Legislation sponsored by State Reps. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) and Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) to prevent children in juvenile detention from falling behind in their studies is a step closer to becoming law.
Senate Enrolled Act 29 would require schools to provide learning materials to a detained child upon request from the child’s parents or juvenile detention facility until they complete their sentence or the school is requested to stop.
Goodrich
Cook
“Access to education is one of the most important factors in a child’s life,” Cook said. “When a young person does not have the opportunity to learn or better themselves, we are allowing them to fall behind their peers. By providing incarcerated students with the same material others are learning in school, we can prevent potential setbacks to their education caused by juvenile detention.”
The proposal would allow students to contact teachers with questions on the material, and students would be required to complete all materials on time to receive full credit from the school. The bill would also provide alternative education methods, including virtual schools, to expelled students.
“In many cases, the material a student learns in school can help them discover their passion and even lead to a career,” Goodrich said. “Even if a child is incarcerated, they still deserve this opportunity. Encouraging kids to continue their education could help lower the number of repeat offenders and set them on the right path.”
Senate Enrolled Act 29 was supported by the House and Senate and is now eligible for further action by the governor. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.