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Youth Program

Overview

Several kids playing with a sheriff and their SUV

Youth

Protecting the youth of our state has always been a priority of the Florida Sheriffs Association.  It is one of the five primary goals in the current FSA strategic plan and was the reason for creating the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch in 1957. Since then, Florida’s sheriffs have actively supported programs specifically designed to help young people be safer and better prepared for a successful life.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Florida Sheriffs Association Rising Star Youth Program, a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders in law enforcement and public safety.

This engaging program is tailored to students in elementary, middle, and high school. Each age group will explore the world of law enforcement through fun and educational activities designed to spark curiosity and develop leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.

By connecting with youth at various stages of their educational journey, the Florida Sheriffs Association will cultivate a new generation of law enforcement professionals dedicated to service and community safety. These programs will not only educate young people about the history and honor of the Office of Sheriff but will provide them with the tools, skills, and opportunities to pursue a meaningful and impactful career in public safety. The Rising Star Youth Program will also provide parents with safety tips tailored to their child’s age group.

Join us in shaping tomorrow’s public safety professionals.

Youth Resources

Water Safety Tips | Florida Sheriffs Association

Public Safety Tip: Water Safety Tips for Drowning Prevention

Florida loses more children under the age of 5 each year to drowning than any other state. As temperatures rise and more families head to pools and waterways this summer,...
Public Safety Tip: Teen Driving Tips | Florida Sheriffs Association

Public Safety Tip: Teen Driving Tips for Parents

Having a new teen driver is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring anxiety about your child’s safety. According to the CDC, teen drivers are nearly three times more...
Family Camping Safety Tips | Florida Sheriffs Association

Keep Kids Safe Series: Camping Safety Tips

Florida, with its beautiful scenery and thousands of camping sites, is an ideal place to vacation with family. Camping offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, bond with...
A Guide to Online Safety for Teens | Florida Sheriffs Association

Keep Kids Safe Series: A Parent’s Guide to Online Safety for Teens

Today's teens have grown up on the internet, and it is tied into everything they do. Discover how parents can ensure the online safety of teens by staying informed about...
Firearm Safety Tips | Florida Sheriffs Association

Public Safety Tip: Firearm Safety for Families

Responsible firearm ownership is crucial for ensuring the safety of Florida’s families. With a few simple precautions, we can prevent accidents, reduce risks and promote a secure environment. Whether you're...
Safety Tips for Traveling with Kids | Florida Sheriffs Association

Keep Kids Safe Series: Safety Tips for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be both challenging and rewarding. With all the logistics that parents are juggling, safety can sometimes slip through the cracks. Whether on the road, in a...
The Role of School Resource Officers | Florida Sheriffs Association

How School Resource Officers Keep Our Schools Safe

The role of school resource officers includes law enforcement, crime prevention, crisis intervention and student counseling. The school resource officer program was launched in 2018 by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis...
Halloween Safety Tips | Florida Sheriffs Association

Public Safety Tip: Halloween Safety Tips for Your Family

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for both kids and adults—but it also comes with an increased risk of accidents and injuries. According to statistics...
Essential School Safety Tips | Florida Sheriffs Association

Keep Kids Safe Series: Essential School Safety Tips

One of the most critical responsibilities that parents, educators and law enforcement officers share is creating a learning environment that prioritizes school safety. Every parent deserves to know that when...
Missing Child Prevention Tips | FSA | Public Safety Tip

Public Safety Tip: Missing Children Prevention Tips

Missing child prevention begins with child safety discussions and plans. Although child abductions are rare, children can get lost or go missing for many reasons. Here are ways to help...
Child Safety at Large Venues | FSA

Keep Kids Safe Series: Large Venues Create Challenges for Child Safety

Child safety is a top priority, but the challenges increase at parks, malls and events where distractions are abundant and crowds are dense. Here are some practical child safety tips...

Law Enforcement Families Can Offset Expenses with Scholarships for College

With the cost of education continually increasing, it is more important than ever for law enforcement families to identify scholarships for college. When you are searching for scholarships for your...

Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center

The Florida Sheriffs Association has proposed building the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center as a place to preserve the more than two-century history of the Office of Sheriff in Florida as well as to create a place for children to visit and learn more about the honor and tradition of serving in law enforcement. The center will be a facility for youth to explore the possibilities of a future career as a law enforcement officer, correctional deputy, dispatcher or civilian employee in a sheriff’s office by connecting them with a series of interactive displays, videos and activities that will inspire them in a future public safety vocation.