S.H.A.P.E. Program

School House Adjustment Program Enterprise
S.H.A.P.E.
PROGRAM

An alternative option to juvenile court for eligible students, focused on accountability, support, and keeping students connected to school.

About SHAPE Program Information
Students participating in the SHAPE program Staff member supporting a student

About S.H.A.P.E.

The School House Adjustment Program Enterprise (S.H.A.P.E.) is an alternative method that Memphis-Shelby County Schools is using to work with students who have committed minor offenses. The intent of the program is to provide immediate consequences, such as community service or restitution, and a prompt and convenient resolution for the victim, while helping students avoid the stigma of a juvenile record.

15+
Years of Impact
40+
Schools Served

Who We Serve

For families: SHAPE helps students avoid a juvenile record by offering community service, restitution, and support instead of court involvement.
For schools: SHAPE provides a structured option for addressing minor offenses on campus while keeping students connected to instruction and support.
For community partners: SHAPE creates opportunities to engage youth in restorative, community-based solutions that repair harm and build positive connections.

How the Program Works

1

Referral

School or law enforcement refers eligible students to SHAPE for minor offenses instead of filing a juvenile court petition.

2

Conference & Plan

Students, parents, and program staff meet to discuss the incident and create a plan, which may include community service, restitution, or counseling.

3

Resolution

When the plan is successfully completed, the matter is closed without a juvenile court record, and the student continues moving forward in school.

How Did This Program Get Started in Memphis?

The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) is charged with implementing the OJJDP requirements and looking at the overall societal issues that contribute to the disparate number of youth who encounter the juvenile justice system in Tennessee. Here in Memphis, a collaborative effort by Shelby County Mayor's Office, Juvenile Court, Public Defender's Office, City of Memphis Mayor's Office, Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Disproportionate Minority Contact Task Force was instrumental in Memphis-Shelby County Schools receiving grant funding to launch this pilot program in Shelby County Schools.

What Does the School House Adjustment Program Enterprise Do?

It's an alternative method that Memphis-Shelby County Schools is using to work with students who have committed minor offenses. The intent of the School House Adjustment Enterprise Program is to provide immediate consequences, such as community services or restitution and a prompt and convenient resolution for the victim. At the same time, it benefits the juvenile by avoiding the stigma of a juvenile record. In many instances, this early intervention will deter the youth from continuing negative behavior and divert the youth from progressing into the juvenile justice system.

Program Video

Guiding Principles of the S.H.A.P.E. Program

Learn more about the purpose and guiding principles behind the School House Adjustment Program Enterprise.

Watch (2–3 minutes)

Program Evaluations

Independent evaluations of the S.H.A.P.E. program over time.

2022–23 2021–22 2018–19 2017–18 2016–17 2015–16 2014–15 2013–14 2012–13 2011–12 2009–11 2008–09

Need more information or interested in partnering with S.H.A.P.E.?

Contact the Office of Student Services for referrals, questions, or collaboration opportunities.

Contact Student Services
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