Strengthening Education in Juvenile Detention Centers

OJJDP's Field-Initiated Research and Evaluation (FIRE) program supports methodologically rigorous research and evaluation studies that inform policy and practice consistent with the Department of Justice's mission. OJJDP is focusing this year's FIRE program solicitation on funding studies of school-based practices, environment, and achievement that relate to reducing student victimization and the risk of delinquency. The goal of this year's FIRE program is to foster new and ongoing rigorous, scientific research and evaluation that has practical applications for the development of effective school programs, policies, and strategies that will foster positive youth development and reduce the risk of victimization and delinquency. This program is authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-55, 125 Stat. 552, 617, and 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5631.

The Center for Strong Communities and Schools at UW-Tacoma and its partners propose the following evaluation research study: Strengthening Education in Juvenile Detention Centers. The purpose is to investigate the accessibility of quality education by youth involved in the juvenile justice system, specifically educational availability in short-term detention facilities. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of educational curriculum and instructional practices within the juvenile detention centers in Washington State in an effort to inform and improve policies and practices. Currently, curriculums and instructional practices are not standardized and some programs struggle to deliver the most basic educational services. A strong research base exists on best practices within long-term settings; however, there is a dearth of literature pertaining effective practices in short-term facilities. Therefore, it is imperative to fully assess the educational processes and practices in these settings and to develop a standardized evidence-based practice. CA/NCF