4 Troubled Teens Blog

Florida Program Praised for Keeping Troubled Teens Out of Jail

A state-run Florida program is receiving praise for effectively keeping troubled teens out of the juvenile court system. The Child in Need of Services program works with kids ages 10 to 17 who are deemed to be troubled, and to have the potential to commit crimes.

"The state says about 85 percent of those who spend time at one of its shelters do not commit a crime within six months of being released," the Associated Press reported. "For those with less severe issues who receive nonresidential counseling, the programs success rate is about 95 percent."

The program is said to save millions in taxpayer money by keeping kids out of the court system and out of prison.

Labels: prevention, jails

Posted By: Aspen/CRC