The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice responded to our public records request for the New World Believers’ contract for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention with the agency.
The contract was executed on Sept. 27, 2017, and has been extended several times. Its new end date is March 31, 2026. Read CN-800000-10559
The contract isn’t for much money.
FY 2017-18: $25,998.17
FY 2018-19: $20,819.33
FY 2019-20: $11,604.95
FY 2020-21: $3,866.66
FY 2021-22: $15,456.70
FY 2022-23: $32,215.54
During the course of the Escambia Children’s Trust grant, DJJ has paid New World Believers $32,613.14.
FY 2023-24: $19,706.05
FY 2024-25: $9,954.91
FY 2025-26: $2,952.18
None of these payments appear in the financial statements or Form 990s. The last DJJ check was for $109.34, dated Jan. 7, 2026.
Contract Terms
The contract is for NWB to provide a local Civil Citation program for youth under the age of 18 who have received a CC from law enforcement agencies, referred by the State Attorney’s office or reside in Escambia County.
NEW provides or arranges services as determined by the Prevention Assessment Tool. Services include the provision of Impact of Crime, CHOICES Corrective Thinking (TruThought), VOICES, and Chemical Awareness Substance Abuse referrals. If a young person needs Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse services, NWB can refer them or provide the services, which family, Medicaid or other nonprofits pay for.
NWB provides case management and oversees restitution and community service hours.
Staff must have background checks.
Staffing Required
Director must be 100% dedicated to the program, have a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Program Coordinator – 40% dedicated, BBS, MBS
Prevention/Intervention Specialist – 35% dedicated, Phd, LMHC
Prevention/Intervention Specialist – 35% dedicated, Ed.D.
Community Service Coordinator – 20% dedicated, High School Diploma/5 years experience with at-risk populations.
After Care Specialist – 20% dedicated, High School Diploma/5 years experience with at-risk populations.
Performance Audit:
In 2018, DJJ audited an invoice and could not prove services were successfully performed.
We are unable to validate that the services, as invoiced, were performed in accordance with the agreement, as the agency failed to submit all of the requested source documentation. For example, the staff vacancy report was not submitted. In addition, the Monthly Progress Reports do not identify the dates the required services were performed for each youth for the month. In the Dates of Service section of the report, it only identifies the month the youth entered the program to “current”. Therefore, it could not be validated whether the youths received the required services for the month.
However, the DJJ didn’t cancel the contract. No other audits were done.
Prearrest Delinquency Citation Dashboard
The dashboard shows NWB handled 56 youth in the civil citation program for the past two fiscal years. See dashboard.
FY 2024-25: 22
FY 2023-24: 34
Has the Escambia Children’s Trust asked for these documents?
The Board meets today at 11 a.m. in its offices at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg. 26, 2nd Floor.
Agenda
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Purpose of Emergency Meeting: New World Believers Agreement – Next Course of Action
IV. Public Comment*
V. Recommendation
VI. Discussion
VII. Vote
VIII. Adjournment
For more on NWB contract issues:
Children’s Trust Compliance, Oversight Issues
NWB Financial Report Makes No Sense
How Did Children’s Trust Get Involved in Mental Health?
Read Rodney Jones’ Arrest Report
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