NCJ Number
210715
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 56 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 189-194
Date Published
June 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice's (DJJ's) Student Transition Model, described in this article, is designed to coordinate services that assist juvenile offenders with academic achievement, vocational training, behavior management, peer and family relations, and life skills necessary for reintegration into schools, the family, and the community.
Abstract
Based on the strengths of its academic, special education, and vocational programs, the DJJ was prepared to implement the U.S. Department of Labor's Academic/Workforce Preparation Grant at its Eastman Youth Development Campus. The funded program provides a student plan to be the education guide for each student while in the institution. The plan is based on an assessment of students' academic and vocational needs and interests. Educational programs are designed to give students knowledge, attitudes, and the vocational and social skills necessary for constructive participation in community life. The program emphasizes collaboration with various institutions and agencies with which juveniles will interact when they re-enter the community. Students are monitored during their residency, at prerelease programming, and 10 days prior to release to ensure that all documentation is included in the student's portfolio. The portfolio is provided to parents, juvenile probation/parole officers, and career facilitators, so as to guide them in support services for the juvenile. The DJJ has contracted for an independent internal and external evaluation of the program. Currently, signs of success include the employment of 90 juveniles in sites throughout the State, the enrollment of 22 juveniles in a State-approved GED program, 54 youth having earned a GED while in the program, the enrollment of 13 youth in a technical college, and the re-enrollment of 122 youth in their local high schools. 1 figure