Education Advocates

The Education Advocates program, run by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, pairs education advocates with youth being released from both adult and juvenile detention facilities. Youth must agree to participate and will be assigned an advocate based on selection criteria that vary by local facility, but generally include risk of re-offending, school function, community/work function, social skills, substance/mental health risk, risk or threat to others, and strengths. Advocates work with students and their families to develop a re-entry plan and provide ongoing case management services. Advocates are directed to make contact with the youth within a week of the release date and to attempt to engage a parent or involved adult at least three times.