CHARLOTTE cOUNTY sHERIFF'S oFFICE

The FRESH START Program is a diversionary and prevention program that targets at risk youth and first time offenders. This program's objective is to prevent juveniles from committing future crimes by exploring real life jail conditions and realities when locked up in jail. This is provided free of charge by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Participation in this program is voluntary in nature upon the completion of waiver forms by the parent or guardian prior to the youth’s entry. This program is designed to target at risk juveniles and first time offenders who are 12 to 17 years of age. This program is held at the Charlotte County Jail one Saturday of each month from approximately 8:30AM to 10:30AM. The Fresh Start Program is coordinated and operated by the ShoCap/Gang Detective of the Juvenile Operations unit in cooperation with the Charlotte County Jail.

1. Juveniles are escorted by the coordinator to the intake entrance of the jail where each juvenile is processed as an inmate.

2. Each juvenile is pat frisked and directed to change into inmate clothing (specially striped uniforms with Fresh Start written across the back). Each juvenile has a mug shot taken just as one would when being booked. These photo shots are given later to the juveniles as a reminder of their experience.

3. Each juvenileise given verbal direction and a brief tour of the facility.

4. Juveniles enter a trusties Pod for approximately 15 minutes (which inmates are advised)

5. Juveniles are directed and escorted from the trusties Pod to the multi-purpose room in the jail, where they will confront an inmate (trusty) in full hands/legs shackles. Why a full shackled inmate? A shackled inmate appears intimidating to the juveniles and shows the seriousness of being confined.

6. This inmate is given a brief history of his/her juvenile past, which currently lead up to his/her incarceration.

7. Juveniles receive further counsel and direction from the coordinator and are escorted to intake where they are processed out of the Jail and returned to their parent/guardian.

Referral Process: All employees who are part of the criminal justice process in Charlotte County (CCSO, Punta Gorda Police Department, State Attorney's Office, Judicial,) are encouraged to make referrals to the ShoCap/Gang Detective with the juvenile’s name, date of birth, years of age, gender, parental information, address, and contact number. A short summary why this subject is at risk and participate in the program is included. This can be done by E-mail, Memo, or phone. The ShoCap/Gang Detective will make the proper contacts with the juveniles parents or guardians.

For more information please contact Christine Goracke at christine@ccso.org.