▪ Detention Services
▪ Education Services
▪ Health Services
▪ Prevention & Victim Services
▪ Probation and Community
Intervention
▪ Residential Services
Q: How long do
juveniles stay in detention?
A: Juvenile detention in Florida is a
short-term temporary program. Juvenile offenders who require
long-term sanctions and rehabilitation are placed into
non-residential or residential treatment programs. Within 24
hours after admission to the detention center, the youth
will appear in court and have a detention hearing before a
judge authorizing the youth’s detention status. If the judge
continues the youth’s detention status, his/her length of
stay may extend up to 21 days or more.
Q: How many
detention centers are in the state of Florida?
A: The Department operates 21 juvenile
detention centers in 21 counties with a total of 1342 beds.
The detention centers provide custody, supervision,
education and mental health/substance abuse services to
juveniles statewide. Juvenile Detention Officers receive
specialized training and certification.
Q: Are males and
females detained in the same centers?
A: Yes, males and females are detained in
the same detention centers. However, males and females are
separated in different housing units, school classrooms,
etc.
Q: Are families
allowed to visit juveniles detained in detention?
A: Yes. Visitation is an important
component of a youth’s stay in detention and is encouraged
and supported by detention staff. Parents, grandparents, and
legal guardians are approved visitors. Others may only visit
if so ordered by the court or specifically approved by the
Superintendent or designee. A youth's assigned Juvenile
Probation Officer should be contacted to approve both
visitation list additions and special visitation
arrangements.
Click here for a list of detention centers and visiting
hours.
Legal counsel, Probation, law enforcement, clergy and
other professionals may visit youth outside of regularly
established visitation times as necessary, and are
subject to any requirements regarding signing-in and
contraband.
All visitors are subject to electronic
search. Visitors shall not bring personal items (e.g.
keys, purses, packages, etc.) into the secure area. The
introduction of any unauthorized items into a detention
facility is a 3rd degree felony.
All visitors will be required to sign-in
and sign-out on the Visitor’s Log of the youth being
visited. Visitors shall be denied entrance if they:
a. Are disruptive or uncooperative;
b. Refuse to be searched;
c. Refuse to comply with officer instructions;
d. Are under the influence or appear to be under the
influence of any intoxicating substance;
e. Fail to present proper photo identification;
f. Attempt to introduce contraband to the secure area;
and/or
g. Are dressed in inappropriate attire as outline in the
Facility Operating Procedures and as posted at the
facility entrance.
Visitation may be terminated if the
behavior of the visitor or of the youth is disruptive or
not in compliance with facility policies and procedures.
The termination of a visit may lead to the suspension of
future visitation privileges at the discretion of the
Superintendent.
Any questions that a visitor may have
regarding a youth’s case or charges should be referred
to the youth's assigned Juvenile Probation Officer.
Other questions should be referred to the on-duty JJDO
Supervisor.
Visitation shall take place in a
designated area or room of the facility that contributes
to a safe and secure environment. Visitation room or
areas and any other common area shall be searched both
prior to and following visitation to ensure the absence
of any hazardous or dangerous items or items that would
be considered contraband.
Q: What happens to
my son/daughter’s property?
A: The Florida Department of Juvenile
Justice recognizes the need to safeguard the personal
property of youth brought into its care. All of the youth’s
property is inventoried at admission and the valuable
property is stored in the facility safe. Other personal
property (clothing, shoes, etc.) is stored in a locked
storage room for the duration of the youth’s stay. Property
is released to the youth upon release from the facility.
Q: Can I bring them
their medication?
A: Yes. Only medication in the original
container from a licensed pharmacy, with an appropriate,
current label intact on the medication container may be
taken into the facility.
· Proper labeling includes the following:
· Name and address of the pharmacy
· Telephone number of the pharmacy
· Date of dispensing
· Name of the Prescribing health care professional
· Name of youth
· Dosage directions (route/number of times taken (frequency)
daily)
· Warning statements, if applicable, and/or additional
instructions for use.
Q: Do the youth
receive medical treatment while in detention?
A: Yes. Medical services are provided
through a contract with a local health care provider. All
youth entering the detention center receive a routine
medical screening within 72 hours of their admittance to the
facility. Routine examinations may include TB, vision, and
screening for sexually transmitted diseases. The medical
clinic is staffed by licensed medical staff who are
available to respond to health-related issues daily. Any
medical problems that cannot be handled by medical staff
will be referred to a local medical facility. Parents should
contact the center if their child is in need of medical
services. Parents will be notified if any emergency medical
services are needed during the youth’s stay in the detention
center. In addition, detention staff are trained in CPR and
First Aid to ensure that they are prepared to handle
emergency medical situations if they may arise.
Q: Does a mental
health counselor see the youth while in detention?
A: Yes, depending on the needs of the
youth. The department currently contracts with a private
mental health provider to provide mental health services at
each of the detention centers. The Designated Mental Health
Authority (DMHA) is a licensed mental health care worker.
Mental health staff provide of mental health and substance
abuse treatment services. The mental health care staff
ensure youth with identified mental health, substance abuse,
and suicide issues are seen for the purposes of screening,
assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention services.
Q: What is Home
Detention?
A: Home Detention Program allows eligible
youth to await his/her next court appearance at home or at
another appropriate placement. All detained youth are
screened for the Home Detention Program prior to their
detention hearing. At the time of the detention hearing, the
judge will specify whether the youth is to be held in secure
detention, placed on Home Detention or Released. When a
youth is placed on the Home Detention Program, a Juvenile
Probation Officer will supervise them. The parent or legal
guardian and youth sign a supervision contract. If for any
reason this contract is violated or the youth is charged
with a new law violation, he/she can be transferred back to
secure detention until their case is resolved.
Q: What can we
bring our son/daughter?
A: Clothing and personal hygiene items are
provided for all youth. The detention center provides
supplies and clothing for the youth. Detained youth are not
permitted to have money. Gifts are discouraged while the
detainee is in the detention center. Snacks are provided by
the detention center every night. Detained youth are not
permitted to have any tobacco products at any time while
they are in the detention center.
Q: When is court
and where?
A: Within 24 hours after admission to the
detention center, the youth will appear in court and have a
detention hearing before a judge authorizing the youth’s
detention status. If the judge continues the youth’s
detention status, his/her length of stay may extend up to 21
days or more.
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Q: How many
students are served by regional juvenile detention centers
and how is education provided?
A: Each year approximately 25,008 youth in
2009-10 are temporarily judicially ordered to one of the
state’s 22 regional juvenile detention centers, each with a
self-contained school funded by the local school district.
Q: How many
students are served in self-contained prevention programs
such as PACE Centers for Girls and what is their source of
educational funding?
A: Over 37,000 youth participate in
community-based prevention programs, also with contracts
from the Department of Juvenile Justice and educational
services provided by the local school district.
Q: What
community-based juvenile justice educational intervention
programs are available to youth as an alternative to large
public schools?
A: Associated Marine Institutes of Florida
serves approximately 1,033 students annually in day
treatment programs with support services provided by
juvenile justice contracts and education funded by the local
school district.
Q: How many
students are court-ordered to separate juvenile justice
facilities and how are their educational services provides?
A: Approximately 9,000 youth are committed
to the Department by the local judiciary and placed in
mandatory day treatment or residential commitment programs.
Providers with DJJ contracts administer approximately 95% of
the 130 programs. Of these, approximately fifty percent
incorporate public school employees in partnership with
their local district and the remaining program
administrators contract with the public schools for funding
to employ their instructional personnel. The state operates
100% of the regional juvenile detention centers and
approximately five percent of its residential programs.
