Each year, approximately 100,000 youth under the age of 18 leave secure residential facilities, including juvenile facilities, jails and prisons, following adjudication.  Many youth in the juvenile justice system struggle with educational deficiencies, mental illnesses, and substance abuse, and return to communities with high rates of crime and poverty and poorly performing schools. Youth who are released from institutional confinement are more likely to succeed if they have access to services that can help them thrive in a noninstitutional environment. Discharge planning, educational and vocational programs, housing assistance, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and life skills training can reduce recidivism and help youth build healthy, productive futures.

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