Strategies, Models, and Innovations

Tools for Promoting Educational Success and Reducing Delinquency

Produced by a project called the JJ/SE Shared Agenda, this document presents best practices, promising practices, and emerging practices for promoting the educational success of youth, from preschool to adulthood, who have or are at risk of developing disabilities.

Building Bridges Toward Science Careers for Youth with Disabilities (April 2004)

This brief by the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) outlines the results of a research project designed to (a) create a model facilitating greater access for students with disabilities to postsecondary education and careers in science and technology, and (b) investigate issues related to the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities. The researchers gathered information to promote a seamless transition for high school students with disabilities to math, science, engineering, and technology education at community colleges.

Students with Disabilities who Drop Out of School: Implications for Policy and Practice (July 2002)

Using research-based information, this NCSET brief defines the problem of an unacceptably high dropout rate for students with disabilities and articulates proven intervention strategies. The brief also examines new school accountability policies and stiffer promotion and graduation requirements.

Youth with Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System: Prevention and Intervention Strategies (February 2005)

This NCSET brief provides proactive solutions to problems faced by all youth, including those with disabilities, involved in the juvenile justice system. In particular, the brief focuses on the models of restorative justice and wraparound services. Information on additional resources is also provided.

Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability in Day Treatment and Residential Schools

This study examines how day treatment and residential schools for elementary-age students with emotional and/or behavior disorders implemented policies related to new amendements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).

Further Reading

Juvenile Justice and Students with Disabilities: State Infrastructure and Initiatives.

At least 37% of incarcerated youth are eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, compared with less than nine percent of the overall public school population. This In-Brief Policy Analysis describes state infrastructures and initiatives for serving students with disabilities who are already in the juvenile justice system or at risk for entering the system.

Teaching Social Skills, October 2004 (PDF)

This brief by the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) outlines the importance of social skills education for youth with disabilities, identifies specific skills needed by youth, provides guidance for choosing and implementing social skills programs, and offers information about creating a positive school climate that fosters the development of social skills.

Addressing the Needs of Youth With Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System: The Current Status of Evidence-Based Research

This report by the National Council on Disability (NCD) summarizes and assesses the existing research on children and adolescent youth with disabilities who are at risk of delinquency or have already entered the juvenile justice system. The report aims to inform policy discussions among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.

Corrections and Juvenile Justice, Current Education Practice for Youth With Learning and Other Disabilities

This monograph, one in a series highlighting issues of youth with disabilities and their involvement with the juvenile justice system, focuses on some of the educational services provided to youth with learning disabilities.

Addressing Invisible Barriers: Improving Outcomes for Youth With Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System

This monograph introduces a series on youth with cognitive and behavioral disabilities in the juvenile justice system. Divided into four main sections, it discusses the importance of prevention and early intervention, details specific disabilities at-risk youth often face, and explores youths' experiences within the juvenile justice system. The monograph also introduces six other monographs within the series.

NCSET Topic on Juvenile Justice: Frequently Asked Questions

This list of FAQs discusses the supports youth with disabilties need as they engage in the juvenile justice process, the ways to prevent youth with disabilties from entering the correctional system, how to ensure that youth with disabilities have access to appropriate special education services during incarceration, and how to design effective and appropriate transition plans for their re-entry into the community.

Youth With Disabilities in Juvenile Corrections: A National Survey

Improving our knowledge of the number of incarcerated youth with disabilities can assist educators, other professionals, and policymakers to develop more effective services for youth. This article reports the findings of a national survey conducted to determine the number of youth identified as having disabilities in the juvenile corrections systems in the United States.