Pay Up Program
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The Pay Up program is co-sponsored by the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court and Goodwill Industries. Pay Up is made possible through a partnership grant from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and the program holds young people accountable for their actions by ensuring they compensate their victims for losses suffered as the result of a juvenile crime.
Pay Up youth, ages 16-18 years-old, are provided work ethics and employability training. This is provided by Goodwill Industries of Central Florida. Afterwards, the youth are placed in jobs throughout Central Florida. Each case is closely monitored for compliance and any need for follow-up that might be necessary. Once employed, a minimum of 50% of the young person’s wages goes towards his/her restitution until their victims are paid in full. After the restitution is paid, the teenagers: Utilize the work experience by continuing to work; contribute to the community in a positive way; and future criminal activity is reduced.
Another goal of the program is to serve young people, 10-15 years-old, who are too young to work at a regular job. These youth are assigned community service work and the victim is compensated $5.15 for every hour worked. In the community service track, all money earned must go towards restitution or other court costs. The community service work is accomplished through a program known as L.E.A.R.N.: Learning Ethics, Accountability, and Responsibility Now. L.E.A.R.N. is operated in a partnership with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, Orange County Corrections Department (OCCD), and Florida Department of Transportation and this program is managed by the Orange County Corrections Division. Youth are required to work on OCCD supervised work teams. It is possible for a defendant to earn $320 a month in this program. This collaborative effort ranks Pay Up as the most comprehensive restitution programs in the nation.
Citizens and businesses are encouraged to get involved in the Pay Up program. As an employer, hiring a Pay Up youth can be a rewarding experience and benefit the community. If you have any questions or would like to participate in the program, please contact:
Pay Up receives the 2001 Foundation For Improvement of Justice Award. Circuit Court Judge Robert M. Evans accepts the award on behalf of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Contact
Information
2000 E. Michigan Street,
Orlando, Fl 32806
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(407)
836-8972
Earl Johnson
Payup@ocnjcc.org
