NCJ Number
187832
Date Published
2000
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This 1999 Annual Quality Assurance Report of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice provides an overview of the findings for program components and services rather than making specific findings for individual programs; program-specific information can be found in individual program reports.
Abstract
Quality assurance evaluates the internal processes in programs to determine the level of performance and the quality of the services being provided. The three major elements considered in evaluating programs are cost, outcomes, and processes. During the 1999 quality assurance cycle, a total of 523 programs were reviewed and received a performance rating. The quality assurance process and the numerical system used to rate programs are based on the goal of perfect performance. To achieve a superior rating on any key indicator, a program must exceed all aspects of the indicator with either an innovative, creative approach or a program-wide dedication to exceptional performance that is readily apparent. Ratings in the marginal or satisfactory range indicate the program is meeting all or most of the expectations of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Department considers that any program rated in the “below satisfactory” range overall is not meeting the “established minimum thresholds” of quality required by Florida statute. Three percent of the evaluated programs were “below satisfactory” for 1999; 15 percent were “marginal satisfactory;” 47 percent were “satisfactory;” 31 percent were “high satisfactory;” and 4 percent were rated “superior.” Major recommendations are that the Juvenile Justice Department should establish a comprehensive juvenile record system that requires the transfer of the original records; that the Department should continue efforts to identify the distinctions in program models so that youth are placed according to specific needs; and that the Department continue the development of the Juvenile Justice Information System, so that all contracted programs are included and data reporting is standardized. Extensive tables and figures