Education
The Probation Department’s Education Services Unit implemented a screening process for educational services for probation-involved youth. The screening process focuses upon youth on formal probation or participating in the DEJ program. After a court case concludes, the assigned probation officer generates an Education Services Screening referral which is received by the Supervising Probation Officer of the Education Services Unit. The referral is evaluated for assignment to one of three service agencies:
- Legal Advocates for Children and Youth (LACY) for legal representation related to the youth’s education;
- Project YEA! (Youth Educational Advocates) for advocacy, support, and guidance related to the students Special Education needs and educational planning;
- The National Center for Youth Law’s Justice Ed. Program. The goal of the Justice Ed. Program is for juvenile justice involved youth to have an Education Champion who, through the Justice Ed. Program, is supported in developing the advocacy, confidence, knowledge, and resources necessary to take an active and committed role in supporting youth as they navigate the education system. The focus is for natural supports to be identified and fostered for committed educational support beyond system involvement.
Additionally, the juvenile social worker in the Public Defender’s Office is able to assist with various school-based issues including but not limited to ensuring that a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is current, enrollment and credit recovery, advocating against suspensions or expulsions, etc. The social worker works closely with the youth’s attorney to help the youth meet their educational needs.