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For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2007
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Jefferson City - A new national report found that the Missouri Division of Youth Services and Juvenile Court Detention Centers rank well above the national average in many categories pertaining to the educational success of delinquent youth. The report was issued by the National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent or At Risk (NDTAC).
“Missourians can be proud that state programs to benefit troubled youth have received national acclaim,” said Gov. Matt Blunt. “Our children are our state’s future and we are continuing efforts to provide opportunities for youth to succeed.”
The report shows that the 91% of Missouri youth in juvenile corrections or detention earned high school credits as compared to 46% nationally. 15% of these youth earned GED certificates as compared to 6% nationally. In addition, 85% show progress in reading and 73% show progress in math. Service coordinators with the Missouri DYS play a pivotal role in working with the youth, families and communities to successfully return 48% of students to school after treatment as compared to 12% nationally. All of this is achieved despite the fact that 32% of the students are identified as having an educational disability.
“Missouri’s nationally renowned juvenile justice programs focus on rehabilitation, helping young people become law abiding citizens that lead productive lives and contribute to society,” Division of Youth Services Director Tim Decker said. “Treatment and education go hand-in-hand producing results that far exceed the national averages for juvenile corrections and detention programs in academic performance and achievement.”
Upon entering the system, each youth’s educational strengths and needs are assessed as part of a rigorous and comprehensive planning process. Instruction is individualized through a learning plan developed with each student and family.
“One of our goals is for juvenile justice programs to promote and support successful transitions of youth from our care to further education or employment. This is a goal the Division of Youth Services has maintained since the development of our program and we are honored to be recognized for our achievements and success,” Decker said.
The states receive funding allocations each year from Title I, Part D of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) to improve education programs for youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk. This is the first performance report done by NDTAC to track the successes of the states who receive funds.
