J.K. v. State

J.K., a child, appeals from the trial court’s juvenile disposition order which departed from the recommendation of the Department of Juvenile Justice (Department or DJJ) that J.K. be placed on probation and adjudication withheld, by ordering him committed to moderate risk placement without probation. Because the court’s reasons for departure failed to address why the restrictiveness level chosen was more appropriate for the needs of the child than that recommended by the Department, we reverse the disposition order *954and remand the case for further proceedings.

Following appellant’s pleas of…