This position statement examines a recent change in Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice which requires the reporting of sexual contact between detained juveniles. The Center supports practices that keep girls safe and free from victimization, but the law raises important issues unaddressed by legislators. For example, the Center suggests that the law is vague and undefined; it is not developmentally responsive and may overcharge LGBTQ youth as sex offenders.
This position statement examines a recent change in Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice which requires the reporting of sexual contact between detained juveniles. The Center supports practices that keep girls safe and free from victimization, but the law raises important issues unaddressed by legislators. For example, the Center suggests that the law is vague and undefined; it is not developmentally responsive and may overcharge LGBTQ youth as sex offenders.