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.

Question

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.

Answer 1

Prevention Plan for Diverting Youth from Delinquency in Florida

Focus Areas

This prevention plan aims to address three specific status offenses prevalent among youths in Florida:

1. Skipping School (Truancy): Skipping school is one of the most common status offenses. According to the Florida Department of Education, nearly 10% of students in Florida were reported as chronically absent, which contributes to on-going educational challenges and potential entanglement with the juvenile justice system.

2. Curfew Violations: Many Florida cities have established curfews for minors in an effort to reduce juvenile crime. Violations of these curfews can lead to police interactions and potential entry into the justice system. An 2021 report from the Florida Juvenile Justice Information System revealed that approximately 30% of arrests for youth aged 16-17 were related to curfew violations.

3. Possession of Alcohol: Youth engaging in underage drinking can lead to public disturbances, arrests, and further delinquent behavior. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 29% of high school students in Florida reported consuming alcohol in the past month, and this figure increases the likelihood of encountering law enforcement.

Contextual Connections

Homelessness and foster care are significant factors that exacerbate these offenses. A 2021 report revealed that approximately 2,800 youth in Florida are homeless on any given night, many of whom are also experiencing instability due to involvement in the foster care system. Additionally, Florida has the highest number of youth transitioning out of foster care without adequate support, increasing their likelihood of engaging in behaviors that can lead to status offenses and delinquency.

Actionable Prevention Strategies

Here are five ways that police officers and juvenile justice advocates can actively work to prevent status offenses:

1. Integrated School and Community Support Programs:

   • Collaborate with schools to create mentorship programs that engage youth at risk of truancy. These programs can pair students with positive role models who provide academic and emotional support.

2. Family Engagement Initiatives:

   • Police departments and juvenile justice workers can organize workshops for families on the importance of communication and support strategies for their children to help decrease behavioral issues leading to curfews and other offenses.

3. Community Service Projects:

   • Implement community service initiatives led by juvenile justice organizations that enable youths to engage positively in their communities, providing them with healthy outlets for expression and fulfillment.

4. Crisis Intervention Training for Officers:

   • Equip law enforcement officers with crisis intervention training to handle encounters with needy youth more effectively, focusing on providing resources rather than immediate punishment. This could also include directing youth towards counseling services or community programs.

5. Substance Abuse Prevention Programs:

   • Establish school-based educational programs that focus on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, helping to prevent incidents of underage drinking. Peer-led discussions and workshops can foster a more engaging approach to prevention.

Alternative Program: The YAP (Youth Advocate Program)

The Youth Advocate Program (YAP) is a community-based program focusing on providing services to youth in high-risk environments, including those in foster care and experiencing homelessness. The program pairs youth with trained advocates who work to develop individualized plans addressing education, employment, and mental health needs, ultimately helping to redirect youth from the juvenile justice system. Data from YAP shows a 70% reduction in recidivism for participants who engage in the program as compared to their peers not involved in such programs.

Conclusion

The goal of this plan is to reduce the engagement of youths in the justice system by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to delinquency. By focusing on prevention through education, community involvement, and targeted support, it is possible to create a healthier environment where youth can thrive without resorting to status offenses. By implementing these strategies, the state of Florida can work towards a more effective juvenile justice system, supporting youth rather than simply penalizing them.