Getting out of South Carolina’s Juvenile Justice System : Education for Young Incarcerated Offenders

Abstract

Children are entering the juvenile justice system at alarming rates. Among the children entering the system, Black males are overrepresented. Education while incarcerated is critical since most children are already behind in basic skills. Children aspire to leave the system with credentials and educational or job opportunities. Many of them are wise enough to know that they need to change their environment to be successful; however, this is a challenge due to their lack of autonomy as minors. Until improvements to the juvenile justice system are made, recidivism rates will continue to be high. This volume explores the experiences of young people who are incarcerated in the South Carolina (SC) juvenile justice system. It highlights the overrepresentation of Black youth in the system. It focuses on the positive role that education can play in supporting young people to rebuild their lives.