A report from Advocates for Children of New York looks at education for youths in NYC juvenile detention centers. City data show many students enter these programs with learning difficulties and may not get enough support. At Passages Academy, a program for court-involved youth, over 60% of students are Black, and nearly half have a disability, higher than in regular schools.
Problems with education for detained youth are ongoing, with many students facing significant gaps in support. Gothamist reports that students often return home without stable school placements, and the transition process is inconsistent. Rohini Singh of Advocates for Children’s School Justice Project noted that court-involved youth have needs that are not being fully met, including challenges in reconnecting with schools after release.
Special education services are also a concern. Data from the past two school years show that more than one in six students with disabilities did not receive their required Special Education Plan within 30 days of enrollment. According to Gothamist, overcrowding in secure facilities has led to classrooms being used as dorms, reducing access to education.
For English Language Learners, the situation is also concerning. As per Chalkbeat, nearly a quarter of these students did not receive English as a New Language instruction while in custody. Access to mental health services is limited, even though they are needed for students with emotional or behavioral challenges. Advocates for Children are calling on the city to provide better support for all students.
The responsibility for these issues lies with both the Department of Education and the Administration for Children’s Services. Both agencies have acknowledged gaps and plan to expand support services. An Education Department spokesperson, Onika Richards, said they take these concerns seriously and are working on initiatives to improve conditions.
