TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A new study on civil citations for juvenile offenders is sparking a call to expand their use in Florida.
Civil citations are an alternative to arrest for common youth misbehavior, such as fighting.
Instead of being arrested, the offenders do community service and write letters of apology to their victims.
Dewey Caruthers, author of the new study, says just four percent of those who complete the programs re-offend.
Caruthers and other advocates say a juvenile record can prevent young people from renting an apartment, entering the military or getting a job.
Roy Miller, President, The Children's Campaign: "Being arrested as a youth has serious long-term consequences. Career paths get blocked, educational pursuits are sidetracked, and doors to success are shut… both today and tomorrow."
The report found that a 25 percent increase in the use of civil citations as an alternative to arrest, would save taxpayers as much as $61 million dollars.
Both the Children's Campaign and authors of the study are both calling for the expansion of civil citations for juvenile offenders in Florida.
