FL S0250

Courts may sentence juveniles using juvenile sanctions, adult sanctions, or a blend of juvenile and adult sanctions, and must consider specified criteria including offense seriousness, offender maturity, prior record, and likelihood of rehabilitation.

Department of Juvenile Justice must file a written report with the court if it determines a juvenile sanction is inappropriate, and the court may then impose different sanctions or return the case for further proceedings.

Before discharging a child from probation or commitment, the Department of Juvenile Justice must notify the sentencing court at least 30 days in advance, and failure to object within 30 days constitutes approval of discharge.

Courts must review the child's educational needs assessment and make findings regarding the child's educational status, and may order appropriate educational goals such as obtaining a high school diploma, completing literacy or vocational courses, or enrolling in apprenticeship programs.

Probation and commitment periods extend until age 21 instead of age 19, and blended juvenile and adult sanctions are now explicitly authorized as a sentencing option.