S.S.M. v. State

S.S.M. was committed to a level 8, high-risk residential program. This commitment ignored the recommendations of the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

A trial court may disregard the recommendations of the DJJ in a juvenile proceeding. See § 985.23(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (2001). However, when the recommendations are disregarded, the court must state the reasons for doing so, including making reference to the characteristics of the re*1235strictiveness level and the needs of the child. A.G. v. State, 737 So.2d 1244, 1247 (Fla. 5th DCA 1999). The reasons given for imposing a level 8 program here were…