OCALA YOUTH ACADEMY
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Program services include 72 beds for males aged 15-18. 36 for Mental Health Overlay Services (MHOS) and 36 for Substance Abuse Overlay Services (SAOS). The program includes an administration building, a training/multipurpose building which includes the medical clinic, two separate buildings of two youth dorms each, a section of 4 classroom buildings, outdoor recreation space, and land for the equine program.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
The program provides individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment services using a trauma-informed approach. Youth participate in individual, family, and group therapy sessions, social and life skills training, victim impact awareness and restorative justice programming. The length of stay depends on the youth’s assessed risk to reoffend and the progress the youth has made in the program toward reducing criminogenic needs and risk factors, addressing the youth’s treatment needs, and increasing the youth’s protective factors.
The anticipated average length of stay depends on the youth’s pace of success in completing the individualized treatment plan and goals. The program’s goal is to equip youth for successful reintegration into the community to live productive, prosocial, and crime-free lives.
TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT
Ocala Youth Academy provides clinical/treatment services including the Seven Challenges, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), and Impact of Crime (a restorative justice, victim impact curriculum), a well as gender specific programming. Additionally, individual and family counseling is provided to all youth. Medical/health services are provided by on-site nursing as well as a contracted physician and psychiatrist.
Individuals are provided breakfast,lunch, dinner and snacks daily, which are managed by a licensed dietician, with special medical diets and religious diets provided as needed. Youth receive nightly and monthly incentive activities and canteen.
Input on incentives is provided by the Youth Advisory Board. The facility is required by contract to maintain a 1:8 ratio of staff to youth during the day and evening and a 1:12 asleep ratio. A staff to youth ratio of 1:5 is required for off-site activities.
ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The Florida Scholars Academy provides all educational services for residential commitment programs within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. It offers a tailored education system that accommodates the unique needs of each student by providing multiple pathways to success. The academy offers individualized support to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
This includes obtaining a high school or equivalent diploma, earning valuable industry-recognized credentials, and/or enrolling in postsecondary education at a Florida college, university, or technical college. The ultimate aim is to equip students with the necessary skills and qualifications for a successful career.
REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES
Youth served have been adjudicated delinquent by the Court and committed to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The program is contracted through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, no additional fees are required from youth/families or insurance providers.