National rates of juvenile incarceration show that about 33% of the population in correctional confinement has disabilities such as behavioral disorders or specific learning disabilities. All students identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) as having a disability are entitled to special education and…

In 2015, the Annie E. Casey Foundation partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service's Social Innovation Fund to launch Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP), a multimillion-dollar initiative to increase employment and educational opportunities for young people ages 15-25 who have been involved in the child welfare and…

Comprehensive reentry efforts for juveniles begin once they enter a residential facility and continue upon their return to the community. The research examined in this literature review highlights that youths returning from out-of-home placements have specific needs that should be considered in reentry planning, chief among them are mental health…

The transition to and from juvenile justice settings is a complex and challenging process. Effectively preparing juvenile justice personnel to address the transition needs of incarcerated students is an essential aspect of reducing the negative effects of the school-to-prison pipeline. This article examines program and professional development…

The "Youth Villages Transitional Living Evaluation" is testing whether the "Transitional Living" program, operated by the social service organization Youth Villages, makes a difference in the lives of young people with histories of foster care or juvenile justice custody. The program, which was renamed "YVLifeSet" in…

Young people who are leaving the foster care and juvenile justice systems often experience a difficult transition to adulthood that is characterized by a number of troubling outcomes, including poverty, low levels of education and employment, and housing instability. While some services are available for these populations, there is little evidence…

Transition-age students with disabilities under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system face serious transition and rehabilitation challenges as they reenter the community from youth detention. This article presents the initial outcomes of a demonstration project utilizing the Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Natural supports, Education and…

D. Wayne Osgood, E. Michael Foster, and Mark E. Courtney examine the transition to adulthood for youth involved in social service and justice systems during childhood and adolescence. They survey the challenges faced by youth in the mental health system, the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, the criminal justice system, and special…

A study evaluated the implementation of three demonstration programs for male juveniles that explored how the adult boot camp strategy could be modified to serve the unique needs of juveniles. Evaluation efforts sought to determine how the three demonstration sites--Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Mobile, Alabama--were choosing and…

A study of the aftercare services offered juvenile delinquents after residential placement was conducted in New York State. The emphasis was on the Juvenile Aftercare Services program, which serves the majority of youth being conditionally released into the community. Based on findings from the study involving interviews and site visits, the…

This article examined differences between young women and men who were incarcerated juvenile offenders with disabilities in Oregon in terms of the barriers they faced in their transition from the correctional system back into the community. Data were gathered on 72 females and 276 males, all of whom presented disabilities and who were…

Results of a national survey completed by principals of 101 schools provide a comprehensive analysis of current trends in transition programs for adjudicated youth with disabilities in alternative school settings, effectiveness of transition program components, and obstacles to successful transitions. Although progress is being constrained by…

This 15th annual "KIDS COUNT Data Book" examines the issues surrounding America's most at-risk young adults. It examines who they are, why it is so critical that they receive help, and what they need to succeed. Just as important, it outlines a number of ways the path of their lives can be altered thus increasing the odds that they too,…

This study set out to explore the mechanisms for educating court-involved youth in Chicago, learn about the available educational options, and the barriers, if any, these young people face when continuing in or returning to school. A key finding is that educational options in Chicago that are designed expressly for court-involved youth who are…

Young offenders present many challenges to the juvenile justice system, the school system and the labor system as they transfer from residential commitment to their home communities. The challenges can be overwhelming, potentially creating a sense of hopelessness for the community and for the youth. In response to the need for appropriate academic…