NCJ Number
240805
Date Published
2012
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This monograph examines a number of topics relevant to the education and experiences of youth in the child welfare and juvenile delinquency systems.
Abstract
This monograph provides a source of information for policymakers and practitioners concerned about the state of education services for vulnerable youth in the child welfare system and the juvenile justice system. The sections discuss the characteristics of these youth, barriers to providing effective services, as well as legislation and evidence-based strategies intended to improve their educational outcomes. Also examine are the challenges faced by crossover youth and the policies and practices of several jurisdictions that have attempted to meet the unique needs of and circumstances faced by these youth. The conclusion discusses the principles and design of systems to serve these youth and ensure they experience more positive outcomes in school and ultimately, in the community as young adults. The paper discusses these initiatives provides a clear sense of what needs to be done to address the challenges that these students face. Topics explored in this paper include the use of cross-systems work groups to bring child welfare, juvenile justice, and education agencies together to facilitate coordination as well as to prevent duplication, fragmentation, and the diffusion of responsibility; and education liaisons that act as facilitators among systems to advocate for the educational needs of the children and youth and to ensure monitoring of their educational progress. Six principles are identified to facilitate education reform for these children and youth: early education; quality education services; measured outcomes; support services to help youth succeed; interagency collaboration and communication; and within-agency and cross-agency leadership. Figure and references