Statistics speak volumes. On any given day in Delaware, approximately 3,000 children, mostly between the ages of 13 and 17, are involved with the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services. The average age of a juvenile involved with the system is approximately 16.

More than 70 percent of juvenile offenders struggle with behavior, mental or emotional issues and substance abuse, compared to less than approximately 20 percent in the general youth population.

Nearly 50 percent of youth in Delaware's secure care facilities on any given day have serious learning disabilities, compared to about 15 percent in the general public school population.

Unemployed juvenile offenders are three times more likely to reoffend than employed juveniles. Yet six out of 10 jobs require education or training beyond high school. Few youth in the juvenile justice system go on to college. Vocational and academic programs have been shown to reduce recidivism by as much as 30 percent.

Approximately 20 percent of youth in detention report having at least one incarcerated parent. The majority of juvenile offenders return to their communities each year, and their recidivism rates range from 40 percent to 70 percent.

Unfortunately, without meaningful communication or community coordination, many of Delaware's released juvenile offenders are pulled back into the street culture that catapulted them into institutions. Lacking effective services to address their needs, many become frustrated with failure, drop out of school and re-establish involvement with criminal elements.

Juvenile re-entry services are the last chance to save children before they become destined for a life of crime.

A successful after-care strategy not only incorporates programs aimed at assisting youth in transition, it provides motivation to improve their lives by staying in school, securing employment, avoiding drugs and strengthening relationships with their families. Effective re-entry begins before a juvenile leaves a facility and involves not only the family but the whole community.

The Juvenile Re-entry Network of the Harlem Community Justice Center in New York City is a shining example. According to the Center for Court Innovation, the Juvenile Re-entry Network is for juveniles returning to Harlem and Upper Manhattan from state placement. The goal is to rehabilitate offenders and prevent future delinquent behavior.

Before release, staff members meet regularly with relatives to create family-strengthening plans and ensure a nurturing environment for returning youth. Then parents participate in bimonthly court appearances where the aftercare team and the juveniles appear before a hearing officer to review progress on goals.

School attendance is emphasized. Families get help with the school system so that participants are re-enrolled promptly upon release. Participants receive an array of additional services and coordinated attention from court staff and social workers. The key principles are accountability, judicial monitoring, a team approach, family involvement, and better information among agencies.

I believe that Delaware's Family Court can continue to collaborate and develop high-quality re-entry services in this state. Such services must address not only the individual needs of juveniles, but the often neglected and interwoven needs of their families.

Nnamdi is associate director of the Kingswood Community Center in Wilmington and a member of the city's Hope Commission.