EVERGLADES YOUTH ACADEMY
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Everglades Youth Academy serves 48 males between the ages of 13-21 in a maximum risk residential program which provides mental health overlay services (MHOS), co-ocated with a maximum risk and secure residential commitment program serving 48 males ages 13-21, providing specialized juvenile sex offender treatment services (JSO). Services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
The program provides individual mental health, substance abuse, and specialized juvenile sex offender treatment services using a trauma informed approach. Youth participate in individual, family, and group therapy sessions, social and life skills training, victim impact awareness, and restorative justice programming. The length of stay for youth in the secure setting receiving specialized juvenile sex offender treatment is 12-18 months.
The length of stay for youth in the maximum risk MHOS setting, as well as the youth in the maximum risk setting receiving specialized JSO treatment is 18-36 months. The length of stay depends on the youth's assessed risk to reoffend and the progress the youth has made in the program,
TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT
Everglades Youth Academy MHOS and JSO provides clinical/treatment services including the skills-based Skillstreaming the Adolescent, Pathways (a curriculum for adjudicated youth to treat a variety of sexual problems), Impact of Crime (a restorative,victim impact curriculum, as well as gender specific programming.
Additionally, both programs (MHOS and JSO) offer individual and family counseling to all youth. Medical & health services are provided by onsite nursing as well as a contracted physician, psychiatrist, dentist, behavior analyst, psychologist (if necessary). Raulerson Hospital is used for all off-site medical treatment. Individuals are provided breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily, which are managed by a licensed dietician, with special medical diets and religious diets provided as needed.
Youth receive nightly and monthly incentive activities and "Point Store". Input on incentives is provided by the youth advisory board. Everglades Youth Academy is required by the contract to maintain a 1:8 staff to youth during the day and evening, and 1:10 staff to youth ration during sleeping hours.
ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The Florida Scholars Academy provides all educational services for residential commitment programs within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. It offers a tailored education system that accommodates the unique needs of each student by providing multiple pathways to success. The academy offers individualized support to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
This includes obtaining a high school or equivalent diploma, earning valuable industry-recognized credentials, and/or enrolling in postsecondary education at a Florida college, university, or technical college. The ultimate aim is to equip students with the necessary skills and qualifications for a successful career.
REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES
Youth served have been adjudicated delinquent by the Court and committed to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The program is contracted through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice; no additional fees are required from youth/families or insurance providers. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice makes all placement decisions. Youth will not be retained in the program when they require services beyond those which the facility is licensed or has the functional ability to provide as determined by the medical director in consultation with the chief operating officer or designee.