Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, who oversees the 17th Circuit’s misdemeanor mental health court, has been honored with a 2015 Award of Excellence by the National Council for Behavioral Health. In the category of Advocacy Leadership Awards, Judge Lerner-Wren was recognized as the Elected Official Service in Advocacy for her efforts to expand access to services for people living with mental illness and addiction.

Judge Lerner-Wren presides over the country’s first misdemeanor mental health court, which was established in Broward County, Florida in 1997. She was instrumental in replicating the implementation of this program on a national level; to date, many jurisdictions have replicated Broward County’s model. The court’s goal is to divert mentally ill people, charged with misdemeanor and non-violent offenses, into community-based treatment programs instead of incarceration.

The awards ceremony will take place in Orlando in April. Congratulations, Judge Lerner-Wren, for this prestigious recognition of your dedication to the mental health community! 

For Immediate Release                                                 February 12, 2015

CHIEF JUDGE RE-ELECTED TO TWO YEAR TERM 

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Peter M. Weinstein was re-elected to lead the 17^th Judicial Circuit today for a third term as Chief Judge of the state’s second-largest circuit. Voted in by a majority of the 88 active judges serving Broward County, Judge Weinstein officially begins his new term July 1, 2015.

First elected as Chief in February 2011, Judge Weinstein brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his role.  “I know that it is imperative we take steps to move forward in a positive direction, and as Chief Judge, I pledge to work with all the Judges in the circuit to make that happen,” he says.  Chief Judge Weinstein says, “I am truly honored to once again lead the distinguished judges and magistrates of this circuit. The many accomplishments this court has seen is a clear reflection of their dedication to our justice system.”

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