Inmate Education Programs

 

Adult Inmate Education Program

The Yuma County Detention Center provides education programs for adult inmates to facilitate their transition into the community. We continue to make an effort to help inmates increase their knowledge and/or skills with educational services provided on the inmate's tablet. Other educational services provided by the Detention Center’s Education Program includes self-study screenings, informal assessments, and formal evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. All educational services and materials provided in this facility continue to be free of charge to inmates and their families.

The overall education services provided for adult inmates during 2024 can be summarized as follows:

  • A total of 365 educational requests were answered.
  • 6 inmates received special educational support as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
  • 1.5 high school credits were earned by adult inmates who received Special Education support.
  • 7.5 high school credits were earned by adult inmates who are General Education students close to completing their 22 credits.
  • 2 students were able to complete their high school credits and received a high school diploma in collaboration with their home school.
 

Juvenile Education

The Detention Center currently provides a mandated secondary school curriculum for all remanded juveniles in custody affording them the opportunity to continue earning high school credits and thereby easing their transition back into a public school and the community. In addition to this curriculum, the Education Department also provides an Arizona Department of Education approved “Merging Two Worlds” elective curriculum. This curriculum is geared towards secure care education and emphasizes the importance of setting goals and establishing a support system. The completion of the “Merging Two Worlds” curriculum can earn students up to 2 high school elective credits.

Juveniles are required to attend class daily and work on assigned subjects and/or materials. Curriculum plans are designed based on individual needs making a differentiation of instruction due to the fact that not all students need to work on the same subjects. Successful completion of course curricula with a passing grade earns high school credits. Our education program works in collaboration with the local high school district and charter schools to support juvenile inmates working toward earning their high school diploma while detained in the Yuma County Detention Center.

Our education program also provides individualized instruction and special education support to juvenile inmates who meet the criteria for special education. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are developed for these juveniles in order to provide special education services based on their individual needs. The Education Department creates lesson plans aligned to the state standards and provide additional instruction on a regular basis.

Educational services provided to juveniles in the Yuma County Detention Center during 2024 can be summarized as follows:

  • A total of 2 juvenile inmates received regular education services.
 

Inmate Education Funding

The Education Department received an Equalization Grant for fiscal year 2023/2024 in the amount of $33,449.56. In addition to covering a portion of the salaries for Education Specialists, this grant is used to supply juvenile and Special Education students with supplies, text books, and software technology.
 

For more information...

Contact the Detention Center Inmate Programs Office at (928) 539-7883. Back to Top