NCJ Number
164676
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 83-97
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Education services in juvenile detention are discussed with respect to their rationale, factors to consider in developing a program, problem areas, and the components associated with successful programs.
Abstract
The discussion is based on the perspectives of practitioners who have developed and maintained model detention education programs. Detention education is a core program component in juvenile detention. Detention centers need to develop educational policy statements consistent with the facility's mission, comply with regulatory requirements, plan for an increasingly culturally diverse group of youths, address the education needs of youths not currently enrolled in a community school, and develop services responsive to varying entry times and duration of detention. Central issues include the needs for educational goals and an aftercare plan for each student, improved communication systems among everyone involved, a broad-based curriculum that includes drug abuse and mental health programming, and coordinated goals between education and detention staff. Needs assessments, clearly stated goals, and individualized instruction are important. Program components that need to be addressed include administration, the role of the agencies involved, education files, class size, school year, personnel, equipment and supplies, physical space, community resources, curriculum, admission, discharge, follow-up, parent involvement, education beyond the school program. special education services, and computer-assisted instruction. Programs that meet the individual needs of detained youth benefit everyone involved. 20 references