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Secretary Walter McNeil of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced on July 31, 2007 the appointment of a 25-member "Blueprint Commission" to develop a plan that will reform Florida's juvenile justice system. The Commission, comprised of community leaders, juvenile justice stakeholders and policy experts, has been developed in response to several key concerns. Juvenile recidivism, the overrepresentation of minority youths, and alarming trends involving girls-who comprise the fastest-growing segment of the juvenile justice population-are some of the issues Florida's juvenile justice system currently faces. The Commission is chaired by Florida Atlantic University President and former Lieutenant Governor Frank Brogan. State and national juvenile justice expert and author Dr. LaWanda Ravoira is commission vice chair.
The Blueprint Commission on Juvenile Justice will conduct public hearings throughout the state and invite input from stakeholders from all aspects of juvenile justice programs and services, and from citizens. The meetings will feature state and national research experts on juvenile justice trends and best practices; seek presentations from local community leaders, groups and other stakeholders; and include an evening town hall meeting format where citizens can also provide comment. Click here to read the whole release and to view a list of Commission Members.
The following Blueprint Commission's public hearings were held:
September 4-5, Ft. Lauderdale
Ensure Public Safety, use of detention, use of adult sanctions; Gangs
September 25-26, Jacksonville
Improve Outcomes for Youth in JJ System; Health and wellness; Mental health and substance abuse; Development and learning disabilities
October 4-5, Orlando
Ensure a Fair and Balanced Approach, Racial disparity, Treatment of girls; Legal Representation
October 17-18, Ft. Myers
Strengthen Communities, Youth, Families, School and Community Collaboration, Prevention, Diversion, Youth Development, Schools and Zero Tolerance, Re-entry and Aftercare; Youth Education and Job Training
October 29-30, Tampa
Create Smaller Rehabilitative Institutions, Models/Programs Designs
November 6-7, Pensacola
Ensure Effective and Accountable System, Evidence-based programming, Competent and stable workforce; Performance Accountability
Meeting locations for those cities will be announced soon and will be easily accessible to the public.
For more details, click here to visit the Blueprint Commission section of the Department of Juvenile Justice Web site.
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