(1) Juvenile Assessment Centers (JAC) can be found throughout much of the state and are used as sites for housing central intake units for screening youth as they enter the juvenile justice system. Each JAC is diverse and composed of the resources of the community, which it serves. Most JACs are open twenty-four (24) hours a day to provide detention screening for arrested youths. No matter how configured or designed, JACs expedite the booking and evaluation process of youth who are arrested and facilitate the more efficient use of law enforcement officials, court personnel, and juvenile justice personnel. Many JACs conduct intake, detention screening, substance abuse screening, physical and mental health screening, diagnostic testing, and other related services deemed appropriate to the needs of the community.
    (2) By statute, JACs must enter into interagency agreements with various agencies and organizations to maximize the effectiveness of service provision. The local JAC advisory committee, which shall be comprised of individuals who represent the agencies participating in the JAC, shall develop an interagency agreement that includes provisions regarding the development of protocols and procedures for conflict resolution, resource identification, roles, responsibilities, and communication between the agencies, and the daily operation of the JAC. In JACs where the department is not directly responsible for the functions defined herein, the interagency agreement must satisfy all requirements of this rule prior to department approval.
    (3) Because local law enforcement agencies and local departments of corrections are often involved in staffing a JAC, the department shall rely on law enforcement standards where applicable.
Rulemaking Authority 985.64, 985.601 FS. Law Implemented 985.03, 985.135, 985.601 FS. History-New 5-4-20.