NCJ Number
149683
Date Published
1991
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study highlights the fact that a large percentage of incarcerated juveniles have special learning, social, and emotional needs; practical suggestions are offered for providing effective special education services in these settings.
Abstract
A review of handicapping conditions among juvenile offenders notes that the most common handicapping conditions of juveniles in correctional facilities are mental retardation, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. A discussion of the probable causes for the overrepresentation of handicapped juveniles in correctional facilities argues that poorly developed social skills and lack of ability to comprehend questions and warnings increase the likelihood that disabled offenders will be committed to correctional facilities. A review of educational services in juvenile corrections finds that educational services are generally provided at detention centers, juvenile correctional institutions, schools, camps, and ranches. A section on the administrative arrangements and service providers indicates that teachers who work with incarcerated youth may be employed by the public schools, departments of social services, juvenile justice and corrections, or private agencies. Promising practices that support effective special education programs in juvenile correctional facilities include functional assessments, curricula, and instruction; transition services; and collaborative linkages among courts, schools, correctional facilities, and aftercare programs. Emerging trends include more placements in private facilities, intermediate sentencing, and larger numbers of serious offenders in juvenile facilities. Special education teachers must address dropout prevention, functional curricula, and advocacy support for disabled students at risk for adjudication. 35 references