ABSTRACT

Poor educational outcomes are the result of lacking prevention and intervention services among agencies and schools working with youth. Lack of prevention for child welfare youth occurs because best interest determinations are not considered consistently in the start of a case nor with each residential or facility move. This lack of prevention and intervention can potentially contribute to a child welfare youth becoming involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly if the youth disengages from school. Cross-agency coordination and collaboration are key elements to preventing undue consequences for the youth while they are involved with system interventions. Agencies have an opportunity to improve graduation rates among academically disadvantaged youth involved in juvenile justice by providing appropriate educational planning and supports, which aids in preparing the youth for leading productive adult lives. When educational planning is on the forefront of a case, workers can quickly identify any necessary academic support upon transition at monthly staffing meetings throughout youth placement.