Juvenile offenders in Polk County go through the rigors of drug court, including random drug testing and weekly group sessions that include their parents. Children at two Jacksonville elementary schools identified as high risks for delinquency receive services involving the entire family and emphasize positive parenting skills. Girls in Lee County are coached in job skills. These are some of the innovative, targeted efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency currently receiving grant monies through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. New grant applications for community-based programs to prevent juvenile delinquency are now available from the Department.
Grant funding is on a yearly basis.
We know certain risk factors are strong predictors of potential juvenile delinquency. They include academic failure or truancy, lack of parental supervision, substance abuse problems, family members in the criminal justice system, gang affiliation and running away from home, said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary W.G. Bill Bankhead. We also have been able to identify down to the local zip code which neighborhoods in Florida are generating the most delinquency referrals, and therefore need the most attention. By targeting our delinquency prevention efforts, we are more likely to reduce juvenile crime and to spend tax dollars where they will have the greatest impact, Bankhead said. Grants typically address key delinquency prevention goals for youth like living violence-free, staying in school, keeping away from drugs and alcohol and pursuing positive activities and goals.