We know that homeless youth and those in the foster care system are more likely to commit status offenses like skipping school and breaking curfew. They may also commit petty crimes to meet their needs. One of the current trends in juvenile justice is diverting youth from the system altogether. This means preventing delinquent behaviors before they happen. Although the Juvenile Court Act of 1899 keeps juveniles separate from adult offenders in prisons, there are certain circumstances in which it is permissible for states to house juveniles with adults. Because the state of Florida has the highest number of juveniles in adult prisons, it seems that enough is not being done to divert youth away from the Florida justice system. For this activity, you will come up with a plan for young people in Florida (or any other state) from delinquency. You must include the following in your plan: At least three status offenses or crimes that the plan aims to prevent Information or statistics on these crimes and any connected circumstances (e.g., homelessness, foster care, abuse/neglect) At least five ways that police officers and/or other juvenile justice workers could aid in prevention Information on at least one alternative program that could be used to help youth avoid offending/reoffending Your goal is to create a solid plan that, when put into place, would divert youth away from the justice system altogether. To do so, you’ll need to combine research with original ideas. Step 1: Research Elements and Documentation Before you begin creating your plan, take a moment to research the top offenses that youth are committing in the state you are writing the plan for. Gather statistics and see if you can find a connection between these offenses and outside factors. You will want to include this information in your plan. You will also need to decide which of these status offenses or crimes your prevention plan will focus on. Will your ideas help youth avoid disorderly conduct charges? Will it help lower the number of teens being caught with alcohol? The decision is yours. Step 2: Create Your Plan Next, you’ll need to come up with at least five actionable items that juvenile justice workers/advocates could use to help reduce the number of youth committing and being arrested for these offenses. You should also include information on at least one alternative program that could assist in this process. You don’t need to use a special program, simply type your plan a word processing document. If you’d like, you can find or create a template to structure your plan. You can include images, but it is not required. To complete this activity, please submit your plan.

Answer 1

Youth Diversion Plan for Florida

Objective:

To develop a comprehensive plan aimed at diverting at-risk youth from delinquency in Florida, particularly focusing on status offenses like skipping school, breaking curfew, and underage drinking. The plan seeks to address underlying issues such as homelessness and involvement in the foster care system.

Targeted Status Offenses:

1. School Truancy: Skipping school without a legitimate reason.
2. Curfew Violations: Failing to adhere to mandated curfew hours.
3. Underage Drinking: Possessing or consuming alcohol below the legal age.

Connected Circumstances:

Statistics and Information:

• According to the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE), over 4,000 unaccompanied youth were identified as homeless in Florida in the 2019-2020 school year.
• The Florida Department of Children and Families reported that many youth in the state's foster care system (around 19,000) experience issues like homelessness after aging out.
• Data shows that youth in foster care are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors, with up to 75% facing school dropout rates.

Connections:

Youth experiencing homelessness, poverty, or instability in the foster care system are more likely to engage in status offenses. Without support and intervention, they often turn to petty crimes to meet their survival needs and, thus, risk deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Actionable Items:

1. Establish Community-Based Support Programs:

• Implementation of mentoring programs that connect at-risk youth with trained mentors who can provide guidance, emotional support, and resources to help navigate challenges.

2. Increase School Engagement Initiatives:

• Collaboration with local schools to create attendance improvement programs focused on engaging students. This may include incentives for attendance, individual counseling, and personalized learning opportunities.

3. Enhance Policing Approaches:

• Training for law enforcement to utilize diversion tactics instead of arresting. This involves addressing the root cause of the behavior rather than escalating to the judicial system, like connecting youth to social services or community resources.

4. Establish Expanded Access to Mental Health Services:

• Integrating mental health professionals within schools and community centers to help students dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression that could lead to delinquent behavior.

5. Promote Awareness and Outreach Campaigns:

• Launch community awareness campaigns to educate families and communities about the challenges affecting homeless and foster youth. Involve local organizations to guide supportive resources available.

Alternative Program:

"Youth Empowerment and Success (YES) Program"

This program aims to provide comprehensive support to at-risk youth in Florida, focusing on educational support, life skills training, and emotional counseling. It offers workshops on conflict resolution, job preparation, and mentorship, providing a constructive environment that promotes resilience and redirect engagement from potential delinquency.

Conclusion:

This prevention plan addresses critical areas for youth in Florida, aiming to break the cycle of delinquency by providing proactive support and resources to vulnerable populations. By focusing on collaboration between community organizations, schools, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, we can create an integrated system that diverts youth away from the justice system, significantly reducing status offenses and improving overall outcomes for at-risk youth.

Answer 2

make this in the work of a 10th grader please

Answer 3

Plan to Help Youth in Florida Stay Out of Trouble

Goal:

This plan is designed to help young people in Florida avoid getting into the juvenile justice system. We will focus on stopping behaviors like skipping school, breaking curfew, and underage drinking. Many of these youth face challenges like homelessness and time in foster care, which can lead them to make poor choices.

Issues to Address:

1. Skipping School (Truancy): When students don’t go to school without a good reason.
2. Breaking Curfew: When teens stay out past the time they're supposed to be home.
3. Underage Drinking: When people under 21 drink alcohol.

Facts and Background:

• In Florida, over 4,000 homeless young people were identified during the 2019-2020 school year (NCHE).
• There are about 19,000 youth in Florida’s foster care system, and many struggle once they leave, often leading to homelessness.
• Youth in foster care can have high dropout rates—up to 75%—which can lead to more risky behaviors.

Why This Matters:

Young people who don’t have a stable home, like those who are homeless or in foster care, are at a higher risk of getting into trouble. Without support, they sometimes turn to minor crimes to survive, which can cause them to get caught in the justice system.

Actions to Prevent Trouble:

1. Create Mentoring Programs:

• Set up programs that connect young people with caring adults who can offer support and help them make better decisions.

2. Improve School Engagement:

• Work with schools to create fun programs that encourage students to come to school. This could include rewards for good attendance and personalized learning opportunities.

3. Train Police to Help, Not Just Arrest:

• Police should get training on using diversion tactics. Instead of arresting youth for minor issues, they can offer help and connect them with services that can support them.

4. Provide Better Mental Health Services:

• Place mental health professionals in schools to help students who are dealing with stress, anxiety, or trauma, which can lead to risky behaviors.

5. Run Awareness Campaigns:

• Create campaigns to inform families about the challenges faced by homeless or foster youth. These campaigns should also include information about resources available in the community.

Alternative Program: "Youth Empowerment and Success (YES) Program"

The YES program aims to support at-risk youth by offering education support, life skills training, and emotional counseling. The program will include workshops on resolving conflicts, preparing for jobs, and providing mentorship. This supportive environment will help young people build resilience and stay engaged in positive activities.

Conclusion:

This plan aims to support young people in Florida and reduce the chances that they will get into trouble. By working together with schools, police, community organizations, and mental health professionals, we can provide the help they need to stay out of the juvenile justice system and make better choices for their futures.