Quality & Results
Evidence Based Practices (EBP) in the field of corrections has been gaining momentum over the last several years, especially as it relates to making informed and strategic decisions for system involved youth that decrease their incarceration and recidivism rates. EBP principals require effectively addressing the risk, needs, and responsitivity (unique characteristics) of each youth on probation.
Access to relevant books play an essential role in the responsitivity factor of EBP - by not only promoting literacy and school connectedness, but also allowing justice-involved youth to choose and read books that have relevance and meaning to them. This individual choice enables them to build their confidence and competencies not only in reading, but also in subjects that support their stabilization, self-efficacy, and resiliency.
In the course of her career:
100% of Reluctant Readers reading more than they ever have and willing to read new and different books
100% students meet an author they can relate to live and in person; 81% had never done so before
91% of students improve their reading by at least two grade levels in school age volunteer tutoring program
3 out of 4 grant programs implemented now fully funded into the system
Before library services and programming began in the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center a survey was taken of the youth. Within one year, the same survey was done. The results:
2001 68% of the students said there were not any good books to read at the Center.
2002 This figure dropped to 5%.
2001 33% said they did not like to read.
2002 Only 3% made this claim.
2001 87.5% said it was not easy to get books to read at the Center.
2002 Only 6% report this.
2001 81% had never heard a published author speak before incarceration.
2002 After an author visit, a full 60% wanted to read more books by the authors they had seen, and 63% said they learned something from the visit.