A lack of information sharing results in wasted law enforcement effort, a failure to target appropriate offenders, and fragmentation and duplication of services as service providers must then formulate treatment plans from a limited perspective. Information sharing between service agencies provides a broader perspective and results in more comprehensive assessments for the development of effective service strategies. Schools are an indispensable partner when agencies within a jurisdiction come together to implement a juvenile justice plan. When juveniles violate the law, the juvenile justice system is likely to place youths back into school as a condition of probation. Given this knowledge, educators can provide counseling and assistance to preadjudicated juveniles and contribute their expertise to the efforts of the juvenile justice system to effectively treat adjudicated offenders.
Schools can also supply valuable information to juvenile justice agencies.
For juveniles who have been adjudicated, schools can help supervising agencies better assess the rehabilitation process by tracking attendance, academic achievement, and inschool behavior. Educators frequently decide to err on the side of caution by establishing policies recognizing a generalized right to privacy with regard to all information on students. IASA permits educators to share information with juvenile justice system personnel on juveniles prior to adjudication pursuant to State statute. If the educational agency is initiating legal action against the student or the student's parent and has made reasonable efforts to give prior notice. If the information is needed by a juvenile justice agency that is providing services to the student, prior to adjudication, as authorized by State law.