Academic Success of Youth in the Juvenile Legal System: Examining the Impact of School Transitions

• In Event: Learning Across Contexts

Abstract

Students adjudicated in juvenile courts need to make transitions between school and juvenile facilities that impact their education, making it difficult for them to meet high school graduation requirements. This study examined how high school students adjudicated in Maryland experienced these transitions and how these experiences impacted school completion. Data from in-depth interviews revealed: trauma was pervasive; home, school and community presented stress; and school completion was difficult due to academic breaks and barriers in transition. This study affirms the need for school districts and the juvenile legal system to eradicate learning gaps with trauma-informed and restorative justice practices. This study provides insight into changes for public schools and the juvenile legal system to counter the school-to-prison pipeline.

Authors

• Tia Ross, Retired

• Nisha Manikoth, Hood College