Converging and Diverging Service Delivery Systems in Alternative Education Programs for Disabled and Non-Disabled Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System

This study is part of a directed research project funded by the Office of Special Education Programs. Using qualitative research methods, consisting of interviews and participant observations, the policies and procedures of three alternative education programs in various settings were investigated. These programs served youth with and without disabilities who were and were not involved in the juvenile justice system. The programs and participants were purposefully selected to delineate converging and diverging activities. Through flexible policies and procedures, the programs assisted youth in being connected to nearly all social services they needed. This included unique relationships with juvenile justice officials. The authors suggest that in order to hold alternative education program accountable, more oversight and more outcomes-based research is needed.