CONTACT:

Heather DiGiacomo

heather.digiacomo@djj.state.fl.us

(850) 717-2710

At approximately 12:45 a.m., the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), was notified by our contracted provider, Youth Opportunity Investments, of the death of a youth committed to the Broward Youth Treatment Center.

On behalf of DJJ, I first wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family.  His unexpected and untimely death has been devastating to not only them, but to the youth and staff at the program as well as all of us at DJJ.

The Department will be working collaboratively with local law enforcement to assist in their investigation of the circumstances surrounding this untimely death. The Department also immediately had staff on site to begin an intensive review of all records and actions by contracted personnel to ensure that all measures were taken. It appears at this time, following a preliminary review, that staff were performing routine checks as required to monitor the youth. The DJJ Inspector General will conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation, which once completed will be made available to the public. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

At the present time, our focus is on the youth and staff at Broward Youth Treatment Center and ensuring they have the needed supports in place to deal with the overwhelming grief and shock of this loss.

The Department will release additional information as it becomes available.

---Christina K. Daly, Secretary