FL S1850

Establishes protections for very young offenders by prohibiting children 9 years of age or younger from being placed in secure detention unless charged with a capital felony, life felony, or first-degree felony, and encouraging diversion programs for this age group.

Eliminates the "serious or habitual juvenile offender" program and repeals related statutes, instead requiring courts to commit certain repeat felony offenders to maximum-risk residential programs only after completion of two different high-risk residential commitment programs.

Revises detention criteria to prohibit placement based on misdemeanor domestic violence charges if the child has a history of family violence or is a victim of abuse or neglect, unless the child would otherwise qualify for secure detention.

Authorizes commitment of adjudicated delinquent females to mother-infant programs designed to serve juvenile mothers and expectant mothers, with infants permitted to accompany them if the mother agrees.

Reforms program accountability and reporting by requiring the Department of Juvenile Justice to use standardized methodology for measuring program outputs and youth outcomes, with annual reports to the Legislature and Governor, and removes the Juvenile Justice Standards and Training Commission.