U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

History of Florida's Juvenile Detention: A Statutory Focus

NCJ Number
160996
Author(s)
A Coffey
Date Published
1995
Length
43 pages
Annotation
In reviewing the history of Florida's juvenile detention, this paper explores Florida's attempt to reconcile the concepts of due process, protecting the public, and protecting the juvenile.
Abstract
The history of Florida's juvenile detention system has changed significantly since its introduction in 1951. The use of detention has been specifically outlined, with time restrictions and recommendations. Florida's juvenile judges have various options at their disposal regarding the type of detention suited to a specific juvenile. Based upon remarks at a recent conference of juvenile justice officials from around the Nation, Florida is apparently a leader in the area of juvenile detention and juvenile justice generally. Examples of Florida's achievements include the use of the objective risk-assessment instrument, time limits on detention stays, detention options, and the domestic violence provisions. Additionally, detention is available for a wider assortment of juvenile offenses. With the passage of the 1994 Juvenile Justice Act, the Florida Legislature has taken a much tougher stance against juvenile delinquents. This punitive approach is the most recent attempt to cure the problem. Still, juvenile crime apparently continues to increase. Further, Florida's detention system still has overcrowded facilities and continuous delays in the intake and hearing process. This paper advises that the legislature must continue to review and revise its views on juvenile justice, and judges must use the full array of judicial options. 103 notes and a copy of the detention risk assessment instrument