Working With Families of Children in the Juvenile Justice and Corrections Systems: A Guide for Education Program Leaders, Principals, and Building Administrators

Extensive research suggests that parent involvement programs improve student academic achievement and enhance educational programs for youth [1–4]. Family involvement in learning has been identified as the single most important determinant of success for at-risk children and youth [4,5] and can also be a critical element in the success of youth who are in placement or returning to school following placement. But for many institutions caring for these youth, effectively involving family members can be a challenge.

Working With Families of Children in the Juvenile Justice and Corrections System: A Guide for Education Program Leaders, Principals, and Building Administrators, has been developed to help institutions caring for youth who are neglected or delinquent build collaborations and support family participation to maximize educational experiences for youth in care, as well as during their transition back into the community.

This guide was developed under contract with the U.S. Department of Education, awarded to the American Institutes for Research (AIR) National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk (NDTAC). The guide was written by Trina Osher and Barbara Huff, with an introduction by Joyce Burrell. It is the first of several guides that will focus on involving families as students move in and out of institutional placements, with emphasis on varying issues and strategies based on different perspectives for all involved. Ultimately, NDTAC aims to produce valuable tools that improve educational outcomes for children who are neglected or delinquent. We hope this guide furthers that goal.

References

1. Fruchter, N., Galletta, A., & White, J. L. (1992). New directions in parent involvement. New York: Academy for Educational Development.
2. Rioux, J. W., & Berla, N.(1993). Innovations in parent and family involvement. Princeton, NJ: Eye on Education.
3. U.S. Department of Education. (1994). Strong Families, strong schools: Building community partnerships for learning (ED Publication No. 1994 - 381 - 888). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
4. Epstein, J. L. (1995). School/family/community partnerships: Caring for the children we share. Phi Delta Kappan, 76(9), 701-712.
5. Collins, C. H., Moles, O. C., & Cross, M. (1982).  The Home-School Connection: Selected Partnership Programs in Large Cities. Boston, MA: Institute for Responsive Education.

In the Spotlight
» Family Involvement in the Field

» NDTAC Technical Issue Brief: Family Involvement

» Strategies To Engage Families

Reading List
» Summaries of articles relevant to family and parental involvement

Events

» Webinar on the Family Involvement Guidebook. more »

Additional Resources

» Visit our Family Involvement Library Page to view additional resources on family involvement, including relevant strategies and models, presentations on the topic, and more.

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