Alternative Transitions - HB 2184

For a child returning to school following a disciplinary placement in the judicial system, the transition from one facility to another can be fraught. There are a variety of factors that must be addressed if young people are to successfully return to schools. Through collaboration and planning, administrators serving transitioning youth can prepare students, from entry through discharge, for their return to their home-based school, enabling them to resume educational services successfully — and lowering their recidivism chances.

House Bill 2184 by Rep. Alma Allen creates a pathway back to school for justice-involved youth. The legislation requires school districts to coordinate the student's transition to a regular classroom through the creation of individualized transition plans.

The campus administrator must begin coordinating the student's transition, including the creation of a transition plan, within five instructional days following a youth's release from a disciplinary alternative education program, a juvenile justice alternative education program, a residential program or facility operated by-or-under contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, a juvenile board, or any other governmental entity. The transition plan must be created prioritizing the student's academic success and may include provisions of counseling, behavioral management assistance, or academic assistance. The plan may provide access to community mental health or substance abuse services. Parents will be included, if possible.

HB 2184 will have little fiscal impact on the State, yet has the potential to accomplish something significant. This measure will help ease the transition for troubled youth back into the school environment.

The measure passed the House 123-21, and the Senate 31-0.