Prevention Initiatives
Gaining Appreciation by Adjusting Perspectives (G.A.A.P.) Discussion
A Gaining Appreciation by Adjusting Perspectives (G.A.A.P.) Discussion is a conversation between youth and law enforcement in a focus group setting to forge better communication and understanding. Bridging the G.A.A.P. Discussions provide an avenue for youth to foster a more positive relationship with law enforcement officials to reduce biases. The Office of Prevention Services launched G.A.A.P. Discussions in 2012. Since 2015, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Alice B. Sims, a more comprehensive program was implemented to include an advanced data collection system to analyze trends and measure the statewide impact of interactions between youth and law enforcement. The implementation of youth and law enforcement surveys captured the strengthening of relationships, trust, and perspective among the youth and officers.
Gaining Appreciation by Adjusting Perspectives (G.A.A.P.) Academy
The G.A.A.P. (Gaining Appreciation by Adjusting Perspectives) Academy is a four-day interactive training series designed to strengthen relationships between youth and law enforcement. By bringing together youth and law enforcement from across Florida, the Academy provides a dynamic and inclusive environment where open dialogue, mutual respect, and real-world collaboration take center stage. Through sessions focused on trust-building, real-life law enforcement simulations, team collaboration, and community service, participants explore perspectives, share experiences, and develop actionable solutions to improve youth and police relations. Guided by instructors and supported by community partners, the G.A.A.P. Academy empowers both youth and officers to work together toward a stronger, safer Florida - one conversation at a time.
Demonstrating Excellence in Reading (DER) Ice Cream Social
The Demonstrating Excellence in Reading (DER) Ice Cream Social is an initiative designed to celebrate literacy achievement and academic excellence among elementary school students. Since its inception in 2024, the Office of Prevention Services has celebrated over 1,533 students statewide. By collaborating with schools, the DER initiative reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to prevention, intervention and empowering youth through meaningful, goal-oriented engagement.
With the implementation of these Demonstrating Excellence in Reading Ice Cream Socials, the department strives to:
• Recognize and reward student achievement in reading and academics.
• Promote a culture of goal-setting and educational attainment.
• Encourage early academic success through engaging, community-based events.
• Support the department’s mission of positive youth development through education.
All Pro Dad
The Office of Prevention Services, is committed to enhancing and expanding fatherhood involvement in schools statewide and has partnered with All Pro Dad to provide funding for programming that allows dads the opportunity to spend quality time with their children that will strengthen their relationship as well as help student achievement. All Pro Dad, an organization of Family First, is committed to supporting and creating excitement for fathers about their role through parenting resources and engagement opportunities. Through the Chapter program, a valuable connection building opportunity between students and fathers or father figures has been brought to over 360 Florida schools. All Pro Dad Chapter programs meet monthly at elementary and middle schools where dads and their child(ren) have meaningful conversations and participate in fun activities through a character-based curriculum. Elements that make up monthly meetings with dads and their child(ren) include discussion cards topics, pride moments, fun activities and “bring it home” assignments.
The Facts. Your Future.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has partnered with The Facts. Your Future. to educate students and prevent the life-altering effects of drug and substance abuse. The Facts. Your Future., which First Lady DeSantis launched in December 2019, is a program that directly engages youth in Florida to improve their understanding of the life-altering effects of drug abuse and empowers teens to reach their full potential. The Facts. Your Future. provides an interactive space for schools to educate their students on the consequential impacts of substance abuse. Schools statewide are provided the necessary resources to host their own assemblies, alongside collateral campaign materials to continue essential conversations throughout the school year. By engaging with peers directly through schools, parents, and educators, this initiative focuses on direct channels that foster healthy conversations about the facts around substance use.