Juvenile Justice Citizens Academy
About Our Event
Navigating Juvenile Justice: Hands-On Community Experience
Ever wondered how the Juvenile Justice System works? Curious about what happens behind the scenes? Want to better understand how we, as a community, support youth and families?
Join the Pinellas County Human Services Department for the 2026 Juvenile Justice Citizens Academy (JJCA) — an engaging 10-session experience designed to take you inside the Juvenile Justice System from prevention through aftercare.
Click on the 2026 Juvenile Justice Citizens Academy Application here.
What to Expect
Go Behind the Scenes
Experience guided tours of key facilities, including the Juvenile Assessment Center, Pinellas County Jail, juvenile courtrooms, and local commitment programs.
Meet the Experts
Hear from professionals shaping the system, including representatives from:
- Department of Juvenile Justice
- State Attorney’s Office
- Public Defender’s Office
- Juvenile Circuit Court
- Law enforcement partners
- Behavioral health professionals
- Community diversion and prevention programs
Learn and Engage
Gain a deeper understanding of how the system operates, each partner’s role, and the resources available to support youth and their families. JJCA offers meaningful dialogue, real-world insight, and opportunities to ask questions in an open, educational setting.
Important Information
The Juvenile Justice Citizens Academy (JJCA) is intended to provide education and community awareness. It does not train or promote citizens to act in a law enforcement capacity.
Academy Dates, Fees and Attendance
- April 23 – June 25, 2026
- 10 sessions held on Thursday evenings
- Offered free of charge.
- Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. A certificate of completion will be awarded to those who attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions.
Class of 2025
The Justice Coordination team proudly celebrated the completion of the 2025 Juvenile Justice Citizens Academy (JJCA), graduating 15 community members. This academy was a collaborative effort between Pinellas County Justice Coordination, Department of Juvenile Justice (Bryan Sherlock) and key partners committed to supporting youth and families.
Participants toured the Juvenile Detention Center, Britt Halfway House, Juvenile Assessment Center and Pinellas County Jail, and heard from presenters representing JWB, NAMI, DJJ, the Sixth Judicial Circuit, PCSO, Family Resources, Pinellas County Schools, and Directions for Living. Together, we continue building a more informed and connected community through education and partnership.
For more information, you may contact Katiah Fitzpatrick with Pinellas County Office of Justice Coordination at (727) 453-7503 or klfitzpatrick@pinellas.gov
If you are a person with a disability and need any accommodation to participate in this program, you are entitled, at no cost, to the provision of certain assistance. If you need assistance, contact the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights at (727) 464-4880 or TDD (727) 464-4062.
Have you graduated from JJCA in recent years?
We now have an Alumni Facebook page where you can connect with old classmates, engage in juvenile related news and network your organization with participants over the years. Join our JJCA Alumni Facebook Group!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Juvenile Justice Citizens Academy?
The Pinellas County Juvenile Justice Academy (JJCA) is a free program created and organized by Pinellas County Justice Coordination and the Department of Juvenile Justice to educate residents about the juvenile justice system.
Why was the program created?
To provide residents an inside look at the Juvenile Justice system in Pinellas County. Participants will engage in seminars and discussions regarding the roles, services, and responsibilities of various stakeholders at all points in the Juvenile Justice process from prevention to commitment. These sessions are intended to educate participants in order to better assist youth and families in Pinellas County.
When is the Program?
The Spring 2026 JJCA program will be held every Thursday evening from April 23, 2026, through June 25, 2026.
What do I do at the beginning of each class?
Prior to class you must review the workbook materials and prepare questions for discussion. When logging into a virtual Zoom session, be sure your Zoom account displays your name and job title so you may receive credit for that session. For in-person tours held at facilities, be sure to sign in to receive credit for that session. You will be asked to complete a survey at the end of each session.
What do I wear to class?
Participants are encouraged to dress conservatively and wear comfortable shoes and pants. Some of the sites are secure and have additional dress requirements. More information will be provided prior to those sessions. For any Zoom session, please dress appropriately and ensure your background is free of any distractions and noises.
What do I do if I need to miss a class?
Participants will receive a certificate if they attend 8 out of the 10 sessions. Please let the coordinator know if you will be absent for a session.
What do I do after I complete this academy and graduate?
You are encouraged to share any valuable knowledge and information you have taken with you from the JJCA. Sharing this knowledge with youth, families and your organizations who are impacted by the juvenile justice system.
What if I still have more questions?
For more details, please email Yashira Gonzalez ygonzalez@pinellas.gov or Katiah Fitzpatrick at: KLFitzpatrick@pinellas.gov