Turning lives around

The staff at the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Services Department (JSD) takes great pride in serving at-risk youth and juveniles in the community. They work tirelessly to help children and teens recover from the results of poor decision-making that could keep them from becoming successful adults.

JSD case managers work with the youth and deliver evidence-based assessments, linkages to community-based organizations and wraparound services to thousands of young people every year.

Juvenile Assessment Counselor Jason Moody came to the County just over a year ago. He always wanted to do something to help the youth and support them.

''I grew up in Miami Gardens and being able to give back to the people of my community is very important to me,'' Moody said.

As JSD Director Cathy Burgos explains, ''Jason gives his heart every day and delivers a continuum of care that’s respectful, kind and focuses on finding solutions for our families. He provides opportunities for children and families to thrive and empowers them to reach their full potential by linking them to valuable community-based services.''

Within his caseload, Jason has a 9-year-old client with past trauma experiences. After meeting with Jason, the mother reached out to JSD with the following message in an email:

“I just want to thank you very much for referring me to a very kind and patient case manager that really loves his job. So far, he has treated my son and me with the upmost respect and has shown he cares about our situation.”

''Being able to see my clients turn their lives around and learn to make good choices creates hope for the future of our community. It gives my work purpose and makes me want to do even more to create change and improvement,'' Moody said.

''Jason is truly amazing,'' Director Cathy Burgos added.

Learn more about the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Services Department.