Q: Describe the academic standings of students served in
juvenile justice programs.
A: Educational programs in the Department
of Juvenile Justice are designed to meet the educational
needs of students who are clients of the DJJ.
In 2009-10, 9,146 (2008-09: 12,063) students
participated in a juvenile justice program for at least 50%
of the prescribed length of the program. Outcome data for
these students reveal that:
-
90% were promoted (2008-09: 90%)
-
15% were absent for more than 21 days (2008-09: 15%)
-
18% were suspended/expelled for more than 10 days
(2008-09: 16%)
-
15% of students scored at level 3 or above on FCAT
reading; 22% scored at level 3 or above on FCAT math
(2008-09: 16% FCAT reading, 22% FCAT math)
-
23% graduated (2008-09: 23%)
-
100% of the 203 students who took the GED Tests passed
(2008-09: 97%, 189) • 31% of these students earned a
performance-based diploma (2008-09: 51%)
-
69% of these students earned a State of Florida diploma
(2008-09: 49%)
-
5% of 6,682 ninth through twelfth graders dropped out
(2008-09: 5%, 8,863)
Section 1003.52(3)(b), F.S., requires the
FDOE, with the assistance of school districts, to select a
common student assessment instrument and protocol for
measuring student learning gains and student progression
while a student is in a juvenile justice education program.
The current common student assessment is the BASI developed
by Pearson Assessments. Students in DJJ education
residential and day treatment programs take common entry and
exit assessments that address math, reading, and language
arts. BASI student outcome data include having a valid entry
and exit assessment record and demonstrating meaningful
growth. Valid entry and exit assessments include the
student’s grade, date of assessment, and score achieved on
the test. Meaningful growth refers to the learning gain a
student makes between the BASI entry and exit scores where
the gain meets the grade and time interval criteria
established by Pearson Assessments. Based on this criteria,
in 2009–2010, 3,036 (2008-09: 2,503) students had valid math
entry and exit records, and 51% (2008-09: 50%) of these
students demonstrated meaningful growth. There were 3,041
(2008-09: 2,524) students who had valid entry and exit
records in reading, and 55% (2008-09: 55%) of these students
demonstrated meaningful growth. Appendix A provides BASI
data for the 2008-09 and 2009–10 school year by program.
Q: Do youth in
juvenile justice programs receive credit while in school?
A: Each juvenile justice school is a
separate school requiring student enrollment, withdrawal,
maintaining and forwarding of transcripts to ensure
continuity of educational services. School personnel,
whether private or publicly provided, are subject to all
applicable federal, state and local rules. In addition, the
DJJ and DOE provide for regular program monitoring.
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Q: What is the
Office of Prevention and Victim Services in the Department
Of Juvenile Justice?
A: The office of Prevention and Victim
Services is aligned with the overall department mission
statement, one of which is to target youth most at risk in
high crime communities. Early identification, management and
treatment of the high-risk population before they become
chronic, serious or habitual juvenile adult offenders are
guiding prevention efforts. Targeting high risk- youth
resulting in the largest reductions of re-offending
delinquents, making treatment more efficient and
significantly decreasing the number of victims impacted by
serious, violent crimes.
Q: How is The
Office of Prevention Services - Organized?
A: The Office of Prevention and Victim
Services, is headed by an Assistant Secretary who assists
with Department of Juvenile Justice program planning, - An
Office Operations Manager, who oversees the daily functions
of the office, contract procurement and awards, and -
Legislative Budget Request (LBR’s). A Grant Manager,
responsible for the grant application process to award state
grants - -to - providers. And the Faith Based Initiative
manager, who works with -programs that align-with the
governor’s priorities, and oversees the functions of the
Circuit Boards and –County Council meetings. And a Budget
Manager who overseer’s the spending of Legislative
Appropriation for the Office of Prevention and Victim
Services.
Q: What are Boards
and Council meetings?
A: Circuit Board and County Council
meetings are held in in Florida at least once a month. The
Circuit Boards and County Councils primarily focus on
juvenile delinquency prevention programs and services within
their circuit or county, such as mentoring, teen courts,
neighborhood accountability boards, community partnership
programs, after-school programs and public forums.
B: You can become a member of the circuit
board or county council by completing - a membership form on
the DJJ website, Office of Prevention, and submitting it
online.
Q: Are there any -
delinquency – prevention programs in my county?
A: Yes, there are delinquency
prevention-based programs in all counties throughout the
state of Florida. To see what type of programs are available
-in your county, go to the DJJ website at the delinquency
prevention section, and click Programs for Youth.
Q: What criteria
are used for the Grant funding?
A: The determination for Grants is based on
PACT (Positive achievement Tool) and the What Works Strategy
outlined in the DJJ Program Plan. The programs to receive
grants must be based on either a model or evidence based
program. Circuit Boards and County Councils review and make
recommendations for grant applications within their counties
and circuits using the Florida State Statutory codes as a
guide.
Q: What exactly is
the Faith-Based and Community-Based initiative in the Office
of Prevention?
A: The Faith Based and Community Based
Delinquency Treatment Initiative is an attempt to introduce
evidence-based programming along with the integration of a
faith and character base approach. It includes chaplaincy
services, faith and character based mentoring, and
family-strengthening programs provided by the faith and
character partners.
Q: What can I do to
help?
A: There are many ways to help in keeping
youth out of trouble. For instance the joining the Just
Read, Florida! Workgroup, becoming volunteers for our
Redirection Program, which is aimed at providing
community-based services to youth. You can also purchase a
DJJ license tag; this will ensure that funds in your
counties will directly make an impact on youth in your area.
Q: Where do I get
all my Office of Prevention Information?
A: At the DJJ website there is information
about Board and Council meetings, PACT information, DJJ
Newsletters, Legal News and Agency contact information.
Q: How do I apply
for Grants?
A: The Grant Application is online at the
DJJ website. The grant application period is from October to
June, when DJJ send out the Request for proposal (RFP)
information in the My Florida Market Place section on the
site Myflorida.com. There is also additional information
about, conference calls, NAB (Neighborhood Accountability
Board) which are family focused grants, Delinquency
prevention grants, School Board grants, Gender Specific
grants, and Peer Mediation information on the web site, as
well.
Q: What are the
contact numbers if I have a question?
A: Our main telephone # is (850) 488-3302
or fax # is (850) 922-6189.
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Q: My child was
arrested. What happens now?
A: An overview of the delinquency process
is provided on the DJJ website at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Parents/index.html.
Q: What is the PACT
and how is it used to help my child?
A: The Positive Achievement Change Tool
(PACT) is used to assess a delinquent youth’s risks and
needs and guides treatment recommendations. The assessment
process begins with a PACT Pre-Screen interview administered
to all youth referred to DJJ. The initial assessment takes
approximately 20-25 minutes to complete. A single PACT
Pre-Screen interview at intake assists the Juvenile
Probation Officer to identify if a youth is in need of
further mental health, alcohol, or substance abuse
assessment. A more detailed assessment (called the PACT Full
Assessment) is given to youth who score at Moderate-High or
High risk to re-offend on the PACT Pre-Screen. Information
from the PACT Full Assessment can be used to develop plans
specific to the youth’s identified needs. The Department
calls this plan the Youth Empowered Success (YES) Plan.
