Transition and Re-Entry Practices Overview

AGENCY/ORGANIZATION:
Juvenile Corrections

Research tells us that juveniles experience extremely high recidivism rates (up to 55%), and it is even worse for those with disabilities. Moreover, many youth do not reengage with educational systems after exiting from correctional systems. The reconnection to school is essential because education is an important protective factor in reentry success; poor academic performance is a risk factor linked to recidivism. Youth who do not attend school regularly have higher numbers of delinquency referrals than those who regularly attend. Partnerships between local educational systems and justice systems are an essential component of juvenile reentry because these partnerships help remedy two critical gaps in reentry: a shortage of appropriate schools for those leaving custody (especially for those with disabilities) and delayed access to local schools. This transition must not happen haphazardly but should be carefully coordinated to promote positive student outcomes. Below, we summarize the best practices for meeting the needs of youth exiting correctional facilities.

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