on the impact of trauma, including physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, loss of loved ones, and abandonment. Despite the trauma these young people experienced at a young age and that contributed significantly to their criminal behavior and lengthy incarcerations; and despite the hopelessness they felt upon being removed from society, Dr. Smith illustrates how healing can occur and ultimately lead to a rebirth of hope for a meaningful life. -- Michael Nash, Executive Director, Los Angeles County Office of Child Protection; former Presiding Judge, Los Angeles County Juvenile Court
