Date of Award
Spring 1-2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Sherry DeVore
Second Advisor
Dr. Terry Reid
Third Advisor
Dr. Kim Fitzpatrick
Abstract
The focus of this study was to determine the characteristics of successful re-entry programs for youth as they transition back into the educational mainstream. The study was also used to determine the implementation needed for effective inter-agency coordination of social service systems for students to successfully transition into the educational setting. The NCLB accountability measures were reviewed to discover how the measures influenced educators and created a reluctance to accept delinquent youth when they re-enter public school. The three overarching questions addressed in this study were: What inter-agency involvement is necessary in implementing a successful re-entry program? What are the characteristics of successful school re-entry programs for juvenile delinquents as they transition back into the public school setting? Due to the pressures of NCLB accountability measures, what are the reasons educators are reluctant to accept delinquent youth back into the educational mainstream? This study yielded findings showing few schools had few schools had a transition plan in place. Transition data results revealed the process for schools and juvenile officers differ from that of Division of Youth Services (DYS), with DYS having more proactive transition planning protocols. Inter-agency involvement is necessary for successful re-entry plans and involves transition planning, positive parental involvement, increased inter-agency coordination, and positive relationships. This research study also revealed that successful re-entry programs involve consistent communication, progress monitoring, provide protective factors, parent involvement, meet individual needs of students, and provide positive connections. Schools and various agencies must strive to improve inter-agency coordination and collaboration practices.
Recommended Citation
Gordon, Robyn Beth, "Inter-agency Coordination: The Key to Successfully Transition Juvenile Offenders Back into the Educational Mainstream" (2013). Dissertations. 456.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/dissertations/456
Rights
Copyright 2013