FL Juvenile Justice

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!

Recently, residential programs Wimauma Academy, Kissimmee Youth Academy, and Orange Youth Academy had ten students earn their NCCER certifications. By completing the NCCER program, facilitated by Govsphere, the graduates have earned nationally recognized credentials that can open doors to apprenticeships, employment, and further training in the skilled trades.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Florida Virtual School Foundation hosted an inspiring evening at the Orlando Science Center, spotlighting the powerful intersection of art, education, and meaningful community impact. Building on last year's success, Florida Scholars Academy students once again brought their creative visions to life in the “Artful Expressions: A Universe of Possibilities” art showcase. Congratulations to all of the young artists who submitted their work!

The Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention State Advisory Group recently met for a productive session focused on innovation, compliance, and improving outcomes for youth. A highlight during the meeting was the recognition of Former Police Chief Anthony “Tony” Jones for his years of service and leadership in public safety and his contributions to the SAG.

During Women’s History Month, DJJ is proud to highlight a few of the women who help make our agency great. Cina Wilson Johnson has dedicated over 35 years to Florida state government, including 28 years of service at DJJ. As Assistant Secretary for Detention Services, she supports over 1,400 employees who directly supervise an average daily population of over 1,000 youth. Her service and dedication create a long-lasting impact on DJJ and Florida’s youth and communities.

As part of @America250FL, DOEA is launching Florida Flavors—a cookbook celebrating the recipes and traditions of Florida seniors. Seniors 60+ can submit favorite recipes representing five regions as the nation marks 250 years. Share yours at flavorsfromflorida.com

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is excited to announce the inaugural Florida Fathers and Faith Symposium! The Symposium will honor and celebrate fathers and father figures while equipping them with meaningful community connections to strengthen their involvement, leadership, and influence within their families and communities. Register today: bit.ly/4byODdi

Youth at Kissimmee Youth Academy recently participated in a new five-week Basic Construction Training course provided by GovSphere, a partner of the Florida Youth College. The course provides youth with a strong foundation in the construction field while preparing them for hands-on, real-world experience as they learn new skills and gain certifications. #CTE

The DJJ Office of Prevention Services recently hosted a Gaining Appreciation while Adjusting Perspective (G.A.A.P.) Discussion at James Madison Preparatory High School in Madison. The event contained sessions that fostered open communication, mutual respect, and strengthened relationships between youth and law enforcement in the Madison community.

On National #EmployeeAppreciationDay, we want to highlight the dedicated members of #TeamDJJ! Thank you for all that you do for Florida’s youth, families, and communities!

Youth at the Southwest Florida Regional Juvenile Detention Center recently participated in a pilot program in which they successfully completed the NCCER Construction Site Safety Orientation course. Congratulations to these youth, and thank you to Govsphere and the Southwest Florida RJDC team for providing this opportunity for these youth to be nationally certified! #CTE

On this day in 1845, Florida became the 27th state in the United States. #HappyBirthdayFlorida!

During #CTEMonth, youth at Deep Creek Youth Academy, St. Augustine Youth Academy, and Duval Academy earned their NCCER certifications through the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Earning NCCER certification better prepares DJJ youth for the workforce by demonstrating job-ready technical skills, safety awareness, and professional behavior. Congratulations to all graduates!

This month, DJJ celebrated the recent graduations of five new classes of juvenile detention officers and juvenile probation officers. Congratulations to the graduates of JDO Class 2026-01, Class 2026-02, Class 2026-01, Class 2026-04, and JPO Class 146! We honor the commitment and dedication of each officer as they embark on a new path towards shaping Florida’s youth. Read more: bit.ly/4aQ1KFw

Today, DJJ was honored to participate in @ChildrensWeek at the Florida Capitol! DJJ Secretary Matthew Walsh joined other state and legislative leaders for a press conference, after which he had the pleasure of reading to a group of young students at the Celebrity Reader event.

DJJ recently hosted a signing day event for seven Britt Technical Youth Academy students who have committed to pursue career and technical pathways at Pinellas Technical College. Through a partnership with Florida Youth College, these students will earn credits that will lead them to high-demand careers. #CTEMonth

Students at Silver Springs Youth Academy recently successfully completed their CPR certification training! They demonstrated proper safety awareness, showing confidence in their newly learned skills. These life-saving skills will serve them well should the need ever arise when they return to their communities. #CTEMonth

DJJ offers our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Diego. We stand with them and the entire FHP team in mourning this profound loss.

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and DJJ remains committed to providing youth with educational opportunities through the Florida Youth College to help them succeed in high-value industries. Last year alone, 829 Florida Ready to Work credentials were earned by DJJ youth! Students are also empowered to enroll in state and technical colleges across Florida, and Career Navigators help students further by connecting them to real employment opportunities. Follow along this month as we share more about the #CTE opportunities available to DJJ youth!

This July 4th, America will be celebrating its 250th birthday, and the State of Florida will be celebrating up until the big day with events that celebrate the rich history of our state. Additionally, @educationfl and @VolunteerFla are providing opportunities for students to reflect on U.S. history and Florida’s contributions to the nation through the America250FL art and essay contests. These contests are open to all students in grades K-12. To learn more visit: America250FL.com

When I became governor seven years ago, I signed an executive order that established an ambitious goal: to make Florida the #1 state for workforce education by 2030. Today, I was proud to announce that we achieved that goal—five years ahead of schedule. Postsecondary enrollment in career and technical education programs has risen 30% during my time as governor, reflecting strong demand and confidence in these pathways. Florida’s apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship system has reached a historic milestone, supporting a record 25,000 active participants statewide. We have also seen a 14% increase in new apprenticeship programs. Thanks to our investments and policies to promote workforce education, Florida has a stronger pool of skilled, job-ready talent than ever before.