SC Department of Juvenile Justice | Giving Youth a Second Chance

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice's goal is to protect the public and reclaim juveniles through prevention, community programs, education, and rehabilitative services in the least restrictive environment  possible. They work toward that goal by providing a G.E.D program and work-study program, among other services. The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice also finds it very important to fight the stigma associated with students who are required to be a part of their school system.

Floyd Lyles, the Superintendent of Education says, "I really wanted to work with at-risk youth because I can see myself in a lot of our students and the way I grew up." He continues, "I think that our students have been traumitized with things that happened to them in their past, or mistakes that they've made, but it's really about creating a system where everyone feels welcome and they can be successful as well."

J. Michael Jacobs, a Math Teacher at the school district, says "Honestly, what I want people to know is: these kids, they're kids, they got caught, fine. They've been judged. It's not my job or anybody else's job to judge them once again. They're serving the penalty they've been given. We still need to give them a chance, and we want to give them the best shot we possibly can."