|
Juvenile Justice System
Arrest
|
||
|
Judicial Handling of Cases (cont.) |
||
| Commitment | ||
| If a youth is found guilty, the judge may sentence the youth to a commitment program. There are a range of commitment programs available. Each program is designed according to the risk levels of the youth they serve. The higher the risk level, the more security and supervision that is provided in the program to ensure the protection of the public. The judge considers the youth’s risk to the community and service needs when committing a youth. Low risk youth may be required to participate in a local day treatment program while continuing to live in their own home. Youth considered a greater risk to the community may be sent to a residential commitment program. “Residential” means that the youth lives at the program until he or she completes the program. Residential programs are located throughout Florida. Youth in commitment programs receive individualized treatment services. However, some programs provide more specialized treatment, such as, substance abuse treatment and/or mental health treatment. The length of time a youth stays in a program depends on the type of program and the youth’s performance in the program. A youth’s release is based primarily on him /her completing his/her individual performance plan goals. |
|
|
|
Supervision After Commitment |
||
| Once a youth completes a commitment program, he or she will be placed on Conditional Release or Post Commitment Probation. | ||
| Post Commitment Probation | ||
| Youth may be placed on Post Commitment Probation while they transition back to the community after completing a commitment program. During this time they will be under the supervision of a Juvenile Probation Officer. | ||
| Conditional Release | ||
| While on Conditional Release the youth may be required to participate in programs and services in the community and intensive case management supervision. A youth on Conditional Release is still technically committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice and can be administratively returned to a residential commitment facility without a judge’s order for violation of the supervision. | ||
|
|
||
