WINTER 2001
Thoughtful, knowledgeable, and
effective educators for a diverse society
WINTER 2001
Thoughtful, knowledgeable, and
effective educators for a diverse society
Howell Assists Youth Law Center
Ken
Howell, faculty in Special Education, has been working with the Youth
Law Center for several years on a federal class action suit (Nick O.
v. Terhune) challenging the failure of the California Youth Authority
(CYA) to provide appropriate special education and related services
to youth confined in its facilities. A judgment was entered in which
the CYA agreed to ensure that all class members would be provided
with a free, appropriate public education, including special
education and related services, in the least restrictive environment
consistent with their unique needs. The judgment was intended to
ensure CYA compliance with federal and state laws.
Ken's responsibility has been to help monitor the 15 separate institutions and 8,000 incarcerated juveniles throughout California to assure the recognition of disabled students and to ensure that appropriate services are provided. Although roughly 30% of the incarcerated juveniles have a recognizable disability, only about 8% were being appropriately served before the Youth Law Center and the courts intervened.
The CYA has subsequently hired approximately 200 new teachers, school psychologists and educational administrators. However, because of ongoing concerns about compliance with the terms of the settlement, particularly the provision of special education services to youth in lockdown units, Ken and the Youth Law Center continue to closely monitor the terms of the settlement.
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