DJJ Blueprint Commission Report to be Released Feb. 5

The final Report from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Blueprint Commission (“Commission”), entitled “Getting Smart About Juvenile Justice in Florida,” will be released during a press conference on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 1:00p.m. in the Cabinet Room of the Capitol Building in Tallahassee.

The Report’s findings will be featured in the House Juvenile Justice Committee and House Safety and Security Council meetings on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, and the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee meeting on Thursday, February 7, 2008.

The Report details the Commission’s findings on juvenile justice issues and offers suggestions that would create a new path for Florida’s juvenile justice system.

The Blueprint Commission was created in July, 2007 by the DJJ in response to concerns about repeat juvenile offenders, over-representation of minority youths in Florida’s juvenile justice system and alarming growth of girls in its population.

A copy of the Report and its appendices are attached for your review.

The Report recommends moving toward a balanced system of action that proactively seeks to prevent juvenile delinquency, re-directs at-risk youth and provides more appropriate and less restrictive sanctions for low-risk and misdemeanor youth offenders.

The proposed system would focus on rehabilitation and treatment services and reserve serious sanctions for violent or habitual offenders.

Report appendices detail more information on Florida’s juvenile justice system and the Commission, including a list of hearings held by the Commission and participating speakers.

The Commission is comprised of citizens and juvenile justice stakeholders (including state and national experts, community leaders, educators parents and youth) concerned with public safety and at-risk youth. The Commission’s task is to examine Florida’s juvenile justice system and offer recommendations to address key safety issues.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Frank or Tracy Mayernick at this office.

 

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