League of Women Voters Panel Discussion on Juvenile Diversion Programs

Juvenile Diversion Programs: What are the alternatives to incarceration for juvenile and youthful offenders in Okaloosa County?

The League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County invites you to our panel discussion on Juvenile Diversion Programs from 10:00 am to noon on Saturday, 14 March, at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 824 North Ferdon Blvd, Crestview. Panelists include Dan Bear, Department of Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Probation Office; Jessica Milstid, Lutheran Services Florida (responsible for Teen Court and Children/Families in Need of Services programs); and Carita Smith, Lead Recruiter for Guardian ad Litem (which represents abused, neglected or abandoned children ages 0-18 through the criminal justice system). Information on the Civil Citation program for first-time teen offenders will also be available.

Florida Law emphasizes reform -- rather than punishment -- for juvenile and youthful offenders, and several alternatives to incarceration are available to effectively and safely reduce pre-trial detention, encourage reform and reduce recidivism. Please join us to learn about these important programs and how you can help troubled kids turn their lives around! The meeting is free and open to the public.