The Legislature and the Department of Juvenile Justice have improved screening, salaries, and training of direct-care staff that work in juvenile justice facilities. The department has substantially reduced the length of time needed to complete background checks of new employees and has stopped conditionally hiring staff that may not pass background inspections. However, 22% of residential facilities are not consistently performing subsequent criminal history rechecks of existing staff, which statutes require be done every five years.
Private providers have used part of funding increases provided by the Legislature to increase direct care staff salaries. Turnover among these staff has decreased, although this may be due in part to the depressed economy. DJJ has implemented our recommendations to improve staff training by including evidence-based concepts and techniques to better manage confrontations with youth in its care.

Qualifications, Screening, Salaries, and Training Affect Quality and Turnover of Juvenile Justice Employees
Report 05-46 September 2005
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.