Governor Ron DeSantis today announced his Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget, which invests an additional $17.1 million into Florida’s juvenile justice system for a total of $592.9 million. This funding will support prevention and early intervention services for at-risk youth and their families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s core mission of reducing juvenile delinquency, increasing public safety, and helping youth successfully transition back into their communities.
The Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget includes:
- $6.2 million to provide special risk benefits to juvenile detention officers, which will better-enable the Department to recruit and retain qualified staff.
- $4.8 million to enhance services, staffing, and oversight in DJJ’s residential programs throughout the state.
- $1.1 million for juvenile prevention programs, which will help prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system.
“Governor Ron DeSantis is unwavering in his commitment to Florida’s juvenile justice system, and the Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget demonstrates his continued support in providing the best outcomes for our youth and for the thousands of dedicated staff who work to better the lives of those we serve,” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “I thank him for his leadership in recognizing the needs of our youth, families and staff, ensuring safer communities and a better Florida for us all.”
