Education Services in Juvenile Corrections: 40 Years of Litigation and Reform

Children and youth in juvenile corrections have statutory rights to education services of comparable quality to those found in the public schools. However, during the past 40 years in many states, access to education services that meet state and federal requirements under IDEA and state regulations has been inconsistent and inadequate for youth in correctional institutions. In response, parents and advocates have sued state and local jurisdictions to ensure that children receive access to services. After reviewing the status of education in juvenile corrections and several cases challenging inadequate education services, this paper identifies promising developments and next steps in securing adequate education services for all incarcerated youth.