The Juvenile Justice Committee presented its “Saving Kids Futures: Civil Citation” program to over 200 members of the Naples New Haitian Church, at a recent Sunday Service. Civil Citation prevents youth who are first time misdemeanor offenders from getting a permanent arrest record. Instead, they are required to complete 50 hours of community service, such as cleaning parks or working in soup kitchens, that must be completed within 90 days. In addition, they must apologize to the victim, improve their grades, and in some cases, participate in drug or mental health counseling. Over 95% of youth who complete their Civil Citation never get in trouble with Law Enforcement again.
Nancy Garfien, JJC member, states, “This was our largest audience this year. It was especially heart-warming when they gave us a standing ovation. Civil Citation is the most effective, cost-efficient program in Law Enforcement’s toolbox to combat juvenile delinquency. Every parent needs to know about this program.”
Since the beginning of 2025, the JJC has also meet with the Immokalee Interagency Council, Collier County Democratic Social Club, and the NAACP to acquaint them with Civil Citation. Our thanks to Sarah Cass Berg, Nancy Garfien, Marshal Goldstein, Diane Moore and members of the CCSO for helping create this presentation.