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

Effective Community Programs Could Reduce Commitments of Girls to Residential Programs

Report 06-13, February 2006




Report Summary

  • As juvenile crime in Florida has declined over the past 10 years, admissions to the state's residential juvenile justice programs also have leveled off. The number of girls admitted to residential programs peaked in 2000-01, and has gradually decreased since then. However, in 2004-05, over half (52%) of girls admitted to residential programs were committed for misdemeanors and violations of probation. Compared to boys, girls were admitted for less serious offenses and had fewer prior felonies. Many girls in juvenile commitment programs had histories of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, as well as offenses and/or aggressive behavior related to domestic violence.
  • Community-based programs could increase opportunities to address the family problems that underlie delinquency for many girls, and would cost less than residential placements. There are several evidence-based program models that have been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism for girls that could be implemented or expanded in Florida. Funding for such new programs would need to be shifted from residential programs over time to avoid disrupting existing placement options while the new programs are being established, but $1.7 million could be shifted from residential programs to establish evidence-based community programs for girls in Fiscal Year 2006‑07.


Related Reports
  1. Redirection Pilots Meet and Exceed Residential Commitment Outcomes; $5.8 Million Saved
    Report 07-10 February 2007
  2. Redirection as Effective as Residential Delinquency Programs, Achieved Substantial Cost Avoidance
    Report 06-34 March 2006
  3. Gender-Specific Services for Delinquent Girls Vary Across Prevention, Detention, and Probation Programs
    Report 05-56 December 2005
  4. Gender-Specific Services for Delinquent Girls Vary Across Programs, But Help Reduce Recidivism
    Report 05-13 March 2005
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.
criminal justice, juvenile justice, crime, residential programs, corrections, treatment, mentally ill, monitoring, evaluation