NCJ Number
110346
Journal
Remedial and Special Education Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (May-June 1986) Pages: 48-55
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Handicapped juvenile offenders would benefit greatly from effective vocational training programs.
Abstract
Handicapped youth are guaranteed special education under Public Law 94-142. Researchers estimate that approximately 72,000 youths are incarcerated in juvenile correctional facilities and jails. Further, researchers estimate that from 28 percent to 42 percent of those incarcerated youths are handicapped. The high percentages of handicapped youth and ex-offenders found among the unemployed make a strong case for the creation of sound vocational training programs in youth correctional facilities. Vocational programming for incarcerated youth who are handicapped must include more than specific vocational skill building if it is to be effective for the intended population. It must also incorporate (1) evaluation of the juvenile's vocational abilities and interests, (2) development of an individualized program of learning for each student, and (3) an integrated delivery system which provides systematic transition from the institution to more advanced vocational training or to the world of work. To this end, the special education teacher plays a strong role in helping vocational educators understand the learning needs and characteristics of individual handicapped juveniles. Others important to the creation of an effective delivery system for the vocational education program are personnel in the institution who provide support services, business people, probation and parole officers, counselors, and volunteers. 2 figures and 37 references.