Failure to comply with the terms of JASP results in further referral to the department for additional action, including judicial handling. DJJ is committed to supporting faith-based organizations in their efforts to develop and implement voluntary programs and will work to establish a positive, proactive relationship with the faith leaders and encourage their involvement in the juvenile justice system. The initiative also includes recruitment of faith community volunteers to work with youth, both at-risk and delinquent. The rising rate of females entering the juvenile justice system is a national trend. Florida has seen nearly a 50 percent increase in the number of girls referred for services in the past five years.
Girls now represent nearly one-third of all youth referred to the department.
The Girls Initiative will address the needs of girls who are currently involved in the juvenile justice system as well as those at-risk of entering the system. Florida's Minority Over-Representation Initiative is not just the development of new programs, it is a new way of thinking about the process of handling youths who enter the juvenile justice system. There is some degree of over-representation in each of Florida's 67 counties. This initiative also includes increased public awareness and staff training. Assessment Centers Juvenile Assessment Centers are designed to serve as central intake and screening for all youth referred to the department for a law violation.