K-12 students who are impacted by the justice system — particularly those in residential placement — face barriers related to a lack of coordination between state agencies, inadequate access to high-quality educational experiences and disjointed re-entry practices. States are uniquely able to address these barriers in a comprehensive way that ensures all students receive the services and supports they need to set them up for success in the system and life outside of detainment.
Research shows youth who achieve higher levels of education while in residential placement are more likely to have positive outcomes upon release, yet many of their needs are not identified or addressed.
Dive into this Policy Brief for information on policies that address these critical barriers across the entire continuum of youths’ education experience to best support them.
Interested in learning more?
Read more resources from our 2023-25 Chair’s Initiative on Education Access for Justice-Impacted Individuals. For information about financial aid barriers for students impacted by the justice system, explore our one-page Policy Outline and updated 50-State Comparison on the topic.
Also, check out our one-page Policy Outline on state policies to support students impacted by the justice system.
