From the Courthouse to the Schoolhouse: Making Successful Transitions

• NCJ Number: 178900
• Author(s): Ronald D. Stephens; June L. Arnette
• Date Published: March 2000
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Series: OJJDP Youth Out of the Education Mainstream Series
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description

Annotation

This Bulletin, one of a series of Bulletins that focuses on both promising and effective programs and innovative strategies to reach "Youth Out of the Education Mainstream" (YOEM), describes effective approaches for reintegrating youth from juvenile justice system settings into the education mainstream and provides information on promising programs, practices, and resources.

Abstract

A number of significant and innovative programs and strategies have been developed for helping delinquent youth re-enter the education mainstream. Foremost is the trend toward improving communication among all of the agencies and other entities involved in helping these youth develop and achieve positive goals. Communities must forge partnerships among public and private youth-serving agencies to provide a continuum of treatment and aftercare services for juvenile offenders and their families. Education services provided to juvenile offenders, both within juvenile correctional facilities and outside in the community schools, must reflect current education philosophy, curriculum content development, and instructional techniques. Instruction must be relevant to these students' interests and needs and must allow them to make connections to real-life situations. They also need job skills training to prepare them for future employment. This Bulletin includes descriptions of existing programs that provide transitional support for leaving confinement, transitional educational placements, school enrollment, mentoring, and school-based probation. 23 notes