Understanding the Challenges Faced by Justice-Involved Students
Students who have had involvement with the criminal justice system often face a unique set of challenges that can impact their academic success and overall well-being. These young people may have experienced incarceration, probation, or other forms of justice system involvement, which can lead to a range of collateral consequences that can hinder their educational progress.
One of the primary challenges faced by justice-involved students is the impact of their criminal records. Even minor offenses can result in barriers to accessing housing, employment, and other essential resources that are crucial for supporting their education and transition back into the community. This can create additional stress and anxiety, making it harder for them to focus on their studies and engage fully with the school community.
Furthermore, many justice-involved students may also struggle with underlying mental health or substance abuse issues that contributed to or resulted from their involvement with the justice system. These conditions can make it difficult for them to regularly attend classes, complete assignments, and manage the demands of their academic workload. Without proper support and intervention, these challenges can lead to poor academic performance, increased risk of dropping out, and further involvement with the criminal justice system.
Addressing the Unique Needs of Justice-Involved Students
To effectively support justice-involved students, schools must adopt a comprehensive and collaborative approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges these young people face. This can be achieved through the implementation of a medical-legal partnership (MLP), which brings together healthcare professionals, legal experts, and community resources to address the health-harming legal needs of this population.
Integrating Community Health Workers
A key component of an effective MLP for justice-involved students is the inclusion of community health workers (CHWs) who have personal experience with the criminal justice system. These individuals can serve as trusted intermediaries, building relationships with students and their families, and helping to navigate the complex web of legal, social, and healthcare services. Click here to learn more about the Transitions Clinic Network, which employs this model.
The CHWs can work closely with the school’s healthcare and legal teams to identify and address the specific needs of each student, whether it’s securing proper identification, advocating for the removal of outstanding warrants, or connecting them with mental health or substance abuse treatment services. By having this direct link to the community, the MLP can extend its reach beyond the school walls and provide more comprehensive support.
Addressing Criminal and Civil Legal Needs
In addition to the civil legal needs that are often the focus of traditional MLPs, such as housing, employment, and public benefits, the MLP should also be equipped to address the criminal legal needs of justice-involved students. This may include assisting with the expungement of criminal records, resolving outstanding warrants, or advocating for alternative sentencing options that prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
By addressing both the civil and criminal legal needs of these students, the MLP can help to mitigate the collateral consequences of justice system involvement and create a more supportive environment for academic success. The article from the Journal of Ethics provides valuable insights on how MLPs can innovate to address the full breadth of legal needs for this population.
Leveraging Policy Advocacy
Beyond individual case management, the MLP can also play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes that address the systemic barriers faced by justice-involved students. By identifying recurring issues and patterns in the students’ experiences, the MLP can work with the school, community partners, and policymakers to push for reforms that improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
For example, the MLP at the Transitions Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut, successfully advocated for a state law requiring the Department of Corrections to issue proper identification to all individuals leaving incarceration. This simple but impactful policy change can have far-reaching consequences, enabling justice-involved students to more easily access the resources and services they need to support their academic and personal goals.
Fostering a Supportive School Community
While the MLP serves as the cornerstone of the school’s efforts to support justice-involved students, it is essential to create a broader culture of understanding and acceptance within the school community. This can be achieved through student and staff education, the implementation of restorative justice practices, and the promotion of trauma-informed approaches to discipline and support.
By fostering a school environment that recognizes the unique challenges faced by justice-involved students and responds with empathy and understanding, the school can help to break down the stigma and isolation that these young people often experience. This, in turn, can create a more inclusive and supportive learning community that empowers all students to thrive.
Conclusion
Addressing the needs of justice-involved students requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that goes beyond traditional academic support. By implementing a medical-legal partnership that integrates community health workers, addresses both civil and criminal legal needs, and leverages policy advocacy, schools can create a more equitable and supportive environment for these resilient young people.
At Stanley Park High School, we are committed to ensuring that all of our students, regardless of their background or experiences, have the resources and support they need to succeed. Through the implementation of our MLP and a school-wide focus on fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, we are dedicated to helping justice-involved students overcome the obstacles they face and unlock their full potential.
