Yes, incarcerated youth are entitled to an education in the US
autside.substack.com
A recent article outlines a heartbreaking situation in Washington D.C. Incarcerated youth, entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE), were denied special education services following the COVID pandemic. It seems the authorities simply ignored IEPs, dropped off worksheets for the students whenever the felt like it, and offered zero supports. Three of those kids just won a lawsuit over the issue.
IDEA, a federal law, requires D.C. to provide incarcerated residents with special education services in accordance with their individualized education programs, or IEPs. Beyond just classes or coursework, IEPs often involve individualized therapy like occupational therapy, speech or language therapy, or post-secondary counseling that helps students plan for the rest of their lives — all of which students at the D.C. Jail went without for over a year.
Being an incarcerated teenager with special needs and an unsupported IEP would likely be very challenging. These young people likely feel frustrated and isolated being in an environment that is not designed to support their learning differences. They may act out behaviourally due to this frustration, which could lead to further disciplinary action instead of receiving the academic and emotional support they need. However, every child and situation is unique. With proper resources, training for staff, access to counselors and special education specialists, and a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach, incarcerated teens with special needs can still succeed educationally and emotionally. Society owes these vulnerable youth the chance to learn, grow and redeem themselves despite their circumstances. Providing appropriate educational support in juvenile detention facilities can set them on a better path for the future.
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Yes, incarcerated youth are entitled to an education in the US
Yes, incarcerated youth are entitled to an education in the US
Yes, incarcerated youth are entitled to an education in the US
A recent article outlines a heartbreaking situation in Washington D.C. Incarcerated youth, entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE), were denied special education services following the COVID pandemic. It seems the authorities simply ignored IEPs, dropped off worksheets for the students whenever the felt like it, and offered zero supports. Three of those kids just won a lawsuit over the issue.
Being an incarcerated teenager with special needs and an unsupported IEP would likely be very challenging. These young people likely feel frustrated and isolated being in an environment that is not designed to support their learning differences. They may act out behaviourally due to this frustration, which could lead to further disciplinary action instead of receiving the academic and emotional support they need. However, every child and situation is unique. With proper resources, training for staff, access to counselors and special education specialists, and a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach, incarcerated teens with special needs can still succeed educationally and emotionally. Society owes these vulnerable youth the chance to learn, grow and redeem themselves despite their circumstances. Providing appropriate educational support in juvenile detention facilities can set them on a better path for the future.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To receive support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.