Legislative Report on Juvenile Justice Activities for the Week of Feb. 4-8

Feb 11, 2008

Following is a report on juvenile justice-related Florida legislative activities for the week of February 4-8:

 

Wednesday, February 6

Juvenile Provider Press Conference

The Florida Juvenile Justice Association, the Children’s Campaign and the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services held a joint press conference in Tallahassee to lay out a five-point plan for juvenile justice in response to the Blueprint Commission Report released on Tuesday, February 5. The press release from this conference is attached for your review.

The five points include:

  • A strong, independent Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (“DJJ”)
  • Equity in public safety appropriations
  • Consistency of leadership
  • Ongoing oversight by the Blueprint Commission
  • Comprehensive legislation implementing the Blueprint recommendations 

House Juvenile Justice Committee

The House Juvenile Justice Committee, chaired by Representative Mitch Needelman (R-Melbourne) met on Wednesday, February 6. The agenda included a presentation from the DJJ Blueprint Commission and its recently released recommendations.

Former DJJ Secretary Walter McNeil gave some brief comments and introduced Barbara Cheives, a member of the Commission, to give an overview of the recommendations. To view her presentation, click here. 

House Safety and Security Council

The House Safety and Security Council, chaired by Representative Dick Kravitz (R-Orange Park) met on Wednesday, February 6. On the agenda pertaining to juvenile justice was a presentation by Randy Ball, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget, Public Safety Unit. Mr. Ball gave an overview of the Governor’s Budget Recommendations, which reflected a $16 million decrease in the DJJ’s budget. Most, if not all of the reductions come from the residential and detention budgets. 

A copy of Mr. Ball’s presentation can be viewed by clicking here. 

 

Thursday, February 7

Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee

The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Victor Crist (R-Tampa) met on Thursday, February 7. At the meeting, the Committee received a presentation by Barbara Cheives on the Juvenile Justice Blueprint Commission Recommendation. In addition, Randy Ball, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget, Public Safety Unit, gave a presentation on the Governor’s Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2008-09 in relation to Public Safety.

The Florida Office of Program Policy and Governmental Accountability gave an update on Prevention Programs in the DJJ.  A copy of this presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

 

Friday, February 8

Governor Crist Appoints New Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary

ST. PETERSBURG – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed state Representative Frank Peterman Jr. of St. Petersburg to serve as Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). 

“Representative Peterman’s dedication to improving the lives of young people is evident from his 23-year track record of juvenile services work,” said Governor Crist. “His six years on the House Juvenile Justice Committee give him a unique perspective on how to continue the improvements we are making in Florida’s juvenile justice system.”

Elected to the state House of Representatives in 2000, Peterman also serves as senior pastor of The Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist Church in St. Petersburg since 2002, and as director of development for Juvenile Services Program Inc. of Clearwater since 1988.  Before being elected to the Legislature, he was a St. Petersburg city councilman, beginning in 1997. 

“This opportunity is a wonderful way to express the department’s commitment to Florida’s children and young people,” said Representative Peterman.  “Our devotion to the longevity of implementing prevention programs will have a lasting impact throughout our state, and the Blueprint Commission’s report provides a great roadmap for the work ahead of us.”

Peterman’s juvenile justice experience includes establishing a mentoring program for African-American male youth through the Urban League of Pinellas County and securing funding and staffing for Blacks Against Dangerous Drugs (BADD).  He also served as a juvenile services counselor and was a parole and probation trainee. 

A 1985 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Peterman is replacing Walter A. McNeil, who was appointed by Governor Crist last month to serve as Secretary of the Department of Corrections.

Jennifer Parker, general counsel of the Department of Juvenile Justice since 2003, will serve as Interim Secretary during Representative Peterman’s transition.  Parker has worked at DJJ for 15 years, beginning as a senior/regional attorney in 1993 and becoming the chief of delinquency in 1996, supervising 11 attorneys throughout the state. 

Governor Crist announced the appointment during a visit to the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum with students of the Yvonne C. Reed Christian School.  The museum is named for Dr. Carter Woodson, a son of former slaves who is respected by many as the father of Black History Month for launching Negro History Week in 1926.  Like the man whose name it bears, the museum serves to promote community understanding of the values of diversity, equal rights and social justice.  One focus of the museum highlights the local role African-Americans have played in the growth and development of St. Petersburg since the late 1800s.

The Department of Juvenile Justice is responsible for providing strong prevention and early intervention services for at-risk youth and minor offenders. A balanced approach also must supply opportunities for rehabilitation for the more serious juvenile offender. The mission of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is to protect the public by reducing juvenile crime and delinquency in Florida.

Last year, Secretary McNeil appointed a 25-member Blueprint Commission to receive input from the public and a variety of stakeholders about reforming Florida’s juvenile justice system.  Earlier this week, the Commission presented their recommendations to the Governor and the Florida Legislature.  Titled “Getting Smart About Juvenile Justice in Florida,” the report will drive future decisions on systematic improvements to the juvenile justice system.

To view Miami Herald converage of Representative Peterman’s appointment, click here.

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Frank or Tracy Mayernick at this office.

Â