This new model offers youth a chance to strengthen the family unit, lower referrals to the Juvenile Justice System for minor crimes, reduce youth's delinquent attitudes, behaviors, and create outlets for pro-social activities while maintaining a 'clean' criminal record. Since its inception in April 2007, over 4,000 Civil Citation referrals have been made as of February 2009.

For more information on the enabling legislation visit Online Sunshine, the official internet site of the Florida Legislature.

• Represents Systemic change - Reforms the protocol on how police and the community address juvenile first-time misdemeanor offenders.
• How it works  - All children who have committed a minor first-time misdemeanor offense will have the opportunity to participate without being arrested. Rather than issuing an arrest, police officers refer eligible children to JSD where they will receive an assessment and application of appropriate, targeted interventions without the baggage of an arrest.
  • If not offered by the officer, JSD will provide the eligible child the opportunity to participate in Civil Citation when they arrive at the JAC.
• Law Enforcement Participation - First utilized in April 2007 with the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police and the Miami-Dade County Police Department. All 37 local arresting agencies have signed on to participate.
• Represents a true systemic prevention model - Allows troubled youth to attain complete and targeted treatment services outside of the systems that currently exist and without the shame of a criminal record.
• Protects personal information - Prevents entry of personal information into criminal databases which may be released even if the record is sealed or expunged.
• Addresses disproportionate minority contact - 95% of participants are minorities.
• Impact on Recidivism - 3% recidivism from inception April 2007 through July 2008
• Reduces Arrests - JSD predicts a 30% reduction in arrests with this initiative
• Cost Savings -
  • Intake and Screening process time reduced by over 60%.
  • Paperwork significantly reduced, resulting in savings of time and money.
  • Court fees are eliminated because no court appearance is required.
  • An immediate cost savings of $5,000 per child by avoiding arrests

For more information, please click here for a copy of the brochure or contact the Civil Citation Referral Reduction Coordinator, Karen Diazgranados at 305-755-6239.