Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

DJJ Should Better Identify At-Risk Youth, Use Proven Prevention Models, and Revise Funding Practices

Report 08-07, February 2008




Report Summary

  • The Department of Juvenile Justice uses high crime zip codes and risk factors to identify youth in need of prevention services. However, its methodology for determining which zip codes relate to a rate of high crime is not optimal and the risk factors need to be updated to reflect more current evidence-based research. The department also does not require all providers to serve youth with multiple risk factors, who are at highest risk for delinquency.
  • The Legislature should update program requirements to reflect current research on effective prevention models. The department should then require prevention providers to use these proven interventions and to serve youth with risk factors addressed by their program model.
  • The department tracks recidivism but not other outcomes related to the prevention services it provides, such as education. The department should track and assess outcomes related to each program's service delivery model in addition to tracking delinquency referrals.
  • The program's system for funding prevention grants for no more than three years hinders developing long-term programs that maximize positive outcomes.
  • Interagency efforts to address delinquency prevention are limited and should be pursued.


Related Reports
  1. DJJ Should Monitor Network and PACE Administrative Services and Revise Policies to Serve Appropriate Youth
    Report 09-01 January 2009
  2. DJJ Should Use Evidence-Based Practices to Address Juvenile Gang Involvement
    Report 08-56 October 2008
  3. Progress Report: DJJ Prevention Makes Progress; More Analysis and Contract Monitoring Needed
    Report 04-47 July 2004
  4. Prevention and Victim Services Program Department of Juvenile Justice
    Report 02-62 November 2002
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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