The PACT also identifies those strengths (or
protective factors) that can be built upon to turn the
youth’s life around. The benefit of measuring risk factors
and protective factors is that juvenile justice
professionals involved with a particular youth are better
able to match a child’s current needs with the right
programs and services. PACT Reassessments are completed
periodically to help the Juvenile Probation Officer and
other professionals measure the progress that the youth is
making on addressing factors related to delinquent behavior.
Q: What is a
Juvenile Probation Officer and what are they responsible
for?
A: Juvenile Probation Officers are employed
by the Office of Probation and Community Intervention of the
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. This section of the
Department provides two important services.
1. Initial intake services upon arrest
or referral
2. Community supervision and services to those youth who
were under the age of 18, at the time the offense was
committed, who are referred to the agency by law
enforcement.
Juvenile Probation Officers are the
front-line staff that deliver case management services to
the youth and their families. Examples of work performed by
a Juvenile Probation Officer include:
▪ Completes an initial review of complaints of
delinquent acts committed by youth;
▪ Interviews youth, parents, law enforcement, victims,
and other persons having knowledge of factors relating
to youth or the offense;
▪ Performs a needs and risk assessment (the PACT);
▪ Makes recommendations to the State Attorney's Office
concerning judicial or non-judicial alternatives;
▪ Makes recommendations to the court once a youth is
found to be delinquent;
▪ Links youth and families with the services that they
need;
▪ Develops and coordinates case plans for delinquent
youth and families;
▪ Supervises youth on court ordered Probation and
monitors progress towards completion of court ordered
sanctions and other case plan goals;
▪ Prepares reports for the court regarding the youths’
compliance with his or her Probation supervision; and
▪ Maintains an active youth record (maintenance of case
file, updates Juvenile Justice Information System, etc.)
Q: Why is my child
being assigned a Juvenile Probation Officer if they are not
on Probation?
A: An “intake” Juvenile Probation Officer
is assigned to all youth referred to the Department. This
does not mean the child is or will be on Probation. The
purpose for assigning the youth a Juvenile Probation Officer
is to gather information by assessing the nature of the
offense, the risk the youth presents to the community,
damages incurred to the victim by youth's actions, and the
needs of the youth and family. The Juvenile Probation
Officer, after the trial, then makes a recommendation to the
State Attorney's Office, the Defense Attorney, and the Judge
presenting the assessment of information gathered and a plan
to address the delinquent offense. This plan will be
individually tailored to ensure adequate protection of the
community, accountability of the youth to the victim, and a
rehabilitative plan to address the youth's needs and prevent
recurrence of delinquent behavior. The recommendation
presented by the Juvenile Probation Officer may range from a
non-judicial diversion program to court ordered diversion,
Probation supervision or residential commitment and for
serious offenses or habitual offenders the recommendation
can include adult prosecution of the youth.
Q: What is the
difference between "adjudicated" and "adjudication
withheld"?
A: An adjudicated delinquent is a youth who
a judge has ruled to be responsible for committing a
delinquent act. Adjudication Withheld is a court decision,
at any point after filing of a criminal complaint, to
continue court jurisdiction but stopping short of
pronouncing judgment.
Q: What are my
responsibilities as the parent or guardian of a youth on
Probation supervision?
A: The Department needs your help to ensure
that the individual needs of your child are being met and to
ensure that he or she is successful in achieving the
treatment goals and sanctions in the court order. As a
parent or guardian you can help ensure your child’s success
by doing the following:
▪ Maintain regular contact with your child’s assigned
juvenile Probation officer and keep him or her informed
of your child’s successes and struggles while on
Probation. The more information we have the better able
we are to meet his or her needs.
▪ Cooperate with school officials to help your child
stay on task academically. Share concerns of poor
attendance, performance, or behavior with the assigned
Juvenile Probation Officer so the right steps can be
taken to help your child succeed in school.
▪ Attend all court proceedings with your child.
▪ Ensure that you and your child attend any required
counseling or therapy.
▪ Arrange for transportation for your child to
counseling, employment, community service work sites,
and from residential commitment programs, etc. If
transportation is a problem, contact the Juvenile
Probation Officer to discuss alternative transportation.
▪ Ensure that your child completes court-ordered goals
and sanctions within established timeframes.
▪ Provide a home for your child that is safe, nurturing
and recognizes the youth’s strengths and successes.
Q: How long will my
child be on Probation?
A: Only the court can terminate a youth’s
Probation supervision. The Juvenile Probation Officer is
responsible for recommending termination to the court upon
the youth’s completion or substantial completion of all
court ordered sanctions and treatment goals. The Department
must close the youth’s case when it loses jurisdiction to
supervise the case because the youth reaches age 19 (21 or
22 in some cases); or the Department loses jurisdiction of a
case based on the charge. For example, if a youth is
adjudicated delinquent and placed on Probation for a 1st
degree misdemeanor then the Department has one year of
jurisdiction to supervise the youth.
Q: My son or
daughter is on Probation and did not come home last night; I
think he or she might have run away. What do I do?
A: If you do not know the whereabouts of
your child or you suspect he or she has runaway, call the
police immediately and place a missing persons report. Be
ready to give all pertinent information including:
description, height, weight, date of birth, current address,
legal status (Probation, pre-placement supervision,
conditional release) date and time last seen. Then, call the
assigned Juvenile Probation Officer. The juvenile Probation
officer will confirm that the youth is missing and ask the
court to issue an Order to Take into Custody. Your child
will have a court appearance within 24 hours of the time he
or she is apprehended. If your child did not run away, but
was gone from the home for a short period of time without
permission and has returned, please call law enforcement and
your Juvenile Probation Officer to update them of his or her
safe return.
Q: When the court
orders that co-defendants are jointly and severally liable
for restitution what does this mean? Where do I make my
restitution payments?
A: The court may determine that “several”
co-defendants are "jointly" negligent and contributed to the
damages caused. As a result, the court may order that
restitution is shared between all co-defendants. However, if
the other co-defendants do not pay their share then your
child may be responsible to pay all of the restitution. Payments of
restitution and other court fees should be made payable to
the Clerk of the Circuit court. Under no circumstances are
DJJ employees or contracted agents authorized to accept
restitution payments in any form. DO NOT GIVE RESTITUTION
MONEY TO YOUR JPO.
Q: Who should a
victim contact regarding restitution?
A: The Juvenile Probation Officer is
responsible at the intake phase to contact the victim to
gather information on loss, harm and damage in order to
determine restitution amounts. This information is used to
develop recommendations to the court. If restitution is
ordered and the youth fails to comply with the payment of
restitution, the Juvenile Probation Officer must inform the
court of the non-compliance. The Juvenile Probation Officer
can either file an affidavit, through the State Attorney,
alleging a violation or request a Judicial Review Hearing
for the purpose of determining the circumstances for the
lack of restitution payments. All specific questions
regarding restitution should be directed to the juvenile
Probation officer or the State Attorney's Office.
Q: How can I have
my juvenile record sealed or expunged?
A: The Florida Department of Law
Enforcement (FDLE) is the official keeper of Florida
criminal history records, including those concerning
juveniles. The sealing (keeping confidential) and expunction
(destruction) of criminal history records is governed by
chapter 943, Florida Statutes, and is administered by FDLE.
While juvenile records are considered confidential they are
not automatically sealed and in many instances can be
accessed by the general public. For most, but not all
purposes, the subject of a sealed or expunged criminal
history record may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge
arrests covered by the sealing or expunction. Generally
speaking, juveniles can have most misdemeanors and some
felonies sealed and most misdemeanors expunged after
successful completion of a diversion program that expressly
authorizes expungement. Because the youth must petition the
court to have records sealed or expunged and to ensure you
meet qualifying criteria it is important that you seek legal
counsel prior to beginning this process.
Q: When my child
fills out an application for employment or school, do they
have to disclose their juvenile arrest record?
A: Yes, the youth must disclose their
arrest history unless the record has been sealed or
expunged. According to Florida law, the youth can deny any
arrest covered by the sealed or expunged record. However,
sections 943.0585 and 943.059, Florida Statutes, impose
certain exceptions, requiring acknowledgement of arrests
when, for example, the individual seeks employment with a
criminal justice agency, licensed child care facility, and
other sensitive positions.
Q: What is
Redirection?
A: Redirection was established by the
Florida Legislature to use community-based alternatives in
lieu of residential commitment for those youth that meet
certain criteria. The Redirection program is offered in
communities across the state in and allows the youth and
family to participate in Functional Family Therapy (FFT) or
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) instead of being placed in
residential facility.
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Q: My child is
going to a moderate-risk residential program. What does that
mean?
A: Depending on a youth’s risk to public
safety, the judge may commit the youth to a minimum-risk,
low-risk, moderate-risk, high-risk or maximum-risk
restrictiveness level. Programs and services at the
minimum-risk level are non-residential, meaning that the
youth lives at home and receives services in the community.
Programs at the low-risk, moderate-risk, high-risk or
maximum-risk level are residential, meaning that the youth
resides at the program 24 hours per day, seven days per
week, until they complete the program and are released.
A child who goes to a moderate-risk
residential program is considered more of a public safety
risk than a child who goes to a low-risk program, but less
of a public safety risk than a child who goes to a high-risk
or maximum-risk program. Therefore, the higher the risk
level of a program, the more security and supervision is
necessary to ensure protection of the public. The Department
determines which residential program within the
court-ordered risk level would best protect the public and
offer services to meet the youth’s needs. Regardless of the
risk level of a residential program, each child is involved
in individualized treatment services. These services target
the child’s risk factors and needs so it’s less likely that
the child will re-offend when released from the program.
You can access more information on low-risk,
moderate-risk, high-risk, and maximum-risk programs at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/restrictiveness.html.
Q: Who can I
contact to find out when my child will go to a residential
program?
A: Each residential program is designed to
provide the level of security and services needed for the
youth it’s intended to serve. Sometimes, a child may have to
wait before there is a vacancy in a residential program that
can adequately address his or her unique needs. The
Department tries to minimize this waiting period as much as
possible. However, if you want to find out when your child
will go to a residential program, you can contact your
child’s Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) and request
information on the status of your child’s anticipated
placement.
Q: How is a
residential program supposed to help my child?
A: A multi-disciplinary treatment team
plans and oversees your child’s treatment in the residential
program. Your child is a member of the treatment team, as
well as program staff and other service providers involved
in his or her care and treatment. The program notifies you
when treatment team meetings are scheduled and encourages
and values your involvement and input. Based on an
assessment of your child’s needs, the treatment team
develops an individualized performance plan with goals for
your child to complete before being released from the
program. Completion of these goals increases your child’s
chances for success and decreases the likelihood that he or
she will re-offend.
Q: How long will my
child stay in a residential program?
A: The length of time a child stays in a
residential program varies depending on the type of program
and the child’s performance in the program. A program’s
services are designed and delivered based on how long most
youth take to successfully complete the program. However, a
child’s release is based primarily on completion of his or
her individualized performance plan goals. The program will
be communicating with you about your child’s goals and
progress in the program, as well as his or her anticipated
release from the program.
Information about each program, including
its length of stay (the length of time it takes most youth
to complete the program), is available at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
However, if you want more information, you can contact the
program directly, using the contact information provided at
the website. The program’s phone number is provided, as well
as the Program Director’s name and email address (direct
link).
Q: Where can I find
information on a specific residential program?
A: A written description of each program
and its services, a map and directions, and information on
how to contact the program are available at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
The program’s phone number is provided, as well as the
Program Director’s name and email address (direct link). The
Program Director or another staff person at the program can
provide you with additional information and answer questions
you might have.
Q: What can my
child take to the residential program?
A: Although a residential program provides
most or all of what a child needs, each program is slightly
different. Some programs may allow youth to have more
personal items than others. Typically, the program includes
this information in a letter sent to you shortly after your
child’s admission to the program. However, you can also
contact the program to ask about personal items your child
is permitted to have in the program. Contact information for
each residential program is available at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
The program’s phone number is provided, as well as the
Program Director’s name and email address (direct link).
Q: Can I visit my
child while he’s in the residential program?
A: Each residential program has scheduled
visitation days and times. The program will notify you of
its visitation schedule. If you’re not able to visit during
the scheduled days and times, the program will try to make
other arrangements for you to visit your child. Information
about each program is available at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html
and may include the program’s visitation schedule. If not,
you can contact the program directly, using the contact
information provided at the website. The program’s phone
number is provided, as well as the Program Director’s name
and email address (direct link).
Q: Is there someone
in the program I can talk to about my child?
A: Your child’s residential program should
give you the name and phone number and/or email address of
the person to contact when you need information or when you
have questions or concerns about your child. But, you can
also contact the Program Director whose contact information,
including his or her name, phone number and email address
(direct link), is accessible by clicking on the program’s
name at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
Q: How can I be
involved with my child while he’s in the residential
program?
A: While a youth is in a residential
program, the Department encourages and values the family’s
involvement. A residential program has procedures for you to
telephone, write, and visit your child, as well as
provisions for your child to contact you. The program
informs you of these procedures shortly after your child is
admitted to the program (typically provided with the letter
the program sends you upon your child’s admission).
You can learn about your child’s treatment
and progress by carefully reviewing the goals (performance
plan) and progress reports (performance summaries) that the
program sends to you. The program will notify you when
treatment team meetings are scheduled and will encourage you
to give your input in person or by telephone.
Please contact the program to find out more
about staying in touch with your child and becoming more
involved in your child’s treatment and release planning. You
can access the Program Director’s contact information,
including his or her name, phone number, and email address
(direct link) by clicking on the program’s name at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
Q: Will my child go
to school while he’s in the residential program? Will he
earn credits? Who keeps track of his school records?
A: All residential programs provide
educational services, and your child can earn credits based
on his or her performance in school. Educational records are
maintained while your child is attending school in the
residential program, and educational transcripts are
forwarded to the home school district when your child is
released from the program. If your child has already earned
a high school diploma or GED, the residential program will
involve your child in other constructive activities.
Q: What types of
activities will the program offer my child?
A: Each residential program is designed to
meet the needs of the youth it’s intended to serve.
Therefore, residential programs vary in some of the services
and activities they provide to their youth. In addition,
each youth’s treatment and activities are individualized to
meet his or her unique needs. Not all youth in the same
program will receive the same services or be involved in the
same activities.
In general, residential programs provide
classes, group sessions or other activities to help youth
develop social and life skills, academic skills,
employability skills, and prevocational or vocational
skills. They provide treatment services to youth as needed,
including mental health and substance abuse treatment,
health services, and physical fitness. Programs also give
youth opportunities to engage in recreation and leisure
activities, as well as service projects that benefit the
community. Depending on the program and the youth’s risk to
public safety, these service projects may be performed in
the community or within the confines of the facility. Youth
are provided opportunities, but are not required, to be
involved in faith-based activities.
