The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has posted a draft of the 2006 Health Services Manual for review and comment at: http://www.djj.state.fl.us/manuals/manualreview.html

Please note that earlier notices published in the Florida Administrative Weekly on June 2 and 9, 2006, indicated that the above referenced manual would be available on the Department’s website on those dates. Due to unexpected delays, the manual will not be available for review and comment until July 7 (date of this publication).

The 2006 Health Services Manual is a document that addresses the comprehensive physical health care of youth who are in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The manual addresses the continuum of medical services for our youth, inclusive of the CINS/FINS shelters, facility based community corrections programs, secure detention centers and residential commitment programs. Due to the unique nature of health care, the manual has been written to address the various medical needs of these youth in accordance with national standards, as well as the requirements of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The goal is that youth in the care and custody of the Department will receive a continuum of services that reflect the complex needs of this population. A second goal is that health care providers, direct care staff and management at all levels will understand that the health care provided to these youth must be in accordance with current clinical guidelines and at a level commensurate with the services they would receive in the community. Please bear in mind that this document continues to be a work in progress with additional editing occurring while it is posted for review and comments.

The revised manual is being posted for a single 20 working day review and comment period. The closure date for submission of comments on the manual is August 3, 2006. Comments should be sent to the person identified on the above Website utilizing the Matrix of Comments.