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Fact to Face: Video Conferencing Creates Opportunities for Incarcerated Youth

NCJ Number
188633
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 29-31
Author(s)
Cathy Gilham; Barbara A. Moody
Editor(s)
Carolyn Eggleston
Date Published
March 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the Oregon Youth Corrections Education Program video conferencing system offering a successful and affordable communication connection between corrections schools and public schools.
Abstract
The successful transition for youth returning to their homes, schools, and communities after incarceration requires effective communication to bridge the distance between confinement and the outside world. Video conferencing is an effective two-way strategy to connect incarcerated youth with their communities. At the Robert Farrell School in Oregon (serving girls incarcerated at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility), a video conferencing system was developed using desktop computers, Quick cams and the Internet to bridge the distance between students and community partners. Students use the system as part of their educational and pre-employment curriculum, and transition planning. Through the program students develop resources, support and skills to be used when they re-enter their communities. It can be inexpensive, easy to use, and require minimal equipment and training. The program lays a foundation for further study into the applications of video conferencing as a distance learning methodology for juvenile corrections education in Oregon.