Information about each program, including a
brief description of the services it provides to its youth,
is available at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
However, if you want more information, you can contact the
program directly, using the contact information provided at
the website. The program’s phone number is provided, as well
as the Program Director’s name and email address (direct
link).
Q: How do I become
a mentor for a child or volunteer to help in a residential
program?
A: The Department values the positive
impact that mentors and other volunteers have on youth in
its programs. Most residential programs have a mentorship or
volunteer program and welcome involvement of interested and
responsible members of the community. There are numerous
residential programs located throughout the state.
Therefore, it’s likely that some are in or near your home
county. To find out, go to
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/allfacilities.html
and select your county to access a list of residential
programs located there. You can then click on any program
name to access more information about that specific program,
including directions, a map, the program’s phone number, and
the Program Director’s name and email address (direct link).
When you find a program that interests you,
contact its Program Director to talk about the possibility
of mentoring or volunteering. You’ll have to pass a
background screening prior to mentoring or volunteering in a
residential program. The Program Director can explain to you
what the screening process entails.
Q: I’m interested
in interning in a residential program. Where can I find more
information about programs statewide?
A: There are numerous residential
commitment programs located throughout the state and they
differ in restrictiveness level and in services provided
based on the youth they’re designed to serve. Go to
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/restrictiveness.html
for more information on low-risk, moderate-risk, high-risk,
and maximum-risk programs. You can also access information
about each residential program at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html
(by North, Central and South regions) and at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/allfacilities.html
(by county). Contact information for each program, including
the program’s phone number and the Program Director’s name
and email address (direct link), can be accessed through
either website.
When you find a residential program that
interests you, contact its Program Director to explore the
possibility of interning there. Prior to working or
volunteering in a residential program, you’ll have to pass a
background screening. The Program Director can explain to
you what the screening process entails.
--
Return to Top --
General
Questions
» If a youth under the age of 18 years (a minor),
male or female, is or becomes married, are they still treated as a minor,
or do they have the rights as if they were over 18?
» When was the Office of Health
Services established?
» What are the role and
responsibilities of the Office of Health Services?
» How are medical services provided
to youth in the care of the Department?
Asked by Parents
» Florida State Children’s Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP)
» Sick Call
» Medicaid/Insurance
» Medical Services
» Medication
» Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
» How to provide information about prescription medications, special healthcare needs, and disability information
Asked by Staff
» FDA Guide for Drug Disposal
» Admission Process
» Consent & Authority for Evaluation
and Treatment
» Sick Call
» Forms
» Manual
» Girls Services
» Health Care Record
» Medicaid
» Medication Administration
» Mental Health & Substance Abuse
General Questions
Q:
If a youth under the age of 18 years (a minor), male or female, is
or becomes married, are they still treated as a minor, or do they
have the rights as if they were over 18?
A: Pursuant to s. 743.01, F.S., the disability of nonage”
of a minor who is or has been married is removed, once the disability of
nonage has been removed, the person can legally do all things that the person
could do if not a minor.
Q:
When was the Office of Health Services established?
A: The Office of Health Services was
established February 21, 2005 with the hiring of the first
Chief Medical Director for the Department of Juvenile
Justice. The Office is currently comprised of the Chief
Medical Director, the Director of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services, two Registered Nurse Consultants,
the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coordinator,
Operations Management Consultant and Administrative
Assistant.
Q:
What are the role and responsibilities of the Office of
Health Services?
A: The Office of Health Services has
responsibilities that span nearly all branches and offices
in the Department and across the state. All issues that deal
with medical, dental, mental health, substance abuse or
developmental disabilities are vetted through this office.
This includes, but is not limited to, policy development,
technical assistance, monitoring standards, contractual
language, legislative budget requests, legal concerns,
investigative reports, parental concerns, individual youth
issues, interagency partnerships, etc.
Q:
How are medical services provided to youth in the care of
the Department?
A: The Detention Centers have medical
services that are procured contractually. They are delivered
on site by nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians who
are employed by health professional staffing companies
throughout the state. The contracted private residential
programs vary; some employ their own medical staff, the
large majority subcontract these services to bring them on
site. The low and moderate risk programs often use community
physicians and take the youth off site. The three largest
State-operated residential facilities (Dozier Training
School, Jackson Juvenile Offender Correctional Center and
the Desoto Correctional Facilities) all have state-employed
physicians, nurses and in some cases, dentists. Desoto has
state-employed psychiatrists and psychologists, as well.
Parents
Tips to Prevent Medical Errors in Children
Q:
If a youth under the age of 18 years (a minor), male or female, is
or becomes married, are they still treated as a minor, or do they
have the rights as if they were over 18?
A: Pursuant to s. 743.01, F.S., the disability of nonage”
of a minor who is or has been married is removed, once the disability of
nonage has been removed, the person can legally do all things that the person
could do if not a minor.
Florida State Children’s Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Q: What is the
Florida State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)?
A: Phase One of Florida's
SCHIP plan expanded Medicaid eligibility to children ages 15
through 18 in families earning up to 100 percent of the FPL
and expanded Florida's Healthy Kids Program, a comprehensive program
that was piloted in 20 counties, to additional counties.
Phase Two created the
Florida KidCare Program
which expanded the Healthy Kids program on a state-wide
basis, expanded eligibility for the program to children
through age 18 in families with incomes up to 200 percent of
FPL, created the MediKids program to provide coverage for
children up to age 5, and created the Children's Medical
Services Network for children up to 18 with special health
care needs.
Q: Is my child
eligible for State Children’s Health Insurance Program
(SCHIP)?
A: Qualifying for the Florida Healthy Kids
program is easy! The State of Florida established these few
requirements:
▪ Uninsured
▪ Between ages 5-18
▪ Not eligible for Medicaid
▪ Not an ineligible non-citizen or child of a state
employee
If you have any questions regarding the
eligibility requirements, please call 1-888-540-KIDS
(1-888-540-5437).
Q: How do I apply
for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in
Florida?
A: Click on the links below for an
application or call:
Florida KidCare Program toll free 1-888-540-5437 or
Florida’s Health Kids Program toll free at 888/540-KIDS
(888/540-5437)
Florida's Healthy Kids Program
and Florida KidCare
Program has year round open enrollment! Applying is
easy! It takes 4-6 weeks to process a complete application.
Coverage only begins after your child's eligibility has been
determined and the first month's premium has been received,
if required. There are two easy ways to apply from this
website:
▪
Apply Online Now (or
Resume Your Application)
▪
Download an Application
Family Checklist - What will you need to
have handy?
▪ Your family's most recent tax return (Form
1040) OR
▪ Your Wage and Earning Statement (W-2
Form) OR
▪
Current Pay Stubs (covering the last 4 weeks)
▪ The cost to add your child or children to health
insurance coverage if your employer offers it.
▪ Your children's Social Security numbers or the date
applied for if you have not received a Social Security card.
Sick Call
Q: What happens
when my child gets sick?
A: Every program has sick call. Sick call
is the component of health care that responds to a youth’s
complaints of illness or injury of a non-emergent nature but
which requires a professional nursing assessment and
possibly, a nursing or medical intervention. Sick call
procedures ensure that a youth has access to regularly
scheduled Sick Call to address two types of sick call (1)
non-emergent and (2) episodic health-related complaints. A
youth experiencing a health-related condition or complaint
that is considered an emergency must receive immediate
medical attention and is not part of the sick call process.
Medicaid/Insurance
Q: Are DJJ youth
eligible for Medicaid?
A: It depends what type of facility the
youth is housed in.
