Florida’s Juvenile Justice System: Past, Present and Future

Children are adaptable, and although they should be held accountable for their actions, they also need appropriate interventions to effectively address their behavior.

Gone are the days where a child in Florida is heavily disciplined for a minor offense. Decades of research show that harsh punishment does not work. These children’s issues are complex and challenging, but we’re reforming our system to meet their needs.

Florida’s juvenile justice system is better, but there is still work to be done. We are moving in the right direction, and with a four-decade decline in juvenile arrests, we are making a difference.

— Christina K. Daly, Secretary, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice