Oregon

This policy brief discusses four state approaches to reentry programs for students with disabilities in the juvenile justice system. The publication provides an overview and background about reentry and explains federal supports to support successful reentry. The purpose of reentry programs and recommended reentry strategies are discussed. Case specific examples of reentry programs in Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, and Oregon are highlighted.

Project SUPPORT (Service Utilization to Promote Positive Outcomes in Rehabilitation and Transition for Adjudicated Youth with Disabilities) is designed to assist youth with disabilities who have been released from Oregon Youth Authority custody in returning home and enrolling in school or finding employment. The primary goals of the program are to increase school enrollment and/or employment and decrease recidivism. The program consists of three phases: first, in the in-facility phase, a transition specialist works with an incarcerated youth to define goals and develop a transition plan.

The ORVSD is a program led by Oregon Department of Education that, in partnership with virtual learning providers throughout the state, provides access to online learning and teaching resources free of charge to the public school teachers of Oregon. The ODE and the Oregon Youth Authority brought the ORVSD to juvenile correctional facilities in 2013, providing valuable career preparation courses and opportunities to develop professional skills.