Adolescent Character Enrichment Program (ACE)

The ADOLESCENT CHARACTER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (ACE), a program of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL), is an 8 to 10 week youth diversion program held three evenings a week for juveniles ages 11 to 16.

ACE participants are either Court ordered to the program or referred by a network of partners that includes: PAL, Youth Resource Deputies, Community Oriented Police Section, SHOCAP, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, State Attorney’s Office, St. Johns County Mental Health, St. Johns County School Board, and various other agencies.

The ACE program provides character enrichment activities and education that include the seven pillars of character, life management training, group counseling, community service, self-discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem, team building, personal assessment, leadership training, anger management, human diversity skills and law enforcement interaction.

A unique and vital aspect of the program is the interaction with Law Enforcement Deputies who teach the youth to interact in team and confidence building exercises that include rappelling, confidence and leadership courses, physical exercise and discussions facilitated on the consequences of criminal behavior. Random home and school contacts are conducted, as needed.

All ACE participants must attend a four day youth enrichment camp at Camp Blanding where they are challenged with several obstacles that include a leadership reaction course which tests their ability to work together to finish multiple tasks. They must also pass a physical fitness confidence course, and rappel from a 60 foot tower.

After receiving the referral, we will contact the potential participant, and parents or guardians, who will be involved throughout the program with regularly scheduled conferences. The parents or guardians must sign an agreement of participation which includes the sharing of information with the St. Johns County School Board, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the SJSO, or other Agencies, as needed.

For more information, please contact Program Coordinator Deputy Rafael Fuentes by calling (904) 819-8489 or (904) 824-8304 or by e-mail: rfuentes@sjso.org