Mar 15, 2013

Dear DJJ team members:

Welcome to my weekly letter. I am pleased to share the following news and announcements.

SCHOOL DELINQUENCY DECLINE CONTINUES: Last week, I announced thatthe preliminary data results for fiscal year (FY) 2012-13indicate that overall juvenile crime continues to decline. This week, I have even more good news. Furtheranalysis of the preliminary data shows a decrease in school arrests during each of the first eight months of FY 2012-13, as compared to data from the same period from FY 2011-12.

Some highlights from the March 2013 Delinquency in Florida’s Schools Briefing:

• Delinquency in schools declined 15 percent compared to a similar period during the previous fiscal year.
• Delinquency in schools declined or remained the same in 54 of Florida’s 67 counties.
• Misdemeanor offenses continue to comprise the majority of school-related offenses.

Our agency will continue to support communities’ efforts to address school misconduct in ways that correct unwanted behavior and maintain a safe and productive learning environment while diverting youth away from the juvenile justice system.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: DJJ legislative priorities moved through committees easily this week, which is a very good sign.

Agency priority bills SB 672, SB 678, SB 676, HB 617, HB 353 all passed in their respective legislative committees this week. SB 676-Juvenile Justice Circuit Advisory Boards and Juvenile Justice County Councils by Sen. Greg Evers passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12. SB 676 streamlines the current system, which consists of 87 boards and councils, into 20 Circuit Advisory Boards representing each judicial circuit and county in the state. The bill puts Florida’s families first by providing a stronger voice for counties and local communities in juvenile justice related issues, encouraging greater collaboration at the local level, and strengthening community-based partnerships. The House version of the bill, HB 617 by Rep. Ray Pilon, passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, on March 12, as well. Thanks to Sen. Evers and Rep. Pilon for their leadership on this important issue.

CS/HB 353-Juvenile Justice, by Rep. Gayle B. Harrell passed the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously on March 13. The legislation is a result of grand jury recommendations and is an attempt to provide state prosecutors an avenue to prosecute adults who neglect or abuse children in DJJ facilities who happen to be over the age of 18. Previously, the criminal statutes only covered youth under 18. The Senate bill, SB 678 also passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on March 11. Thank you to Rep. Harrell for her hard work in sponsoring this important piece of legislation.

SB 672, Jail Tours/Youth Custody officer, by Sen. Greg Evers also passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, on March 11. This bill would repeal unnecessary and irrelevant statutes regarding youth custody officers, a position which duties have been shifted to other areas of the agency. It also repeals statutory provisions for punitive jail tours. These jail tours violate the Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, and if continued would jeopardize federal funds for crucial juvenile justice programs and services. Further, data suggests the use of these types of tours have no positive effect on recidivism rates.

Thanks to all bill sponsors for their hard work in encouraging the progress of these important pieces of legislation, which are fully supported by the Governor’s Florida Families First budget recommendations.

Also on March 13, Fred Schuknecht, director of Administration, gave a presentation to the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee on DJJ’s targeted budget reductions required by Schedule VIIIB.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PROBATION: I am delighted to announce the appointment of Joan “Joni” Wimmer as Assistant Secretary of Probation and Community Intervention. This position carries a wide spectrum of responsibility, for which Joni is uniquely well-suited. Joni has served as director of the DJJ Office of Education since November 2011. In that role, she has focused on strengthening relationships with local school boards and infusing more vocational training and employment opportunities into educational programs in DJJ residential facilities, and re-entry programs for youth returning home after successfully completing residential programs. Through the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant, she was able to establish four career and technical training certification programs in high-risk residential facilities in Duval, Hillsborough, Marion and Palm Beach counties. New Second Chance Act funding is being used to train youth for employment and to implement pilot re-entry programs in Martin, Okeechobee, Hillsborough and Citrus counties. In addition, her ongoing work with the Florida Department of Education to establish an education accountability system at juvenile justice schools is of critical importance.

Joni has more than 35 years of experience working with, and on behalf of, at-risk or troubled youth and their families in Florida’s dependency and delinquency systems. I am thrilled that Joni will lead the Office of Probation and Community Intervention, where her experience, professionalism and leadership skills will continue to be of tremendous value to our agency. Please join me in warmly congratulating her on her new duties.

JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM IN CIRCUIT 10:Shay Bilchik, Director of the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) and Marion Kelly from the Comprehensive Strategy Group joined DJJ Assistant Secretary for Residential Services Laura Moneyham to present information on CJJR’s Juvenile Justice System Improvement Project to Polk County Circuit Judge J. Michael McCarthy, the juvenile division chief of the Circuit 10 State Attorney’s Office, and the juvenile division chief of the Circuit 10 Public Defender. The presentation to advance reform efforts in Circuit 10 included a discussion on tools and strategies to ensure delivery of the right service for the right youth at the right time and duration. Thanks to Michael Baglivio of Research and Planning and CPO Jennifer Haynes for assisting in this important presentation.

KEY WEST YOUTH SUCCESS DAY: Key West Mayor Craig Cates has proclaimed April 7, 2013, as Youth Success Day in Key West. On March 11, Mayor Cates presented the proclamation to DJJ Circuit 16 Chief Probation Officer Karen Knight. A Youth Success Day covered dish luncheon to honor successful youth, sponsored by DJJ staff and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, will be held at the Monroe County Juvenile Justice Center on April 12. Youth Success Day will be celebrated as part of Children's Week, April 7 - 12th.

Youth Success Day proclaimed for April 7 in Key West. Pictured left to right: Dr. Terri Beers-Rossi, Circuit 16 Juvenile Justice Board vice-chair; Steve Torrence, Circuit 16 Juvenile Justice Board chair; Doug Blomberg, Wesley House Family Services; Karen Knight, Circuit 16 DJJ chief probation officer; and Mayor Craig Cates of Key West.

2013 Key West Youth Success Day Proclamation

DETENTION ALTERNATIVES IN PINELLAS: More than 30 community leaders and stakeholders including members of the judiciary from Pinellas County attended the local kick-off of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) on March 1. Staff from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Florida JDAI statewide coordinator conducted an assessment of the site. The next step is for JDAI Pinellas to identify executive members, establish work group committees and collaboratively develop a work plan to address alternatives to secure detention.

PROBATION KUDOS: Thanks to senior juvenile probation officer (JPO) Kisha Bush and JPO Chris Daniels who, along with four DJJ youth, worked at a Farmshare event held on March 2. At the event, over 300 needy families were provided fresh veggies and pantry items! DJJ and DCF have partnered to provide support during ongoing Farmshare events in Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden counties.

PREVENTION: March 3-6, 2013, Prevention staff attended the 24^th National Youth At-Risk Conference in Savannah, Georgia. The conference focused on disproportionate negative outcomes for Black and Hispanic children in the school and juvenile justice systems, and attendees gained insight on the negative effects poverty has on children mentally, emotionally, physically and academically. Presentations focused on factors that influence these outcomes such as poverty, low marriage rates, children born to unwed parents and cultural sensitivity issues among teachers. Solutions offered to participants included bridging the gap between schools and the community, specifically the faith community; developing mentor programs; establishing all-male schools, engaging families, recruiting male instructors, and increased teacher and staff training.

Thanks to all DJJ and provider staff that work diligently to ensure the safety and success of youth.

Sincerely,

Wansley Walters

Secretary

PS: Please send any noteworthy or newsworthy items for consideration in my weekly letter to the Communications Office at News@djj.state.fl.us or call 850.921.5900. Submissions are considered on a space-available basis and may be edited for clarity and length. Thank you for your cooperation.