NCJ Number
102403
Journal
Journal of Special Education Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: (1985) Pages: 59-71
Date Published
1985
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This analysis of results from a 1984 survey of 85 State departments of corrections and 50 State departments of education identifies the number of handicapped offenders in juvenile and adult corrections, discusses components essential to effective correctional education programs, and recommends ways to improve correctional special education services.
Abstract
Respondents estimate the number of handicapped juvenile offenders to be 9,443 or 28 percent of the total incarcerated population. Twenty-three percent of the juveniles in corrections currently receive special education services, with approximately 80 percent of handicapped offenders being served. Thirty-four juvenile corrections systems receive funding under P.L. 94-142, which mandates individualized educational plans for handicapped youth 21 years old and under. These systems account for 6,302 or 83 percent of the handicapped juveniles receiving special education services. Components essential for effective correctional special education programs include functional assessments of the skills and learning needs of handicapped offenders, a curriculum that teaches functional academic and living skills, vocational special education, and transitional programs that facilitate moving from correctional programs to community living. Other important components are a comprehensive system of institutional and community services for handicapped offenders and inservice and preservice training in special education for correctional educators. 2 tables and 17 references.