FL H4157

Repeals provisions relating to serious or habitual juvenile offender programs, including definitions, training school cases, and the Juvenile Justice Standards and Training Commission's role in sexual offender treatment services.

Prohibits secure detention of children 9 years of age or younger unless charged with capital felony, life felony, or first-degree felony; prohibits detention based solely on misdemeanor domestic violence charges if child is victim of abuse or from family with history of family violence.

Establishes legislative intent to implement restorative justice principles and diversion programs for first-time misdemeanor offenders and children 9 years of age or younger, with age-appropriate services including mental health and substance abuse treatment cooperation.

Transfers staff development and training responsibilities from the Juvenile Justice Standards and Training Commission to the Department of Juvenile Justice, eliminating the commission structure.

Revises program evaluation and accountability reporting requirements to use standardized methodology for measuring program outputs and youth outcomes, with annual reports to Legislature and focus on recidivism rates and cost-effectiveness analysis.