National

A Reentry Myth Buster, authored by the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, is a fact sheet intending to clearly explain federal policies that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. This document dispels the myth that an individual with a criminal record cannot receive student financial aid. In fact, “Individuals who are currently incarcerated in a federal, state, or local correctional institution have some limited eligibility for federal student aid.

Reentry MythBuster About Education Technology in Juvenile Facilities: Many Juvenile Correctional Facilities Have Successfully Integrated Technology to Broaden Educational Programming

A Reentry Myth Buster, authored by the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, is a fact sheet intending to clearly explain federal policies that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. This document dispels the myth that juvenile justice facilities must compromise security and safety to expand youth access to technology.

Reentry MythBuster About Youth Access to Education Upon Reentry: Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System Face Many Barriers that Reduce their Access to Education

A Reentry Myth Buster, authored by the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, is a fact sheet intending to clearly explain federal policies that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. This document dispels the myth that confined youth easily re-enroll in school after being released from a juvenile justice facility.

Reentry Mythbusters

A Reentry MythBuster, authored by the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, is a fact sheet intending to clearly explain federal policies that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. This webpage housed by the Council of State Governments Justice Center provides links to the various MythBuster fact sheets separated by topics. Topics include employment, housing, health, education, juveniles and reentry, access to federal benefits, additional MythBusters, and children of incarcerated parents.

Reentry MythBuster About Student Records: FERPA Allows Educational Institutions and Agencies to Disclose Student’s Education Records

A Reentry Myth Buster, authored by the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, is a fact sheet intending to clearly explain federal policies that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. This document dispels the myth that student education information can never be shared with juvenile justice agencies. In fact, “FERPA allows educational institutions and agencies to disclose student’s education records, without parental consent, as long as certain conditions are met.” The guide explains the intricacies of the policy and provides additional resources.

U.S. Department of Education Toolkit for Youth Transitioning from Juvenile Justice Facilities

This is a toolkit for youth reentering the community from juvenile justice facilities. It explains the process of school re-enrollment and the action steps the youth should take when going back to school. The packet includes resources like a roadmap of juvenile detention to re-enrollment, school choice, re-enrollment checklist, helpful community resources and organizations, civil rights complaint process, daily planner, character reference and record release templates, and a student bill of rights.

Toolkit for State Educational Agencies to Improve Outcomes for Youth With Disabilities in Juvenile Corrections

This website provides materials to help state educational agencies (SEAs) and correctional facilities ensure justice-involved youth access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

The Correctional Education Association

The Correctional Education Association (CEA) strives “to be the leading professional organization for educators in criminal and/or juvenile justice settings.” The CEA website provides resources, an education database, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the CEA holds an annual international conference and training event. People can join the association to receive updates about upcoming events, available programming, and new journal articles.

Resources to Provide Beneficial Transition Services to Youth Reentering the Community from Juvenile Justice Facilities

This Dear Colleague letter emphasizes the importance in providing transition services for youth reentering the public school setting after being released from a juvenile justice facility. Research has demonstrated that “successful transition services can increase the likelihood of high school graduation and reduce recidivism for justice-involved youth.” This document provides names and links for guidance and technical assistance materials that will help community leaders provide effective transition assistance to youth reentering the community.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Correctional Education Page

The U.S. Department of Education through the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education explains the importance of correctional education in juvenile justice facilities, prisons, jails, and detention centers. This website explains federal grant programs and lists Improved Reentry Education sites that have been awarded funding. The site also provides grant abstracts to demonstrate innovative curricula, material for implementing reentry education, contact information, and links to general resources with information about correctional education.