Special Session C Ends; Dept. of Juvenile Justice Funds Cut

Called to address a state revenue shortfall of just over $1 billion, Special Session C of the Florida Legislature concluded today, Friday, October 12, 2007.

Department of Juvenile Justice (“DJJ”) budget cuts totaled nearly $5.6 million. Funding for criminal justice and corrections was cut by $86.6 million.

The breakdown of DJJ cuts is:

• Probation Aftercare and Conditional Release–$1,289,892
• Juvenile Redirection Program–$1,000,000
• Juvenile Probation Contracted Services–$266,219
• Juvenile Probation Grants and Aids–Contracted Services–$140,777
• Non-Residential Delinquency Rehab (IDDS)–$83,821
• Moderate Risk Bed Capacity–$1,000,000
• Sheriff’s STAR Academies–$1,800,000

In addition, proviso language was inserted into the budget dealing with larger residential facilities (165 beds and larger). This proviso seeks to accomplish the following:

• Require the DJJ to place the greatest priority on reducing the number of juveniles who are committed to residential facilities which have more than 165 beds by placing them in facilities with less than 165 beds.
• Develop a plan for phasing out residential commitment facilities with capacities exceeding 165 residents and report back to Legislature and Governor by January 1, 2008.  
• Fill as many of the vacancies as possible in facilities having fewer than 165 beds. The DJJ may fund new facilities having fewer than 165 beds.
• Initiate the transfer of juvenile offenders from the Polk Youth Development Center to existing facilities serving offenders at the same risk level, which have 165 beds or less and which have vacancies.
• As soon as possible after the closure of the Polk Youth Development Center, effect DJJ’s transfer of oversight to the Polk facility to the Department of Corrections (“DOC”) for the purpose of housing inmates in its custody that have been sentenced to imprisonment for eighteen months or less.
• In addition, the Department of Corrections shall submit a report to the Executive Office of the Governor, Office of Policy and Budget, the chair of the Senate Fiscal Policy and Calendar Committee and the chair of the House Policy and Budget Council by January 1, 2008, detailing the cost and timeline for transferring this facility to the DOC.