SECURE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS AND/OR STATE OPERATED
FACILITIES
Once a youth is admitted into a secure correctional
(Detention Center or High/Max Risk Residential Program),
and/or state operated facility, Medicaid can no longer be
billed.
· If a youth is admitted mid-month, any services already
provided prior to being detained ARE still billable.
· Services provided after entering the facility ARE NOT
billable.
LOW OR MODERATE RISK NON-STATE OPERATED
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS
The only time DJJ youth are Medicaid eligible would be in
Low or Moderate Risk NON-state operated Residential
programs.
Q: What is the
Medicaid reapplication process after a youth’s release from
commitment?
A: See the Automated Community Connection
to Economic Self-Sufficiency Access Florida website at
http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida or call
1-866-762-2237. THIS TELEPHONE NUMBER GOES TO THE FLORIDA
RELAY LINE, NOT TO FLORIDA ACCESS OR MEDICAID.
The Medicaid reapplication
process is as follows:
· For Youth receiving Medicaid benefits at the time of
being detained in state custody and who has other family
members receiving Medicaid Benefits: Upon the youth’s
release from DJJ custody, the family member is
responsible for calling DCF to re-instate youth’s
benefits.
· Youth Receiving Medicaid benefits at the time of being
detained in state custody and who have NO other family
members receiving Medicaid benefits: Upon the youth’s
release from DJJ custody, the family member is
responsible for completing an application for Medicaid
benefits and sending it to the local DCF service center
for processing. This application can be completed
on-line or by hard copy.
· Upon receivership of the application for Medicaid
benefits, DCF processes the application for approval.
The approval process can take up to 45 days.
· Once the youth is approved for Medicaid benefits, a
DCF system form letter of approval is generated to the
parent.
A youth’s Medicaid benefits for health care
can be accessed through Agency for Health Care
Administration (AHCA) the next business day. AHCA handles
the payment for the youth receiving Medicaid benefits.
Q: Can you bill my
private insurance company (not Medicaid) while my child is
in detention?
A: Yes, Any existing family insurance
coverage shall be used for billing.
Q: How do I get my
child on Medicaid? Can we go to the Department of Children
and Families (DCF), Economic Services, and apply for
Medicaid, food stamps, etc.?
A: Yes. It is best to call the Department
of Children and Families (DCF) and see what information is
required and make an appointment. See the Automated
Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency Access
Florida website at
http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida or call
1-866-762-2237. THIS TELEPHONE NUMBER GOES TO THE FLORIDA
RELAY LINE, NOT TO FLORIDA ACCESS OR MEDICAID.
Be sure to take the following with
you:
· Proof of income.
· Proof of renting or owning their residence
· Child's birth certificate
Medical Services
Return to Health
Services
Q: Can we send our
child to his or her own physician/psychiatrist while in
detention or a residential program?
A: Facilities or Programs usually have a
physician or psychiatrist to provide services to the youth
onsite. This person should contact and consult with any
existing outside physicians to ensure continuity of care.
Q: Do the youth
receive medical treatment while in detention?
A: Yes. Medical services are provided
through a contract with a local health care provider. All
youth entering the detention center receive a routine
medical screening within 72 hours of their admittance to the
facility. Routine examinations may include TB, vision, and
screening for sexually transmitted diseases. The medical
clinic is staffed by licensed medical professionals who are
available to respond to health-related issues daily. Any
medical problems that cannot be handled by medical staff
will be referred to a local medical facility. Parents should
contact the center if their child is in need of medical
services. Parents will be notified if any emergency medical
services are needed during the youth’s stay in the detention
center. In addition, detention staff are trained in CPR and
First Aid to ensure that they are prepared to handle
emergency medical situations if they may arise.
Q: How can I
contact the nurse or doctor at a Residential Program?
A: A written description of each program
and its services, a map and directions, and information on
how to contact the program are available at
http://www.djj.state.fl.us/Residential/Facilities/index.html.
The program’s phone number is provided, as well as the
Program Director’s name and email address (direct link). The
Program Director or another staff person at the program can
provide you with additional information and answer questions
you might have. From this number you can also ask for the
facility nurse or doctor.
Medication
Q: Does a youth
have the right to refuse medication?
A: Yes. The forced (involuntary)
administration of medication is not permitted under any
circumstances.
Q: Do we have to
pay for our child's medication?
A: If your child has private insurance, the
company will be billed. If insurance is not available, then
the facility or program will pay for your child’s
medication(s).
Q: Can I bring them
their medication?
A: Yes. Only medication in the original
container from a licensed pharmacy, with an appropriate,
current label intact on the medication container may be
taken into the facility.
Proper labeling includes the following:
· Name and address of the pharmacy
· Telephone number of the pharmacy
· Date of dispensing
· Name of the Prescribing health care professional
· Name of youth
· Dosage directions (route/number of times taken
(frequency) daily)
· Warning statements, if applicable, and/or additional
instructions for use.
Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services
Q: What determines
if a youth is placed in a mental health or dual diagnosis
program?
A: Each specialized treatment program has
specific eligibility criteria. A youth’s eligibility for a
mental health program would be based upon a diagnosed
DSM-IV-TR mental disorder and a global assessment of
functioning rating of 60 or below. A youth’s eligibility for
a Dual Diagnosis Program would be based upon meeting the
eligibility criteria above and also having a DSM-IV-TR
diagnosed substance abuse disorder. Further information
regarding specific eligibility criteria for specialized
treatment programs is provided in Appendix W of the Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services Manual Revised August,
2006.
Q: Does a mental
health counselor see the youth while in detention?
A: Yes, depending on the needs of the
youth. The department currently contracts with a private
mental health provider to provide mental health services at
each of the detention centers. The Designated Mental Health
Authority (DMHA) is a licensed mental health care worker and
mental health staff provider of mental health and substance
abuse treatment services. The mental health care staff
ensures youth with identified mental health, substance
abuse, and suicide issues are seen for the purposes of
screening, assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention
services.
Q. What Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services are provided in
Residential programs?
A. DJJ has prioritized providing programs
and services to meet the specialized treatment needs of
committed youth in the areas of substance abuse, mental
health, and developmental disability services and juvenile
sexual offender treatment services. Specialized treatment
services in DJJ’s residential commitment programs include:
1. DJJ Specialized TREATMENT Services
Programs:
· Comprehensive Services for Major
Disorders provide the most intensive level of mental
health treatment within the DJJ continuum of specialized
treatment programs;
· Dual Diagnosis - Major Disorders Programs;
· Intensive - Major Disorders Programs;
· Intensive Services Programs are designed specifically
for youth with intensive mental health needs, youth with
an adjudicated sex offense or youth with developmental
disability;
· Intensive Mental Health Treatment Services Programs;
· Sex Offender Treatment Services-Secure Programs;
· Developmental Disability Treatment Services Programs;
· Specialized Services Programs are designed
specifically for youth with moderate to serious mental
disorder, substance-related disorder, or youth with an
adjudicated sex offense who are moderate risk to public
safety;
· Specialized Mental Health Services Programs;
· Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Programs;
· Sex Offender Treatment Services - Non-Secure Programs.
2. DJJ Specialized TREATMENT Overlay
Services are specialized treatment services provided to
youth placed in a general residential commitment program who
have mental health and/or substance use disorders.
· Mental Health Overlay Services (MHOS);
· Behavioral Health Overlay Services (BHOS);
· Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Overlay
Services.
How to provide information
about prescription medications, special healthcare needs, and
disability information
Q. What is the best way to provide
information about prescription medications, special
healthcare needs, and disability (autism, intellectual
disability, sensory impairments, and mental health)
information that it will be taken into consideration while
my child is in the DJJ facility?
