Governor Ron DeSantis today announced his Freedom First Budget, which makes strategic investments to further bolster Florida’s juvenile justice system. The Governor’s budget recommendations will support vital services within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to provide improved outcomes for youth and families while ensuring the safety of Florida’s communities.
Highlights from Governor DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget include:
- $11.2 million to implement a market-based parity pay adjustment to assist with ongoing recruitment and retention efforts for juvenile detention officers and juvenile probation officers.
- $280,000 to procure more technologically advanced electronic monitoring equipment to improve tracking and supervision of youth. This funding provides for an alternative to secure detention for youth while increasing public safety in our communities.
- $413,000 to enhance the monitoring and oversight efforts within DJJ’s juvenile residential commitment programs to ensure DJJ providers are focused on the drivers of recidivism and youth outcomes.
“Governor DeSantis has reaffirmed his commitment to a safer Florida and more robust juvenile justice system with his Freedom First Budget,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “I want to thank the Governor for his continued leadership in recognizing the critically important needs of Florida’s youth who are at risk as they work towards turning their lives around while continuing to make public safety a top priority.”
