As expected, Gov. Rick Scott Thursday said Christina Daly will be his Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary for a second term. Daly has served as interim Secretary since July following Secretary Wansley Walters’ retirement.
Daly had served as Walters’ deputy secretary when she when DJJ changed its focus from punishment to prevention. She has been with the department for seven years also serving as legislative director and chief of staff.
“Christina has provided strong leadership at the Department of Juvenile Justice and shown a commitment to improving the lives of Florida children,” said Scott. “We announced this week that youth arrests are at the lowest level in 30 years and I know she will keep working to increase public safety.”
Daly has support among stakeholders; earlier this month Sen. Rob Bradley told the Daily Business Review he wanted to see Daly lose the interim tittle.
“I hope the governor makes (her) permanent,” said Bradley. “She’s continuing the good work of Secretary Walters, and we’re seeing outstanding results.”
Daly has serves on the Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice. Prior to joining the DJJ, Daly implemented the Safe Place program statewide. She earned a social work degree from Florida State University.
