Program Description

The Miami-Dade Juvenile Assessment Center, Florida

Overview

In the mid-1990s, the Florida Legislature enacted state statutes creating Juvenile Assessment Centers (JAC). JACs are characterized by a processing center that serves as a single point-of-entry that utilizes an integrated case management process to link youth with appropriate services based on an initial comprehensive assessment. These processing centers are also characterized by co-located agencies that are typically involved with youth with mental health needs involved in the juvenile justice system.

The Miami-Dade JAC was established within the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) as one of eighteen JACs that resulted from a Florida state statute in the mid-1990s. The Miami-Dade JAC is funded by the MDPD and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). While the JAC is funded by the MDPD and the Florida DJJ, all stakeholders were invited to participate in the planning and implementation of the JAC. This partnership of agencies agreed that a primary goal of the JAC was to assess and effectively respond to the target population’s risk factors and needs. As a result, the JAC received Federal funding to establish a national demonstration project to develop a system that was responsive to the needs of the youth it served.

The program also seeks to divert youth from further penetration into the juvenile justice system whenever possible. As part of the demonstration project, the JAC began the Post Arrest Diversion (PAD) program in December of 2000. The target population for the PAD is first-time, nonviolent, misdemeanor juvenile offenders under 17 years of age being processed at the JAC. The goal of PAD was to divert youth to community programs that offer a range of mental health services, including counseling, educational assistance, drug testing, and youth and family treatment. For youth who qualify for the program, diversion alternatives are described to the youth and his or her family member. Both the arresting officer and the victim must agree to the terms of the diversion. Once the required parties accept diversion, PAD staff evaluates the youth and develops a treatment and supervision plan. Services are provided through a variety of community providers, while PAD staff provides case management and follow-up. Youth participating in the PAD program receive a justice sanction. Youth are typically involved in the program for approximately 60 days.

Reference

Cocozza, et al (2005). Diversion from the juvenile justice system: The Miami-Dade Juvenile Assessment Center Post-Arrest Diversion Program. Journal of Substance Use and Misuse, In press.

Program Contact

Juvenile Justice Center
330 N.W. 27th Avenue
Suite 1000
Miami, FL 33142
Phone: 305-638-6227