A. The parent or guardian has
numerous opportunities to share such information throughout
the youth’s interaction with the Department. However, the
best possible time for the parent to share any information
about the youth’s prescription medication, special
healthcare needs or developmental disability needs is during
the intake screening process.
The Department’s contact person may be the
first point of communication for the parent or guardian. The
Authority for Evaluation and Treatment (AET) is the document
that, when signed by a parent or legal guardian, gives the
Department the authority to assume responsibility for the
provision of necessary and appropriate physical and mental
health care to a youth in the Department’s physical custody,
in most circumstances. Typically, the parents/guardians are
present to sign the AET at intake and can provide relevant
information at that time.
All youth who come into a DJJ facility have
an initial healthcare admission screening to identify acute
injury, illness, chronic medical condition, physical
impairment (e.g., speech, hearing, visual), mental
disability, or developmental disability that requires
medical or mental health evaluation and treatment, and/or
medication needs to be met. If the parent or guardian is
available during this screening, this information may be
made available then. For special considerations regarding
the youth’s current medications, the parent or guardian
should be able to provide this information to the nursing
staff when bringing the youth’s medications to the facility,
or by speaking to the nursing staff by phone or in person.
The parents must provide informed consent when new
medications are prescribed, including psychotropic
medications, and when other treatments are recommended
including hospitalization, surgery, dental services other
than evaluations or routine prophylaxis, any procedure or
service of an invasive nature, any procedure where the
benefit to the child is uncertain, and any procedure or
service that the parent or guardian has previously
prohibited and not covered by the AET. The parent or
guardian is also notified when the youth has a significant
change in medical condition or requires off-site medical
treatment.
All youth are provided with preliminary
screening to identify the need for further assessment and
treatment services including mental health, substance abuse
and developmental disability services. The parents/guardians
are contacted during the screening process. Additionally,
youth area referred for a comprehensive assessment regarding
their need for mental health services, substance abuse
treatment services, retardation services, literacy services
or other education treatment services; comprehensive
evaluation services; mental health treatment; substance
abuse treatment; sex offender treatment; crisis
intervention; suicide prevention and emergency care.
Comprehensive assessments and comprehensive evaluations
require parental input or documented effort to obtain
parental input. All youth who receive on-going mental
health, substance abuse and/or developmental disability
treatment services receive individualized treatment planning
that involves the youth and the parent/guardian.
Multidisciplinary treatment teams vary somewhat between DJJ
facilities, but routinely develop the youth’s initial
treatment plan, individualized treatment plan and provide
individualized treatment plan updates. The multidisciplinary
treatment team includes the parents/guardians whenever
possible.
Parents/guardians are contacted whenever the
youth is deemed a suicide risk, the youth receives a crisis
intervention or emergency mental health or substance abuse
treatment services. Each time the parents/guardians are
contacted the parents/guardian has the opportunity to
communicate with the Department’s contact person to share
relevant information.
In addition to the opportunities mentioned
above, parents or guardians should feel free to communicate
with DJJ facility staff anytime to ensure that their
children’s needs are met.
Reference:
Lisa Johnson, MD, Chief Medical Director, Office of
Health Services, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
Staff
Q:
If a youth under the age of 18 years (a minor), male or female, is
or becomes married, are they still treated as a minor, or do they
have the rights as if they were over 18?
A: Pursuant to s. 743.01, F.S., the disability of nonage”
of a minor who is or has been married is removed, once the disability of
nonage has been removed, the person can legally do all things that the person
could do if not a minor.
FDA Guide for Drug Disposal
Q: How do we dispose of unused medicine?
A: Please see the Document
FDA Guide for Drug Disposal
Admission Process
Q: How is the
Facility Entry Physical Health Screening different than the
Comprehensive Physical Assessment?
A: Each youth receives a Facility Entry
Physical Health Screening by a staff member (health care or
non-health care) admitting the youth to a detention center
or residential commitment program. The purpose of this
screening is to ensure that the youth does not have any
health conditions that would require emergency services.
This screening does not take the place of the Comprehensive
Physical Assessment or other required evaluations. Facility
Entry Physical Health Screening performed by non-healthcare
staff are reviewed by the facility nurse on the next nursing
shift.
The Comprehensive Physical Assessment is the
standardized physical assessment of a youth, conducted by a
Physician, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner or
Physician Assistant at Departmentally specified intervals.
(Refer to Health Services Manual, Chapter 3 and Chapter 5)
Q: When a youth has
a positive PPD and exhibits no signs and symptoms of TB is
it a requirement that the youth be placed in isolation?
A: No. A youth who has symptoms suggestive
of TB disease and has a positive PPD/TST shall immediately
receive a medical evaluation and shall be placed in
isolation or an Airborne Infection Isolation Room until
active TB disease has been ruled out. The licensed nurse
must provide the youth and staff a NIOSH approved disposable
particulate TB respiratory mask. The nurse shall be
responsible for fit testing the youth and staff to assure
the proper sizing of the respiratory mask. (Refer to Health
Services Manual, Chapter 3)
Consent & Authority for Evaluation
and Treatment
Return to Health
Services
Q: What is the
difference between parental consent and parental
notification?
A: The
Authority for Evaluation and Treatment (AET)
is the Department’s general parental consent form
authorizing specific medical care and treatment for youth in
the custody of the Department. For the purpose of the AET
document, departmental custody includes those DJJ facilities
where youth are housed 24 hours per day, such as, Detention
Centers and Residential Commitment Programs. The AET
provides limited authority for youth in DJJ facility-based
non-residential programs. There are certain types of care
that requires additional written consent that is not
addressed in the Authority for Evaluation and Treatment.
Parental notification refers to notifying
parents of specific events that have occurred related to the
youth’s health care. This notification may be provided
verbally, or by telephone followed by notification in
writing. Written notification is required for any additional
health-related care not addressed in the signed Authority
for Evaluation and Treatment. This is accomplished by
sending the parent the necessary standardized Parental
Notification of Health Related Care for any additional
health-related care not addressed in the signed
Authority for Evaluation and Treatment.
Q: Is each
detention and residential facility required to obtain a new
parental consent for the Authority for Evaluation and
Treatment form?
A: No. The Authority for Evaluation and
Treatment is valid for as long as the youth is under any
type of supervision, custody or other form of legal control
by the Department; or for one year after it was signed by
the parent/legal Guardian, whichever comes later, or until
the youth’s 18th birthday. Legal control includes probation
and conditional release. (Refer to Health Services Manual,
Chapter 4)
Q: Is parental
notification required for a pregnant female receiving
prenatal services if the youth requests that the parent not
be notified?
A: No. Although statutorily the consent or
notification of the parent or guardian is not explicitly
required, the youth should be encouraged to allow for
parental notification when medical issues arise. Because of
the Department’s unique responsibility for the health and
safety of the youth and unborn child, if the youth refuses
to notify her parents, the facility superintendent, program
director, or designee shall consult with the regional
general counsel’s office if the situation is serious. (Refer
to Health Services Manual, Chapters 4 and 10)
Sick Call
Q: Are there
different types of sick call?
