Adjudicated Youth With Disabilities: Transition Strategies in Correctional Environments

• NCJ Number: 170823
• Journal: Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 127-134
• Author(s): R Pollard; C Pollard; J Rojewski; G Meers
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Education
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study determined the strategies and services currently used to assist in the transition of adjudicated youth with disabilities from correctional settings to community environments.

Abstract

A descriptive survey of correctional institutions throughout the United States sought to determine the types of transition services and strategies being used, to identify and prioritize the perceived effectiveness of these services and strategies, and to identify major obstacles to providing strategies and services for successful transition. The study used a random sampling procedure to select a national sample of 219 correctional institutions from a population of 2,192 correctional institutions that had educational programs for adjudicated youth. A total of 137 individuals responded to the questionnaire, representing a response rate of 62.55 percent. A majority of the transition efforts involved three areas of intervention: individualized assessment and evaluation, basic academic skills instruction, and social and independent living skills training. Most programs used vocational assessment data to identify individuals' needs, interests, and capabilities. Most respondents gave high priority to job placement opportunities for youth with disabilities. Respondents lamented the lack of staff, resources, and time to implement planned services. Coupled with the need for community support for the youth was the need for a strong family member or adult mentor. For many youth, however, the family and home environment were identified as insurmountable obstacles to successful transition. An alternative independent living placement was reported to be of paramount importance. Respondents reported that the implementation of comprehensive, structured, supported transition services will significantly impact youths' chances for a productive life and reduce the probability of recidivism. 3 tables and 17 references