What comes next: detained youths’ perspectives on school reentry
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Formerly incarcerated youth often face disproportionately low school attendance and high dropout rates, yet little research centers their voices in understanding these outcomes. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven youth, aged 14 to 18, currently detained in hardware-secure facilities within the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS), and their plans for school reentry. The purpose was to examine internal and external factors that motivate or deter these youth from returning to school following their release from detention. Data were collected throughsemi-structured interviews to reflect participant perspectives. Major themes emerged including relationships with teachers and school staff, family influence, desire for social connection, and future aspirations. Positive relationships with school adults, peers, and supportive families motivated participants, while stigma, cultural disconnect, and strained peer relationships served as deterrents. Participants described school as a pathway to career and life stability, frequently connecting education with goals like college, trade work, or financial security. Every participant planned to earn a high school credential, though the reality of these plans post-release remains uncertain. Findings inform recommendations for schools, juvenile justice agencies, and future researchers. Emphasizing student voice and grounded in Positive Youth Development (PYD), this study highlights the need for restorative, relationship-centered practices that address barriers to reentry and foster belonging for justice-involved youth.
Description
2025