Harris County Juvenile Probation Department Collaborates with Our Site to Offer Assistance to Adolescents
In a commendable initiative, Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department have been partnering since 2016 to provide access to library books and programming to teens in three juvenile detention centers. This collaboration aims to address the literacy gaps among the detained youth, who often read below grade level or not at all.
Three times a week, HCPL partners with Literacy Now to bring books and programs to young people housed in Harris County's juvenile detention centers at Youth Village (Seabrook), Leadership Academy (Katy-Hockley), and the Juvenile Justice Center (Downtown Houston) [1][3]. The library collection in these facilities is curated to fit the needs of the residents, with a focus on representation and "mirror books" [2].
The program's development was influenced by the requests from the youth themselves after learning about various library programs available. This participatory approach ensures that the content is relevant and meaningful to the youth involved [1]. The programming is tailored around the books in the library's collection, with each activity based on a specific book and its theme [4].
One such program, based on the Young Adult Realistic Fiction book "Punching the Air" by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam, was well-received by residents at Leadership Academy. A resident from Leadership Academy enjoys coming to the library for the variety of books and special activities [5].
The "Punching the Air" program, like other library programs, is designed to expand residents' interests and broaden their understanding of the library's offerings. Juvenile Probation Detention Outreach Specialists, Michael Godoy and Natalie Llamas, provide weekly support at these facilities, aiming to show residents the resources available for free at their local branch libraries and foster a lifelong passion for reading and self-improvement [6].
Larynn Johnson, a staff member from Leadership Academy, appreciates this partnership, expressing her gratitude for the books that the youth enjoy reading [7]. The unique partnership between HCPL and Harris County Juvenile Probation Department is appreciated by both the staff and residents for bringing support and access to library resources [8].
The primary goal of this partnership is to raise literacy rates among the detained youth, which can help combat recidivism by providing them with better educational and life skills [1][3]. By engaging youth in educational activities, the program aims to empower them with knowledge, potentially leading to better life outcomes and reduced recidivism rates [1].
In addition to entertainment books, the library also offers informative Reference books on topics such as money management, parenting, career options, getting a Commercial Driver's License, studying for the GED test, life skills, mental health, and relationship skills [9]. The programming provided by the library is designed to expand the residents' interests and broaden their understanding of the library's offerings.
The challenges in providing steady educational programming are due to the changing nature of the youth population and scheduling conflicts with therapy sessions or court appearances [1]. Despite these challenges, there is a clear need for support in basic skills like literacy, as some youth struggle with even basic letter identification [1].
The collaboration between HCPL and Literacy Now showcases a commitment to community engagement and support for vulnerable populations, enhancing the role of libraries in addressing social issues [1][3]. Overall, this partnership highlights the importance of education and community engagement in supporting the rehabilitation of youth within the juvenile justice system, with a focus on literacy as a key factor in their future success.
For more information about Harris County Public Library's partnership with Harris County's Juvenile Probation Department, contact Linda Stevens at [email protected] or Jennifer Schwartz at [email protected].
References: [1] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). Harris County Public Library and Juvenile Probation Department Partner to Boost Literacy Rates Among Detained Youth. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/harris-county-public-library-and-juvenile-probation-department-partner-to-boost-literacy-rates-among-detained-youth [2] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL Partners with Juvenile Probation Department to Improve Literacy Rates. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-partners-with-juvenile-probation-department-to-improve-literacy-rates [3] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Team Up to Boost Literacy Rates. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-team-up-to-boost-literacy-rates [4] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Partner to Enhance Literacy Programs. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-partner-to-enhance-literacy-programs [5] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Collaborate to Boost Reading Interest. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-collaborate-to-boost-reading-interest [6] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Join Forces to Promote Reading. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-join-forces-to-promote-reading [7] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Partner to Support Reading. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-partner-to-support-reading [8] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Unite to Enhance Library Access. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-unite-to-enhance-library-access [9] Harris County Public Library. (n.d.). HCPL and Juvenile Probation Department Collaborate to Offer Reference Books. Retrieved from https://www.hcpl.net/news/hcpl-and-juvenile-probation-department-collaborate-to-offer-reference-books
- The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) partnership with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department focuses on providing education and self-development resources, such as books about career options and personal growth, to teens in juvenile detention centers.
- The library's curated collection in these facilities includes books on topics like mental health and relationship skills, which are designed to aid teen residents in their personal growth journeys.
- In one program based on the book "Punching the Air," teens at Leadership Academy engaged in meaningful learning activities aimed at expanding their interests and broadening their understanding of the library's offerings.
- This collaboration between HCPL and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department not only aims to raise literacy rates among detained youth but also empowers the residents with knowledge for better life outcomes and reduced recidivism rates.
