Juvenile Justice S.W.E.A.T. program could happen in Nassau County

By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
February 15, 2019 9:00 a.m.

S.W.E.A.T. stands for Sheriff’s Work Ethics and Training and is a program that got its start in Clay County, Florida in 2017 through a grant from the Department of Juvenile Justice for $145,000. It was originally intended to be an alternative to placing youth on probation in secure detention but has gone well beyond. Some might refer to it as a type of diversion program.

According to Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), “Diversion is a term used to describe intervention approaches that redirect youths away from formal processing in the juvenile justice system, while still holding them accountable for their actions. The goal of diversion is to remove youths as early in the juvenile justice process as possible to avoid later negative outcomes associated with formal processing, such as increased odds of recidivism, stigmatization/labeling, and increased criminal justice costs.”

While the first S.W.E.A.T. program began in Clay County, similar programs have also been implemented in Flagler, Putnam and Seminole Counties.

Nassau County may be next.

On February 4, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a resolution seeking $85,000 in state monies to implement diversion and intervention programs for at-risk youth in Nassau County. During the commission’s discussion of the program, County Manager and Attorney Michael Mullin stressed that support for obtaining this money would in no way jeopardize or take away from the County’s three priority projects presented to the Nassau County legislative
delegation earlier this year.

Although the State of Florida has yet to commence its new legislative session (slated to begin on March 5, 2019 and which will last just 60 days), Representative Cord Byrd has already introduced legislation to make S.W.E.A.T. happen here.

HB 2945 was introduced on February 6 and was referred to an Appropriations Subcommittee on February 8. If passed, it will take effect on July 1, 2019.

Judge Steven M. Fahlgren, for the Florida 4th Circuit Court suggested the County pursue funds for such a program and estimates that between 200 – 400 juveniles would be eligible to participate.

In Clay County, SWEAT is described as a work program for males and females already in the judicial system. They pick up trash from county roads or clean parking lots and their work can be used to complete their community service hours or to work off court costs. In addition, participating youth are referred to the Bright Minds Youth Development Agency where they are provided with mentoring and tutoring services.

In Flagler County, the program was started by Sheriff Rick Staly in March 2018. The only costs involved in its startup were monies paid for safety vests and embroidery. Supplies like trash bags and gloves used during beach cleanups are taken from existing inventory from within the department.

According to the program brochure, participants are also given the opportunity to listen to a presentation by a convicted felon with a focus on topics like life choices, jail experiences and the repercussions of drug and alcohol abuse. The Flagler County S.W.E.A.T. program is built around community service, mentoring, guidance and positive interactions with law enforcement.

Flager County Sheriff Rick Staly is quoted as saying, “This is a great program and I believe S.W.E.A.T. will help not only fulfill court ordered community service hours, but also provide kids with insight to what their future will be if their criminal patterns continue.”

Putnam County recognizes the cost savings realized by such a diversion program and explains their program this way: “the S.W.E.A.T. Program uses a correctional approach for persuading better behavioral choices. Participants work community service hours in 8-hour increments on Saturdays, arriving at 7:00 and are typically assigned an average of 16 hours of community service work detail. The goal for youth attending S.W.E.A.T. is about their experience with working hard, having a “jail lunch” and picking up trash to be enough of a deterrent to not have future offenses or behavioral problems.”
While the approach and execution of the various S.W.E.A.T. programs may differ, the goal remain the same – finding an alternative to jail time for juvenile offenders.

It was a virtual “slam dunk” for the BOCC voting 3-0 to pursue state monies. (Commissioners Leeper and Ford were not in attendance).

Chair Justin Taylor noted the effectiveness of such diversion programs stating quite succinctly “juveniles are more likely re-offend if they go to jail.”

Commissioner Pat Edwards, while voting in favor of going after the $85,000, did express his concern about the sustainability of such a program stating “I hate to start something and they don’t fund it when we have something that is really happening.”

Responding to a request for information, W. Rick Curtis Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) SWEAT Program Director for Clay County noted, “It is a source of personal and professional satisfaction to me that Nassau County is moving ahead to establish their own version of our program. If you wish, I can make myself available to you [Nassau County] to discuss my experiences with the Clay County SWEAT Program.”

Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.