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.

PAL - Police Athletic League
The Police Athletic League (PAL) provides proactive youth programs throughout Seminole County. The goal is to prevent juvenile delinquency through positive role modeling, enhancement of self-esteem, and the development of positive moral values through wholesome competition. PAL Programs include youth basketball, youth flag football, Cadets, Explorers, Explorer Academy, and Spring and Summer Camps.

PAL Camps-Police Athletic League
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office Police Athletic League Spring and Summer Camps run in conjunction with the Seminole County Public Schools calendar for the spring break and summer break. The camps are staffed with Seminole county Sheriff's Office School Resource Deputies and civilian personnel. Life skills lessons are integrated into the camps along with bowling, roller skating, movies, ice skating, arts & crafts, indoor games, outdoor games and theme park excursions. The mission is to build positive relationships between law enforcement and children, while providing a safe place for kids to play during the spring and summer breaks.

PAL Sports
PAL offers recreation sports including spring and fall flag football and winter basketball.

Explorers
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office Youth Deputy Unit is co-sponsored with the Boy Scouts of America Police Explorer Program and Seminole County PAL. It is the intent of the program to promote community service and law enforcement career exploration through training and hands-on interaction. The Post is open to teenagers entering the ninth (9th) grade through twenty (20) years of age.

Founded in the late 1960's, Explorer Post 517 is the Seminole County Sheriff's Office oldest community relations program. Explorers are trained in arrest techniques, leadership, crime scene investigation, traffic control, fingerprinting, traffic stops and enforcement procedures. They are permitted to ride with Deputy Sheriffs to gain first-hand experience in law enforcement, participate on a pistol team that attends statewide competitions, and join an Honor Guard that represents the Seminole County Sheriff's Office at parades and other 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.