Over the past five years, the Redirection Program has operated at a lower cost than residential juvenile delinquency programs and has achieved better outcomes. Youth who successfully completed the Redirection Program were significantly less likely to be subsequently arrested for a felony or violent felony, adjudicated or convicted for a felony, or sentenced to prison after treatment than similar youth who successfully completed residential commitment programs. The Redirection Program has achieved $51.2 million in cost savings for the state since it began five years ago due to its lower operating costs compared to residential delinquency programs.
If the Legislature wishes to expand the program, it could consider authorizing the Redirection Program to treat certain juvenile sex offenders who are considered appropriate for community treatment and/or gang members; such programs would be less expensive than residential commitment.

Redirection Saves $36.4 Million and Avoids $5.2 Million in Recommitment and Prison Costs
Report 09-27 May 2009
Redirection Program Achieves Lower Recidivism and a $14.4-Million Cost Savings Compared to DJJ Commitment
Report 08-41 June 2008
Redirection Pilots Meet and Exceed Residential Commitment Outcomes; $5.8 Million Saved
Report 07-10 February 2007
Redirection as Effective as Residential Delinquency Programs, Achieved Substantial Cost Avoidance
Report 06-34 March 2006

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.