Lee County observes Juvenile Justice week starting Monday, March 21. Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott says juvenile justice week is a time to bring positive attention to the community’s new resources and efforts concerning Juvenile Justice. . .such as the Juvenile Assessment Center.

“Some of the more traditional sentences which many times are more costly than preventing, in other words we wait until then its too late and then we incarcerate them in some kind of a half way house or detention center and that’s just the opposite of what we are tying to accomplish in the juvenile assessment center.”

Sheriff Scott believes not many community members know about the Center . . .

“We are able to offer different alternatives more varied alternatives when a juvenile comes into the assessment center in fact that is by nature the terminology assessment that is exactly what it’s for. Assets exactly what the individual needs and then try to make those resources if not immediately available, available on quick referral.”

The event at the assessment center Monday features speeches from Sheriff Scott, the region’s Chief Probation Officer and the manager of the Florida Addiction Service Adolescent program.
In addition, the Department of Juvenile Justice will display youth essays and posters on crime prevention. The week culminates March 24th with Juvenile Justice day at the state Capital.