Florida

This brief of the Every Student Succeeds Act highlights a policy and practice change implemented by the State of Florida. Because of 2014 legislation and through collaborations between the Department of Juvenile Justice, Florida’s Department of Education, district schools, and other educational providers, requirements in measuring outcomes of juvenile justice schools and programs were created. This action has proven to be an important tool in ensuring accountability for Florida’s care and treatment of students in the juvenile justice system. 

The Juvenile Justice Office of Education works with the Florida Department of Education and local school districts to implement programs for youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice Facilities. The Depart of Education (DOE) is the lead agency for juvenile justice education curriculum and resources. The DOE provides trainings, collects research regarding academic performance of students in the juvenile justice programs, and works to continue developing academic and career protocols to guide transfer and transitions of youth.

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has entered a partnership with the Department of Education in which the DOE makes available Carl D. Perkins grants for Juvenile Justice facilities to allow for the development of non-traditional career exploration programs. Each year, the Department of Education sets aside $450,00 to support career training and education programming in juvenile justice facilities.

Local school districts in Florida are responsible for the delivery of education in state-run juvenile justice facilities located in their counties. The educational programming available must meet students’ needs and may include career and professional education (“CAPE”) courses and related services which support transition goals and reentry. The law requires that prevention and day treatment juvenile justice education programs provide, at a minimum, career readiness and exploration opportunities.