Several community members part of state attorney's new Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee

State Attorney Melissa Nelson has launched a Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.

The goal is to reduce juvenile crime in the Fourth Judicial Circuit -- Duval, Nassau and Clay counties -- and improve public safety.

Nelson is passionate about youths in the community and has made juvenile justice a top priority in her office.

"I think that's the place and the population where we really can change the trajectory of lives," Nelson said.
  
The committee is made up of 23 people in the community who have expertise and interest in youths.

Among those in the group are attorneys, judges, professors and those with hands in the juvenile community, even former Jacksonville Sheriff Nat Glover.

"When a youth intersects with the juvenile justice system, that's a pivotal moment in time where we can activate and produce outcomes that will benefit the youth," Nelson said.
 
While Nelson said she does not have all the answers, she is hopeful that this committee can make a change for kids in the community.
 
"Is what we're doing now the best that we can do? Can it be more effective? If the answer is we can be more effective, then how?" she said.
 
The first meeting will be Sept. 29, which will primarily be an introductory meeting. The committee is scheduled to meet on several topics for the next year.

Cox Media Group