Juvenile Programs

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office offers a variety of services to assist families with youth. The Sheriff's office takes pride in offering prevention based programs to assist the reduction of recidivism in the county as well as educate youth on making better choices. Our programs are designed with the “at risk" youth in mind as well as those simply struggling with behavioral issues at home or school.

Below are some of the programs offered through the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

If you would like assistance or further information about our programs or other programs offered in our community, please fill out this form and an intake specialist will be in contact.

Youth Intervention Services
Our Juvenile Intervention Specialists work with at risk youth and their families to help minimize behavioral issues and negative contact with law enforcement. These specialists assist in identifying needs and services available throughout the community. They work closely with the schools and providers to assist families and youth in navigating school systems, judicial systems, and any other issues the family may have.

SNAP - Stop Now and Plan
SNAP®, which stands for Stop Now And Plan, is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral model that provides a framework for teaching children struggling with behavior issues, and their parents, effective emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills through structured, curriculum based groups. Boys and girls, ages 6-11, experiencing behavioral problems at home, at school, with persons in authority, and in the community can benefit from the SNAP Boys/SNAP Girls programs. The program is gender and age specific and works with children and parents in a group setting to learn skills that teach impulse control, emotional self-regulation, and problem solving skills. The groups meet once per week for thirteen consecutive weeks.

SNAP for Youth
SNAP®, which stands for Stop Now And Plan, is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral model that provides a framework for teaching children struggling with behavior issues, and their parents, effective emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills through structured, curriculum based groups. Boys ages 12-17, experiencing behavioral problems at home, at school, with persons in authority, and in the community can benefit from the SNAP Youth Justice. The program is age specific and works in a group setting to learn skills that teach impulse control, emotional self-regulation, and problem solving skills. The groups meet once per week for thirteen consecutive weeks?.

Juvenile Mobile Crisis Response Program
The Juvenile Mobile Crisis Response Program provides an option for youth currently in crisis specifically related to mental health. A Deputy may request a Licensed Mental Health Counselor to respond to the location of the call for service. Therapists offer on-scene crisis intervention, stabilization and safety planning in effort to alleviate the need for a Baker Act. Through 911 or non-emergency (407-665-6650), you may request Juvenile Mobile Crisis Response to the location along with a Deputy. If a Deputy has already arrived on scene, you may ask that he/she request a Mobile Crisis therapist. A Deputy will always arrive first on scene to ensure safety and security. Juvenile Care Coordinators will follow up to offer service navigation, referrals and support.

Cadets
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office invites 6th, 7th and 8th graders to join our Cadet Program. Members of the Cadet program meet every Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the Youth Services Building, located at 1151 E. 28th St., at the Sanford Airport.

Sheriff’s Cadets receive hands-on training that introduces them to law enforcement officers' daily work and responsibilities. They tour key Seminole County Sheriff’s Office facilities—including the jail, technology services, and communications center—and observe demonstrations from various specialty units. Cadets develop valuable life skills through the program, participate in community service, and engage in local fundraising activities.

Explorers
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Youth Deputy Unit, established in the late 1960s, operates as Explorer Post #517. This program is co-sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America Police Explorer Program and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Community Foundation. It provides young people with opportunities to serve their community while exploring potential careers in law enforcement through structured training and hands-on experiences.

The program is open to youth entering the 9th grade through 21 years of age. Explorers receive instruction in areas such as arrest techniques, leadership, crime scene investigation, traffic control, fingerprinting, and enforcement procedures. They also participate in patrol ride-alongs with deputy sheriffs to gain real-world experience, compete on a statewide pistol team, and serve as members of the Honor Guard, representing the Sheriff’s Office at parades and ceremonial events.

GED
Seminole County Public Schools offers a GED program for youth at risk of not graduating from their traditional High School.?

Truancy Center
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with Seminole County Public Schools, works to enhance truancy within the county. The center focuses on the merits of utilizing truancy intervention as a preemptive tool to address juvenile crime and delinquency in our community.

Family Wraparound Services
Family Wraparound Services works in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families focusing on targeted prevention for both Child and Adult Protective Services. The team also takes in referrals from local community members as well as all local law enforcement entities. A Family Services Advocate (FSA) will be assigned to assist youth, families, and vulnerable adults to identify systemic barriers and necessities, providing resources and services to alleviate the need for DCF intervention. Advocates are able to provide education to the community on pool, sleep, and firearm safety as well as promoting educational stability within the school system for the youth within Seminole County. Family Service Advocates also work closely with the Elder Crimes Unit through the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, connecting those with the necessary items and tools for vulnerable adults in need. Advocates also focus on providing the basic and essential needs for all families.

If you would like further information about any of our programs, please fill out this form and a staff member will contact you.