Juvenile Justice System Students: A Social Justice Advocacy Approach for School Counselors

Abstract

School counseling is often absent in discussions concerning students in the juvenile justice system. However, school counselors are uniquely positioned to play a vital role in the successful reentry of these students back into the school setting. Working from a social justice advocacy perspective, school counselors can work within the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model in addressing the needs of juvenile justice students. This article explores the literature on juvenile justice system students and highlights broad strategies for school counselors intervening at the client/student level using the American Counseling Association (ACA) Advocacy Competencies as a guide. Roles and responsibilities for school counselors are examined along with implications for school counselors, counselor educators, and future research.