When a child or young adult gets in trouble at home, school, or even breaks the law, it’s often the first sign for parents, teachers, and even the police that something is wrong.
The system has a phrase for it—it's called juvenile delinquency.
Boys Town South Florida held a Community Action Summit in Palm Beach Gardens. A panel of experts, including judges, doctors, and frontline workers, addressed the many problems behind juvenile delinquency. They emphasized the importance of early intervention, family support, and how the system is helping to get young people on the right path.
Bethany Lacey, the Executive Director of Boys Town South Florida, highlighted their mission: “Once they are in the system, there is very little we can do to change their trajectory. Our goal is to strengthen them by working with the family and eliminating barriers impacting the child's well-being. This might mean connecting families with therapy, helping with housing, or financial support. Whatever it is, we want to partner with them and help their children meet their goals.”
The summit aimed to bring together community experts to discuss why early intervention is critical for children at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Lacey noted, “When a child enters the system, their outcomes are negatively affected. They’re less likely to graduate high school, have good earning potential, and more likely to get involved with crime.”
Early intervention is key. “Things can get better; it takes a village. It’s not just Boys Town; it’s the whole community coming together,” Lacey added.
Guests watched a clip from the new documentary 'Blue Baby,' an emotional and eye-opening film highlighting the challenges many parents face. The documentary is now streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.
