What More can Be Done To Keep Black Youth Out of Florida's Juvenile Justice System?

Date:  07-10-2021 Only 40.8 percent of Black Juveniles who were eligible served in a diversion program

From the Florida Phoenix: Black juveniles in Florida are arrested at higher rates compared to all other ethnic groups and struggle to get into diversion programs aimed to prevent kids from entering the criminal justice system, according to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The situation is problematic in part because legislation to expand the pool of youth offenders eligible for various prevention programs was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week, because of concerns about allowing felony cases in the diversion programs. Currently, the programs for youths involve misdemeanor cases. The Juvenile Justice department focuses on youth crime at the earliest stages and provides alternatives so youths don’t get arrested. The diversion programs can save millions of dollars, according to the state DJJ. Continue reading >>>