NCJ Number
123998
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A nationwide survey of State youth corrections administrators, conducted in 1987, investigated goals of transition programs across the country, several key components of such programs, information on persons operating the programs, and information on students served by the programs.
Abstract
Analysis of the questionnaire data determined those States operating transition programs, a profile of characteristics, and grouping of State programs based on similar patterns of response to survey items. The findings indicate that although 78 percent of the responding State youth correction agencies operate transition programs, over one-fifth of adjudicated delinquents are not being provided these services. The major goals for transition program are focused on education, social, and vocational objectives. Most States indicate that the transition process begins with the youth's commitment. While a majority of respondents rated interagency collaboration as important, there was no majority response regarding sharing and exchanging records between agencies. Most State have a director overseeing transition programs, but in some instances, persons outside the agency are involved in the transition process. Most programs serve handicapped and non-handicapped students and almost all serve all age groups of adjudicated youth. Although clusters of States portray similar patterns of strengths and weaknesses, few inferences can be made from the delineated patterns. 3 tables, 3 figures, 9 references. (Author abstract modified)