Root Causes of Juvenile Delinquency & Prevention Services
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (March 31, 2025) On Friday, April 25, 2025, Boys Town South Florida will host its second annual Community Action Summit at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. This event will feature an engaging panel discussion with community leaders and experts on the root causes of juvenile delinquency, including factors such as lack of education, poverty, insufficient support systems, trauma, and share life-changing prevention and early intervention services.
Boys Town South Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides counseling, skills-building, and education to over 3,000 children each year.
The panel of experts includes: The Honorable Judge Melanie Surber, 15th Circuit, Juvenile Div.; Sarah Mooney, Chief of Police with the School District of Palm Beach County Police Dept.; Johnny Sanders, Senior Regional Outreach Coordinator, Florida Dept. of Juvenile Justice, Office of Prevention Services; Ann Berner, President/CEO of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; and Dr. Diane Kelly Andreou, Director of Boys Town South Florida’s Behavioral Health Clinic.
Moderated by emcee, Jim Grimes, anchor at WPEC Channel 12, panelists will share life-changing prevention and early intervention services, including mental health counseling, family support services, and school-based programs, as positive alternatives and outlets for at-risk youth and their families.
Attendees will also get an exclusive first-hand look at the Blue Baby documentary, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Josh Sabey. Available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play, the film highlights the rehabilitation journey of at-risk youth at Boys Town and underscores the critical role of community support in preventing family separation or incarceration.
“Investing in early intervention isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Bethany Lacey, Executive Director of Boys Town South Florida. “By providing support, mentorship, and resources before a young person enters the justice system, we not only change individual lives but also strengthen families, reduce crime, and build a safer, healthier community for everyone. We invite community members to join us in this important conversation. Your voice, ideas, and involvement are crucial to shaping solutions that give our youth a better path forward.”
Mission Sponsors of the event are Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP to see first-hand how community thought leaders are working together, please visit boystown.org/south-florida or email [email protected] or call 561-6007. Tickets are $40 each, and the program includes a continental breakfast.
About Boys Town South Florida:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America’s children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization’s research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.