Yesterday, DJJ, @floridayouthfdn, and @fjjassociation celebrated the 2026 Youth Ambassador Award winners! These youth have demonstrated dedication and resilience in overcoming unique challenges to achieve success. Congratulations, Ambassadors!
This month, DJJ welcomes three new classes of juvenile detention and juvenile probation officers! Each class was celebrated with ceremonies that honored the commitment and dedication of these officers in their new roles supporting youth and public safety. Congratulations to all graduates, and welcome to #TeamDJJ
Celebrate the start of summer with this Florida Fun Wordsearch featuring the names of all 67 Florida counties! You’ll find lots of kid friendly activities on our website including the wordsearch here: https://t.co/tfNZrwWBB8. Scroll down for the word search.
This week’s #TeamDJJ Spotlight goes to Human Trafficking Intervention Director Katherine Gomez who recently received the Chris Connell Merit Award at the Tallahasee State College Heroes in Public Safety Awards. Dr. Gomez has played a key role in multi-agency missing child recovery operations through the state, which have resulted in the recovery of 250 youth. Congratulations, and we appreciate your dedication to ensuring the safety of Florida’s youth!
On Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We remember their courage and extend our deepest gratitude and prayers to the families and loved ones they left behind.
Broward Regional Juvenile Detention Center and the facility’s education department recently hosted its 4th Annual Career Fair for the youth. The event allowed the youth to explore careers, complete job applications, learn how to apply for housing assistance, learn about financial literacy classes, and sign up for trade school.
This week’s #TeamDJJ Spotlight goes to Northeast Region Chief Commitment Manager Kristina Picone. She was recently nominated for a Valor Award at the Hispanic Chamber of Central Florida’s annual award ceremony, which is held to recognize the extraordinary courage, heroism, and selfless service of local public safety professionals. Congratulations to Ms. Picone on this outstanding recognition!
The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1st, and now is the time to prepare to ensure that you, your family, and your home are protected. To learn more about the steps needed to make a plan before a storm arrives, visit: https://t.co/LFR3RW3N7S Follow @FLSERT for more information.
Congratulations to Deputy Chief of Staff Christopher Goodman who was recently sworn in as the 32nd President of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute. In this role, he will support the institute in its mission to foster and promote its members and their respective organizations by extending shared resources and providing meaningful educational opportunities for criminal justice professionals across the state of Florida. #TeamDJJ
Today is Third Shift Workers Day, and we want to share our appreciation for our #TeamDJJ staff members who keep things running 24/7. We thank you for your dedication and late nights to ensure our youth and communities are kept safe!
Takeovers are a community issue, and they require a community response.
We are urging parents, to step in. Know where your teens are, know who they’re with, and talk with them about making safe choices this summer.
If you see signs of a takeover forming, whether online or in person, don’t ignore it. Report it by calling 813-231-6130.
Teens, don't forget to join us this Friday at the NFL YET Center (3310 E Lake Ave) for "Takeover with a Purpose." The fun begins at 8:00 p.m., and ends at midnight. Hope to see you there!
The DJJ Office of Prevention Services recently celebrated the accomplishments of 480 elementary school students who excelled in literacy at schools around the state of Florida. The events honored the top 120 readers from kindergarten through 5th grade, celebrating their dedication and love for reading with ice cream socials generously sponsored by @floridayouthfdn.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and during this time, we encourage everyone to recognize the importance of mental health and take concrete steps to improve their mental well-being. Individuals in need of assistance can contact the 988 Florida Lifeline, a free behavioral health support service that connects Floridians to local professionals who can help. Call or text 988 to get help now.
Two DJJ team members recently graduated alongside 42 other first-line supervisors from Class 62 of the Florida Leadership Academy hosted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute. The graduates participated in training sessions to learn skills that will support the needs of their agencies and their communities. Congratulations to our DJJ staff graduates, and thank you for your commitment to professional excellence in support of Florida’s youth and families!
As DJJ celebrates Florida Law Enforcement Appreciation month, Circuit 10 Probation was proud to welcome Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to their recent circuit-wide meeting where he delivered inspiring remarks. During the meeting, Sheriff Judd was also presented with an official DJJ juvenile probation officer badge as a thank you for his efforts in serving the citizens of Polk County and the state of Florida.
This week is Public Service Recognition Week, and we take this time to recognize the impactful work of public service professionals within our communities. Thank you for your service!
During #TeacherAppreciationWeek, we thank the dedicated educators who work daily to ensure DJJ youth receive high-quality education to support their pathways to success!
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when communities throughout the nation collaborate to support strong families, thriving children, and healthier communities. Throughout the month, #TeamDJJ, showed their support by wearing blue, planting pinwheel gardens, and sharing resources and ways to get involved in preventing child abuse. Learn more at https://t.co/vegTLe6bIn.
This #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice celebrates the power of apprenticeship pathways to transform lives and strengthen Florida's workforce. DJJ is committed to connecting youth to meaningful opportunities by bridging pre-apprenticeship programs through our Florida Youth College program to Registered Apprenticeship programs with employers across the state of Florida. By investing in these apprenticeship pathways, we are building confidence, careers, and long-term success for DJJ youth.
Last week, #TeamDJJ, along with staff from over 300 Florida law enforcement and public safety agencies, participated in the 53rd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. This year, DJJ had its largest group contribute to the event. Thank you to all DJJ staff who participated and assisted with organizing and executing DJJ’s participation in this event.