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| Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1363 |
| Expansion of PACE Center for Girls, Inc. |
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| Requester: |
Dr. LaWanda Ravoira |
Organization: |
PACE Center for Girls, Inc. |
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| Project Title: |
Expansion of PACE Center for Girls, Inc. |
Date Submitted |
1/10/2006 4:58:56 PM |
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| Sponsors: |
Atwater |
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| Statewide Interest: |
| This project is a statewide program. The project meets a need as documented by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The project will meet measurable outcomes as required by statute and contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice. |
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| Recipient: |
PACE Center for Girls, Inc. |
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Contact: |
Donna Gallagher , Chief Operat |
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One West Adams Street; Suite 301 |
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Contact Phone: |
(904) 421-8585 |
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Jacksonville 32202 |
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Contact email: |
gallagher@pacecenter.org |
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| Counties: |
Broward, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Hillsborough, Manatee, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, St. Lucie, Volusia |
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| Gov't Entity: |
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Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): |
Yes |
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| Project Description: |
| Girls represent a growing proportion of the state's juvenile justice system. Florida passed groundbreaking legislation, HB 1989, which requires gender specific programming for children in our state to address this critical issue. Nearly 30 percent of youth arrested are female (DJJ Fact Sheet). Girls present with different circumstances and needs, and the limited gender responsive placement options negatively affect the disposition of girls. Despite research documenting gender differences in criminal offending and pathways to delinquency, girls have been considered a low priority and historically girls have been placed in programs that were designed for males and ill-equipped to handle females. PACE has been a leader in providing gender responsive services. Our centers statewide have extensive waiting lists (currently 321 girls statewide are waiting for services), and as a result, girls' behaviors escalate and they often end up in costly deep-end residential placements.
During the 2004-2005 Legislative Session, PACE received non-recurring funds to expand slots and to replace the Pre-Teen Center funding that was cut in 2001 as a result of the downturn in Florida's economy. The proposed expansion slots and the continuation of recurring funds would enable PACE to continue to provide services to girls in the Broward Pre-Teen Center and to serve some of the girls who are currently on the waiting lists.
New facilities are being constructed with private dollars in St. Lucie County and Collier County to address the community need for expanded services. Additionally, a historic building in Volusia is in the process of complete renovation. These new program centers will be larger and can serve more girls that are currently served. The Collier and the St. Lucie centers can expand to 50 girls each, and the Volusia center can expand to 60 girls. The PACE Broward Pre-Teen Center is currently funded with non-recurring funds.
Many Centers have extensive waiting lists for girls referred to the program sites. The waiting period for entry to a local center can range from 1 - 4 months or longer. During this time, the girls are not receiving services and often become more deeply involved in delinquent behaviors.
PACE works to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors in every girl's life. This is accomplished by providing completely individualized services for every girl. The basic cadre of program components is customized to meet the specific dimensions of each girl's history, current physical, social and familial needs and provides for her growth and development. Each girl is assessed, encouraged and challenged based on her individual state of development and growth, in a highly structured environment. |
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| Is this a project related to a federal or state declared disaster? |
No |
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| Measurable Outcome Anticipated: |
| PACE services are measured based on research into the causes for juvenile delinquency using two main outcome measures:
1. Reduce additional and/or prevent program participants involvement in disciplinary programs in school, criminal activity, and the juvenile justice system by reducing or eliminating high-risk behaviors;
a. 90% of all youth shall not be adjudicated or have adjudication withheld while enrolled in the program.
b. 85% of all youth shall not be adjudicated or have adjudication withheld within 6 months of release from PACE.
c. 75% of youth shall not be adjudicated or have adjudication withheld within one year of transition of the program.
2. Improve school success, youth employment, and self-sufficiency. |
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| Amount requested from the State for this project this year: |
$1,338,875 |
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| Total cost of the project: |
$1,904,125 |
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| Request has been made to fund: |
Operations |
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| What type of match exists for this project? |
Local |
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Cash Amount |
$ |
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In-kind Amount |
$565,250 |
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| Was this project previously funded by the state? |
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Yes |
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Fiscal Year: |
2005-2006 |
Amount: |
$600,000 |
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| Is future-year funding likely to be requested? |
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Yes |
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Amount: |
$1,559,375 |
To Fund: |
Operations |
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| Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request? |
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No |
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| Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? |
No |
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| Is there a documented need for this project? |
Yes |
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Documentation: |
DJJ Needs Assessment for gender services, HB1989, Office of JJ and Delinquency Prevention Strategy |
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| Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)? |
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Yes |
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Hearing Body: |
City of Wilton Manors Commission |
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Hearing Meeting Date: |
01/10/2006 |
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| Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida? |
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No |
