Relationships Matter: The Role Transition Specialists Play in Youth’s Reentry From the Juvenile Justice System

Abstract

Increasing engagement to school, employment, and community are strong predictors of reducing recidivism for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. This study examined what occurs at reentry upon leaving a youth correctional setting. This study comprised of qualitative semi-structured interviews of transition specialists (TSs; n = 7) and young offenders (n = 8) who participated in a 4-year reentry project in the Pacific Northwest. A total of 21 (13 TS and eight youth) interviews were thematically coded. Findings from this study included the important role of the TS in supporting a youth’s school, family, and community reentry. Key themes are described around the services to support employment, school engagement, and independent living during a youth’s reentry into a school setting.