An Overlooked Population: Systematic Review of Transition Programs for Youth with Disabilities in Correctional Facilities

Students with disabilities represent a large proportion of the population of juveniles serving sentences in correctional facilities. Transition planning is often neglected during incarceration, which is particularly concerning as youth with disabilities are at increased risk of recidivism. As such, the current systematic review proposes to synthesize the extant research on transition programs that support incarcerated youth with disabilities in preparing for reentry into school or community settings. This report aims to answer two research questions: (1) What types of transition programs have been studied for youth with disabilities in correctional facilities? and (2) What are the common findings related to transition-related outcomes for youth with disabilities participating in transition programs in correctional facilities? A comprehensive search of the research published since 1990 yielded seven studies that met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest potential directions for development of programs that increase likelihood of success post-incarceration. The dearth of research on this topic is concerning as youth with disabilities are already at risk for school failure and negative adjustment, and are clearly an overlooked population within the juvenile justice system.