Libraries, Literacy & Positive Youth Development
The Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention estimates that the reading level of incarcerated youth nationally is fourth grade. According to the national nonprofit group America’s Promise, determining how many beds will be needed for prison facilities is obtained by examining the reading scores of 3rd graders.
We also know that free and independent reading has been identified as the number one factor in increasing literacy levels. Jennifer Sweeney in her book Literacy: A Way Out for At-Risk Youth (2012) further identifies that reading assists at-risk youth in:
In order to assist each site with this fundamental of positive youth development – providing the best services and books for students in the detention or school setting - Amy Cheney & Associates conduct site visits or provide Sykpe/Phone Interviews.
Services include and are not limited to:
We also know that free and independent reading has been identified as the number one factor in increasing literacy levels. Jennifer Sweeney in her book Literacy: A Way Out for At-Risk Youth (2012) further identifies that reading assists at-risk youth in:
- developing and improving consequential thinking/decision making
- preparing for success
- increasing life skills
- exercising freedom of choice
In order to assist each site with this fundamental of positive youth development – providing the best services and books for students in the detention or school setting - Amy Cheney & Associates conduct site visits or provide Sykpe/Phone Interviews.
Services include and are not limited to:
- Assessment of current services and book collections based on national standards and best practices
- Implementing best practices for libraries/books in Juvenile Detention facilities
- Best books for reluctant readers (95% of youth in detention are fundamentally reluctant readers)
- Collection Development assistance for libraries already in existence, measuring if 7 informational needs are being met
- Opening day collections for facilities without current library in place
- Library improvements or library implementation plan, measuring if 3 core needs of youth are being met
- Recommendations for community partnerships around books, reading and literacy
- Training opportunities for administration and staff around books and literacy
- Outcome measures and evaluation
- Planning for sustainability