First federally funded faith-based youth justice program launched
By SAMANTHA GROSS
Associated Press Writer
March 31, 2005
Some Florida juvenile offenders will be able to opt into the nation's first federally funded faith-based mentor program for young criminals, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings announced Thursday.
Participation will require the consent of the youth and his or her parents. Children and volunteer mentors of any faith can sign up, but the administration will be Christian-based.
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Currently, detainees only receive religious services if private ministries or volunteers choose to come to the residential centers. Each mentor will be trained to work with a detainee and the child's family during detention and until at least one year after the youth's release.
"Gov. (Jeb) Bush and I share a commitment to strengthening families through measures such as this where communities provide a means to offer positive guidance and counseling to troubled youths," said Jennings.
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