NCJ Number
198975
Date Published
January 2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes data from the 10 Student Transition and Recovery (STAR) Programs that were operational across Georgia during the 1998 through 1999 school year.
Abstract
The STAR Program serves middle school students who are at risk of detention from school or who are at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. The Program is a military-like operation that requires students to report to one of three tracks of varying length. STAR I is a 6-month program for those youth who have been referred by the court. STAR II is a 1-day program for youth referred by their school or their parents, while STAR III is a 30-day program for students referred by their school. In each case, the student must report at the STAR location by 5:30 a.m., exercise, shower, eat, and report to school. Directly after school, the youth return to the STAR location for help with their homework. Parents are required to take a parenting class as part of the program. Parents are also required to drop their children off in the morning and pick their children up at 6:00 p.m. This report summarizes the elements and the operation of each of the 10 STAR programs across Georgia as an evaluation technique for decision-makers. Researchers conducted site visits; interviewed youth, parents, program staff, school and court personnel, and community stake-holders; and conducted focus groups. Information pertaining to relevant data such as attendance levels and student demographics and outcomes were also collected from each site. Findings revealed that the STAR Programs were achieving their goals of improving school attendance, raising grades, and reducing disciplinary actions, court referrals, and commitments. Recommendations for program improvement include increased training and monitoring of staff, the identification of a stable funding source, and regular evaluations.