From the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
In Summary:
In its 2025 year-in-review, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice highlighted key initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for youth, families, and communities across the state. Significant accomplishments included the launch and first graduating class of the Florida Scholars Academy, expanded fatherhood engagement through a statewide partnership with All Pro Dad, and the passage of landmark legislation modernizing services for at-risk youth.
*****
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is looking back on notable accomplishments in 2025 as Florida continues to lead the nation in its comprehensive juvenile justice system focused on intervention, accountability, and public safety.
Related: Citizens’ review panel strengthens transparency in funding programs for children and families in Orange County.
The department’s year in review includes achievements and initiatives that advance educational opportunities for students, strengthen support for youth and families, and cultivate the professional development of future juvenile justice leaders serving Florida.
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Partners with All Pro Dad to Support Florida’s Fathers
DJJ announced its partnership this year with All Pro Dad, a program operated under Family First and founded by Coach Tony Dungy, to expand All Pro Dad Chapters in Florida. This partnership increases opportunities for Florida’s dads and their kids to spend more quality time together, strengthening their relationship and positively impacting outcomes for Florida’s young people. Thanks to this partnership, 200 All Pro Dad Chapters around the state of Florida have formed to help dads connect with their children. The expansion of the All Pro Dad Chapters boosts family engagement and academic success around the state while aligning with coordinated efforts for Florida’s fatherhood initiative, Father First. The Father First initiative is a statewide community network that includes educational programs, mentorship programs, and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida.
Florida Scholars Academy Celebrates its First Year with 226 Student Graduates
Just a year after opening the Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), the state’s first unified education system for students in DJJ residential facilities, 226 students earned their high school diplomas. Launched in 2024 and operated by Florida Virtual School (FLVS), FSA has refined access to quality education for youth in DJJ residential commitment programs. In just one year, FSA has served more than 3,100 students, with 80 students earning their standard high school diploma and 146 students earning their high school equivalency diploma. Additional achievements in the first year included 10,138 course completions across core and elective subjects and more than 1,000 students received Exceptional Student Education Services. The success of FSA is rooted in its commitment to individualized instruction, trauma-informed practices, and a belief in the potential of every student. As it enters its second year, FSA remains focused on expanding opportunities, increasing graduation rates, and preparing students for success outside of the DJJ residential commitment programs.
Passage of Legislation to Strengthen Services for Florida’s At-Risk Youth
DJJ worked collaboratively with legislative partners to modernize Chapter 984, Florida Statutes, providing clarification and stronger protections for Florida’s at-risk youth. Chapter 984 focuses on delinquency and dependency prevention, which may include children running away from home, being truant from school, or engaging in ungovernable behavior with their parents or guardians. The legislation was the first comprehensive revision of Chapter 984 since the chapter was first established 30 years ago. The legislation updated this chapter of Florida law to align with current practices and made improvements so that services are delivered more efficiently and effectively. Improving the delivery of services for youth who are at-risk is vital as it will address their needs early on and ultimately reduce the number of youth who enter the delinquency and dependency systems. The legislation received unanimous support in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.
DJJ Leadership Institute Fully Launched to Support World-Class Juvenile Justice Professionals
In keeping with its work to build a world-class team that ensures a culture of excellence, the department launched a five-tier leadership institute for current and emerging leaders. The DJJ Leadership Institute provides team members with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead with distinction and cultivates and develops high-impact leaders at every level. This year, the DJJ Leadership Institute was fully launched and will continue to elevate the department's professionalism and shape the individuals who serve now and in the future.
Key Points:
-
DJJ partnered with All Pro Dad, founded by Tony Dungy, expanding to 200 chapters statewide to strengthen father-child relationships and support Florida’s Father First initiative.
-
The Florida Scholars Academy, operated by Florida Virtual School, celebrated its first year with 226 student graduates from DJJ residential facilities.
-
More than 3,100 students were served through FSA in 2025, with over 10,000 course completions and expanded access to Exceptional Student Education services.
-
DJJ worked with lawmakers to modernize Chapter 984, Florida Statutes, marking the first comprehensive update to the law in 30 years and strengthening protections for at-risk youth; Ron DeSantis signed the legislation.
-
The DJJ Leadership Institute was fully launched, establishing a five-tier development program to cultivate current and future juvenile justice leaders statewide.
