Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Juvenile Bed Tracking System Improves; Bed Vacancy Rates High for Some Programs

Report 03-74, December 2003

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Report Summary

  • The Department of Juvenile Justice has modified its bed management system and its residential commitment bed count is now reasonably accurate. Accurate counts of available beds are essential for managing the placement of juvenile offenders, informing the courts of available placements, and advising the Legislature of program needs.
  • The department's overall vacancy rate for its residential commitment programs ranged from 5.4% to 9.8% during the last 12 months. However, some program types-boot camps and low risk programs for males-had relatively high vacancy rates of up to 34.7%. The department should reduce beds in programs that have consistently high vacancy rates in order to maximize the use of state funds.

Related Reports
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    Report 06-74 December 2006
  2. Redirection as Effective as Residential Delinquency Programs, Achieved Substantial Cost Avoidance
    Report 06-34 March 2006
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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