A: Yes. Sick call is the component of
health care that responds to a youth’s complaints of illness
or injury of a non-emergent nature but which requires a
professional nursing assessment and possibly, a nursing or
medical intervention. Sick call procedures ensure that a
youth has access to regularly scheduled Sick Call to address
two types of sick call (1) non-emergent and (2) episodic
health-related complaints. A youth experiencing a
health-related condition or complaint that is considered an
emergency must receive immediate medical attention and is
not part of the sick call process. (Refer to Health Services
Manual, Chapter 6)
Q: Does a youth
have to submit a sick call request each time he or she
requires over-the-counter medications for minor health
complaints?
A: No. A process must be in place for all
youth to have timely access to sick call care and treatment.
The process by which youth indicate their respective need
for Sick Call may vary as long as access is not denied.
However, a youth must be provided a Sick Call Request form
and a pencil when requesting to see a nurse or physician.
(Refer to Health Services Manual, Chapter 6)
Forms
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Services
Q: What
documentation is required for off-site health care
providers?
A: All medical care ordered and/or
administered off-site (by a Physician, PA, or ARNP) must be
documented on the standardized form, the
Summary of Off-Site Care.
This form is filled out by the provider and returned to the
facility. Additionally, the off-site health care provider
must submit any medical treatment orders and prescriptions,
as indicated, in order for the facility to provide the
appropriate medical care and clinical treatment for the
youth. (Refer to Health Services Manual, Chapter 15)
Q: In addition to
required forms, can other forms, for other purposes, be
utilized to provide documentation in the health care record?
A: Yes with stipulations. The forms located
in the forms appendix are italicized throughout the chapters
of this manual. All forms are available on the Department of
Juvenile Justice Office of Health Services web-site link at
the
Forms Library. Required forms are available in a PDF
version. However, sample forms are available in a Micro-soft
Word version. These forms may be altered to facilitate the
specific needs of each departmental facility. Facility may
create additional forms if they so choose, but the required
forms should not be altered.
Health Services Manual
Q: Are there areas
of this manual that dictate to health care professionals how
to practice their respective disciplines?
A: No. The Health Services Manual provides
policy and guidelines regarding delivery of health care
services in all of the Florida Department of Juvenile
Justice facilities and programs. It is intended to provide
guidance and practical direction to state and contracted
health care service providers, clinicians, and
administrators, direct care staff and others involved in the
supervision or treatment of youth with health care needs.
This manual is designed to provide a resource that assists
in establishing health care services within the DJJ
continuum of services, which promote adolescent health, well
being and development while adhering to state and federal
regulations.
Section 985.01(1)(b) Florida Statutes grants
statutory authority with regard to health services made
available to youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice
Custody. One of the purposes of Chapter 985 is: “ To provide
for the care, safety, and protection of children in an
environment that fosters healthy social, emotional,
intellectual, and physical development; to ensure secure and
safe custody; and to promote the health and well-being of
all children under the state’s care.”
Girls Services
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Services
Q: Is parental
notification required for a pregnant female receiving
prenatal services if she request that the parent not be
notified?
A: No. Although statutorily the consent or
notification of the parent or guardian is not explicitly
required, the youth should be encouraged to allow for
parental notification when medical issues arise. Because of
the Department’s unique responsibility for the health and
safety of the youth and unborn child, if the youth refuses
to notify her parents, the facility superintendent, program
director, or designee shall consult with the regional
general counsel’s office if the situation is serious. (Refer
to Health Services Manual, Chapter 10)
Health Care Record
Q: Does the
Individual Health Care Record have to be standardized?
A: Yes. The Individual Health Care Record
is the youth-specific unified, organized collection of
health records (i.e. histories, assessments, treatments,
diagnostic tests, reports of consultations, etc.), which
relate to a youth’s medical, mental/behavioral, and dental
health. It is essential that a comprehensive, organized and
accurate Individual Health Care Record is developed and
maintained for each youth to facilitate effective
communication among the various health care providers who
treat each individual youth.
Q: Are non-health
care staff members permitted to make entries in the
individual health care record?
A: Yes. All on-site medical health care
encounters, including those performed by licensed health
care professionals, health care Para-professionals, and
other trained facility staff shall be documented in the
chronological progress notes in chronological order (with
exceptions as noted in Chapter 15). Any person, licensed or
non-licensed, administering medication and/or treatment to a
youth must document on the Medication and Treatment Record
(MAR) any medications, physical or dental health treatment
rendered pursuant to physician’s orders. Any medications
administered outside of scheduled sick call shall be
documented accordingly on the MAR as well. (Refer to Health
Services Manual, Chapter 15)
Q: Can duplicate
copies of a document be destroyed?
A: If duplicate identical copies of a
document (i.e., the Health Related History or Comprehensive
Physical Assessment) exist in a youth’s Individual Health
Care Record; the replicates may be shredded as long as they
contain the exact same information as the copy that remains
in the youth’s record.
Medicaid
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Services
Q: What is the
Medicaid reapplication process upon a youth’s release from
commitment?
A: Go to
http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida or call
1-866-762-2237. THIS TELEPHONE NUMBER GOES TO THE FLORIDA
RELAY LINE, NOT TO FLORIDA ACCESS OR MEDICAID.
The Medicaid reapplication process is as
follows:
· Youth receiving Medicaid benefits at
the time of being detained in state custody and has
other family members receiving Medicaid Benefits - Upon
the youth’s release from DJJ custody, the family member
is responsible for calling DCF to re-instate youth’s
benefits.
· Youth Receiving Medicaid benefits at the
time of being detained in state custody and has NO other
family members receiving Medicaid benefits - Upon the
youth’s release from DJJ custody, the family member is
responsible for completing an application for Medicaid
benefits and sending it to the local DCF service center
for processing. This application can be completed
on-line or by hard copy.
· Upon receivership of the
application for Medicaid benefits, DCF processes the
application for approval. The approval process can take
up to 45 days.
· Once the youth is approved for
Medicaid benefits, a DCF system form letter of approval
is generated to the parent.
A youth’s Medicaid benefits for health care
can be accessed through AHCA the next business day. AHCA
handles the payment for the youth receiving Medicaid
benefits.
Medication Administration
Q: Does a youth
have the right to refuse medication?
A: Yes. The forced (involuntary)
administration of medication is not permitted under any
circumstances. Each facility must develop a Medication
Refusal form or utilize the Department’s Right to Refuse
Care form. This form should be completed each time a youth
refuses care. (Refer to Health Services Manual, Chapter 11)
Q: Is parental
notification required every time we give a youth a Tylenol
or a band-aid? What about other Over-the-Counter
medications?
A: No. Parental consent for providing a
youth Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprophen (Motrin), Pepto
Bismol, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and Triple Antibiotic
Ointment is provided when the parent signs the Authority for
Evaluation and Treatment (AET).
Each facility or program must then send the
parent/guardian a facility-specific list of OTC’s used.
Adequate time must be allowed for the parent/guardian to
respond if they do not permit the youth to receive these
medications.
Q: Can a non-health
care departmental staff member administer medication to a
youth?
A: If a sufficient number of licensed
nurses are not available on-site to administer all oral
prescription medications or OTC’s, then the delivery,
supervision, and oversight of youth who are performing
self-administration of medications must be carried out by
trained non-health care staff. All facilities must have
operating procedures in place that include the training of
non-health care staff whose responsibilities include these
duties. (Refer to Health Services Manual, Chapter 11)
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
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Services
Q: What determines
if a youth is placed in a mental health or dual diagnosis
program?
A: Assessment and diagnosis, history,
past/present behavior.
Q: Will the mental
health alerts follow the youth as an adult?
A: The alerts are only in the Department Of
Juvenile Justice (DJJ) system. However, the mental health
issues will need to be monitored, and the record remains
with the DJJ.
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