Orange Sheriff’s Office Revamping Juvenile Policies

I don’t know any law enforcement officers who got into this line of work to arrest kids. I know when I entered the profession 30 years ago, I was hoping to help kids — to give them a compassionate interaction with a cop, not their first…
, , ,

No Break for ‘Vampire Cult’ Killer Rod Ferrell, Life Sentences Stand

Rod Ferrell, known as a teen vampire cult leader convicted in the beating deaths of a Eustis couple, lost his bid to shorten the life sentences he is serving. The 55-page decision, written by Circuit Judge G. Richard Singeltary…
, , , , , , ,

In Florida, Your Kid’s Chance of Arrest at School Depends on Where You Live

After a student was caught cutting class at Seminole High School’s ninth grade center in April 2019, a trio of Sanford police officers told the girl to get in a golf cart so she could be taken back to campus. She refused. “I’m…
, ,

FREE Webinar: Family is Essential: A Conversation with Family Advocates About COVID-19 and Youth Justice – April 23 at 1 PM

As youth justice agencies race to prevent and respond to the harms of the novel coronavirus, families are essential partners. In this webinar, hosted by the Vera Institute of Justice and the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, we will hear…
, , , , , ,

Webinar: Lessons from Social and Neurological Perspectives on Positive Youth Development – April 23 at 4 PM

Our juvenile justice system began to take shape during a time of massive immigration and rapid growth of urban areas. Poverty, lack of supervision, and deplorable living conditions were seen as conditions that fostered delinquency. As the system…
,

Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Juvenile Justice Policy and Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic currently presents significant challenges for juvenile justice policy and practice. In the face of this crisis, juvenile justice leaders and partners are working around the clock to keep youth, families, staff, and communities…
, , , ,

Public Defender Robert Wesley Hosts PD9’s Spring Training 2020

Last week, Robert Wesley, Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, hosted PD9's 2020 Spring Training in Orlando, Florida. Videos of the presentations can be viewed below. PTSD and Application in Criminal Court from an Expert's…
, , ,

Hot Topics: ACES, The Biggest Health Crisis You’ve Never Heard Of – March 11 at 11:15 AM

When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 11:15 AM until 1:00 PM Where: Sorosis Women's Club of Orlando 501 East Livingston Street Orlando, FL 32803 Contact(s): Membership Team Category: Hot Topic Luncheons Read more and register.
, , , , , ,

A 6-Year-Old Had Her Hands Zip-Tied at School. Florida House Passes on Setting a Minimum Age for Arresting Kids

Florida likely won’t be setting a minimum age for arresting children, despite national outrage over a 6-year-old who had her hands zip-tied at school after she threw a temper tantrum. The Florida House took up the issue…
, , , , ,

Resilience Film Screening and Discussion – March 25 at 6 PM

Join us as we screen the documentary RESILIENCE and delve into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. Partnership with The Winter Park Public Library, City of Winter Park…
, ,

Legislation Limiting Restraint and Forbidding Seclusion in Schools Heads to Final Committee Stop

Lawmakers appear closer than ever to passing legislation ending restraining and secluding children with special needs at school. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education approved the bill (SB 1644), sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book,…
, ,

FREE Webinar: OJJDP FY 2020 Supporting Effective Interventions for Adolescent Sex Offenders and Children with Sexual Behavior Problems – March 17 at 2 PM

The webinar will provide a general overview of the FY 2020 Supporting Effective Interventions for Adolescent Sex Offenders and Youth with Sexual Behavior Problems Project Sites solicitation. It will highlight key eligibility and solicitation…
, , , ,

Lawmakers Could Give a Second Chance to More Juvenile Offenders

Bills that would provide more Florida kids with a second chance is primed for a floor vote in both chambers. SB 700, by Republican Sen. Keith Perry, and HB 615 by Democratic Rep. Clovis Watson,would change the way the state expunges juvenile…
, ,

Morgan & Morgan Firm Joins State Attorney, Public Defender to Launch Community Bail Fund

Attorneys with the Orlando-based law firm Morgan & Morgan joined Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala and Public Defender Robert Wesley Thursday to launch a nonprofit fund that would give bail money to low-income people who can’t…
, ,

Graham/Miller BBQ Lunch – Orlando, February 26

Join CFACDL for a moving luncheon to hear the stories of individuals released from prison after re-sentencing pursuant to the Graham and Miller decisions on juvenile life without parole. BBQ lunch will be served. CLE credit is pending for this…