Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center (PJAC) is a centralized processing facility for youths who are arrested by area law enforcement. The PJAC is considered a one-stop-shop for screening, accessing and processing youths who are involved with the juvenile justice system.  There are five on-site partners:  Family Resources, Inc. providing Children in Need of Services/Families in Need of Services CINS/FINS; the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Schools, the Department of Juvenile Justice and Operation PAR, Inc.  Operation PAR is the managing partner of the PJAC.  Prior to admission to PJAC, youths are provided an initial health screen, which includes the use of a breathalyzer, to determine if they are in need of detoxification, emergency medical care or mental health treatment. 

Operation PAR provides admission screening, detention screening and Juvenile TASC assessments.  Youths, with criminal charges who are brought to the PJAC, are seen by a Detention Screener to determine juvenile justice involvement, mental health needs and substance abuse needs.  Juveniles, who give their consent, are provided a psychosocial assessment.  A urine drug screen is also provided to youths who give their consent to assist in the assessment and referral process and detect substance use.  Parents are notified of the results of a positive urine drug screen and clinical recommendations based on the drug screen results.  The PJAC computerized network system is capable of processing assessment information, tracking referrals, monitoring treatment and follow-up progress.  This fully integrated service delivery approach is highly effective in determining the extent of the youths’ problems and the most appropriate level of care needed.  The Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and Families SunCoast Region/Central Florida Behavioral Health Network and Pinellas County fund the program.

·         PJAC Community Enhancements Program:  The PJAC Community Enhancements Program identifies youths (10 – 17) with substance abuse risk factors associated with adolescent pregnancy, juvenile justice delinquency, mental health issues and school-related issues.  The Community Enhancement program provides Outreach Assessment and Juvenile Case Management services, which include case monitoring, face to face intervention planning, coordinating services and networking with other community agencies, random drug screens and monthly contacts with the family and youth.  The Department of Children and Families SunCoast Region/Central Florida Behavioral Health Network funds the program.

For more information please call 1-888-PAR-NEXT.