E. Transition from Incarceration



To prevent relapse, juveniles with disabilities coming out of incarceration need ongoing care.  The court can ask whether those involved with the juvenile, such as family, employers, and teachers, understand the juvenile’s disability-related needs and can provide support to help the juvenile transition back into the community.
















Reference


Reference


Reference
1. Best Practices for Transition

The following are some best practices for transition.
  • Help a juvenile in a community setting practice new behaviors in increasingly difficult situations, with staff support at first, then gradually with less monitoring.
  • Prepare a transition plan with possible hazards for relapse and ways to overcome these; this could include specifically planning what the juvenile will do every day for the first two weeks after release.
  • Continue with family and service providers.
  • Train family and others how to provide reinforcement for positive behavior.
  • Schedule booster sessions with care providers.
  • Gather and transfer records of credits earned in the correctional setting.
  • In developing a new IEP for the school setting, discuss and clarify guidelines about rules and school expectations, including modifications and coping skills.
  • If there are mental health or emotional disturbance issues, be sure juveniles reconnect with the education system and are provided with proper intervention and support.


20 U.S.C. § 6438(a)(1) & (2) (2002)
2.  Transition Under NCLB

The state agency must reserve a certain portion of funds granted by NCLB for transition services. These services facilitate transition of institutionalized children and youth, including incarcerated youths, to local schools or to postsecondary education or vocational and technical training programs. 

20 U.S.C. §6438(2)(C)(i) through (u).
The agency provides essential support services, such as counseling, job and educational placement services, and assistance obtaining financial aid.

20 U.S.C. § 6455(1) and (2) (2002).
Correctional facilities receiving funds under NCLB are required, where feasible, to coordinate educational programs with a student’s home school, particularly with respect to an IEP , so it should notify the local school if special education services are needed. 

20 U.S.C. § 6455(3).
Transition assistance to help a juvenile stay in school includes “coordination of services for the family, counseling, assistance in accessing drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, tutoring, and family counseling.”