Prevention, intervention and protection are the principles behind the Clay County Juvenile Office (CCJO), which now offers community programs through the Dispute Resolution and Family Court division. Delinquency Unit Office Staff Jeanetta Belfonte and Connie Bell of the CCJO explained there are several programs available which the community can utilize. Bell explained there is a referral process for children and families to be directed to the right program based on their independent situation, starting with an informal conference at the juvenile office. “The goal is not to lock up children,” said Bell. She explained that when a child has to be admitted to the detention center, they must wait to go to juvenile court. Children awaiting a court date don’t get to participate in the community services offered for behavior prevention and mental health. “There are still consequences for a child’s action...