As directed by the Legislature, the Department of Juvenile Justice has established a pilot program to improve parenting skills for the parents of juvenile offenders in the 4th and 11th Judicial Circuits. As authorized by s. 985.039, Florida Statutes, parents who complete these courses may receive a one-time waiver of fees customarily charged for children in the department's custody or supervision. The department has selected providers in both circuits who have agreed to provide services to the parents of children who have been in department custody at no cost to the parents or the department.
However, the programs offered by the two providers do not focus on parenting skills for families with delinquent adolescents as intended by the Legislature. Instead, the courses focus on relationships and marriage respectively. Enrollment for both courses is low; 8% of eligible parents in the 4th Circuit, and less than 1% of parents in the 11th Circuit. We recommend that the department implement an evidence-based program that teaches specific skills associated with parenting delinquent adolescents, and charge parents to participate in the class as authorized by law.

Pilot to Waive Fees for Delinquents Has Low Enrollment and Is Not Teaching Intended Skills
Report 08-58 October 2008

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