Facilitating Family Engagement in Juvenile Corrections

A close connection with family members and adult role models is a key factor in the success and development of all children. When children are at-risk or system involved, family engagement becomes even more critical. Research shows that strength-based, family-focused approaches result in better outcomes for kids who are involved in the justice system and for their families. Yet, retaining family involvement becomes challenging when youth are placed in correctional facilities. Lost connections can make transitions back into families, schools, and communities harder for young people. The Families as Partners Project, part of The Vera Institute of Justice (Vera), has been to enhance justice agencies' ability to serve families, which includes consistency in the family-focused approach between facilities and parole. Guests discuss the role of family engagement and case management, highlight different approaches that are being implemented across the country, and to share the experiences of those working closely with system-involved youth and families. Guests: Margaret diZerega, Director, Vera; Rebecca Garza, Family Liaison Coordinator; and Texas Juvenile Justice Department

Liane Rozzell, Executive Director, Families & Allies of Virginia's Youth