What would help formerly incarcerated youth finish school? More support and accountability, experts say.
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. Students returning to their communities after serving time in juvenile facilities often require extra support to make it to graduation. A panel hosted by Chalkbeat Philadelphia this week focused on…
Support and accountability are key factors in helping formerly incarcerated youth succeed in finishing their education, according to experts. A recent panel discussion on Chalkbeat Philadelphia explored ways to enhance support for these students, who often face unique challenges upon re-entering society. A major focus was Act 1 of 2022, a Pennsylvania law aimed at improving "educational stability" for justice-involved youth, foster care, and homeless students.
The law entitles eligible students to a school contact to ensure coursework completed behind bars is recognized upon their return, but issues with transcript transfers and document management persist, making it difficult for students to stay motivated to graduate. Michael Welch, an education attorney for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of education in reducing recidivism and improving community safety.
He pushed for the School District of Philadelphia to comply with the law and called for local judges to enforce it. Thaddeus Parker of the McClain Foundation and Philadelphia Department of Public Health agreed that better oversight and awareness of Act 1 could boost outcomes for these students. Parker highlighted the need for a more person-centered approach, as many formerly incarcerated youth come from unstable home environments and rely heavily on guardians to help them navigate back to school.
The panel also suggested solutions like district-wide training, the city's Office of the Youth Ombudsman, and Act 1 Graduation Plans for every eligible student.
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