Sheriff John Rutherford and State Attorney Harry Shorstein announced plans for the annual Summer Tour of the Juvenile Justice System Monday. The program, now in its 10th year, targets at-risk teens in Jacksonville in an attempt to divert away from a life of crime.
On July 9, participants will tour the Duval County jail, meet with prosecutors and incarcerated juveniles and observe a court hearing.
“This is truly one of the most comprehensive programs in the country,” said Shorstein. “And it’s working.”
Rutherford said the number of incarcerated juveniles in Jacksonville has drastically dwindled in the years since the program was created.
“This is not a singular program,” he said. “The key to its success is showing these kids the potential outcome if they don’t get on the right path.
“It teaches the consequences of breaking the law.”