NCJ Number
239245
Date Published
2012
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This guide provides information and educational resources to those parents whose children are living at a juvenile justice facility.
Abstract
This guide is written for the parents, family members, and educational surrogate parents of youth who have been placed in a juvenile justice facility and covers: how to connect with the staff at the child's facility school; make sure that the child is doing well in the facility school program; visit the child at the facility; connect with other families for information and support; help the facility school improve; prepare for the child to return home and to a community school; and find additional resources. During the time that a child lives at a juvenile justice facility, the facility staff will be responsible for providing his or her schooling. Each child should attend classes in typical subjects along with other youth. The goal of this guide is to help the parents become more involved in their child's education while he or she is living at the juvenile justice facility. Research has shown that there are many benefits when families are involved in their child's education: students are more willing to learn, and they feel better about themselves; they get better grades and attend school more regularly; they are more likely to graduate from grade school or high school and are more likely to continue their education; students are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and they have fewer instances of violent behavior and suspensions.