Fort Lauderdale, FL – In response to community requests, the 17^th Judicial Circuit will begin allowing members of the public to seek injunctions against violence in Broward County’s West Satellite courthouse, in Plantation, in the spring of 2016. In cooperation with Clerk of Courts Howard Forman, Administrative Order 2016-5-UFC was drafted, ordering the change, and signed by Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein.

Until now, injunctions against violence could only be sought at the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The expanded access will make it easier for Broward County residents living in the western part of the county to seek an injunction by not having to travel to downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Domestic violence injunctions cover dating violence, domestic violence, repeat violence, stalking, and sexual violence. The process of applying for an injunction will be slightly different in the West Satellite, as the Clerk’s office will assist and accept the petition, but will electronically file it to the Central Courthouse. Once a judge has received the court file, petitioners will receive a response within one (1) hour. 

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Designed to help the youngest of us all, the 17^th Judicial Circuit court has established Early Childhood Court, a voluntary specialty court with an intensive program aimed at reunifying children in the dependency court system, aged newborn to five years old, with their families.

Presided over by Judge Hope Bristol and General Magistrate Randi Boven, Early Childhood Court seeks to heal, support and enhance child-parent relationships by utilizing child-parent psychotherapy, specialized parenting classes, increased visitation, and frequent court hearings about every 4 – 6 weeks. Monthly “family team meetings” consisting of a facilitator, the participant, and family and friends of the participant are also part of the program.

Families who meet the criteria to participate can expect to dedicate a year in the program.

Full details of the 17^th Circuit’s newest specialized court can be found in Administrative Order 2016-4-UFC.

Congratulations to 17th Circuit staff attorneys Michael Rosenberg, Joseph D’Amico, and Elisha Page for being elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Trial Court Staff Attorneys Association, a statewide voluntary bar organization comprised of over 150 judicial staff attorneys. Mr. Rosenberg was elected President of the Association, Mr. D’Amico was elected President-Elect and Ms. Page was elected 4th DCA Representative.The 17th Circuit family is very proud of these achievements!

The Florida Trial Court Staff Attorneys Association (FTCSAA) was founded to promote research and administrative efficiency for the benefit of the State Court system, to provide a forum so members may meet, discuss and compare office procedures, computerized programs, policies, and solutions. The FTCSAA also defines, develops, and promotes a high standard of ethics and professionalism among its members and upholds the honor and dignity of the State Court System.  It is also the aim of the FTCSAA to promote the exchange of information regarding the administration and management problems particular to Trial Court Staff Attorneys working within the State Court System.  

The 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to announce that Judge Mary Rudd Robinson was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society for a three year term that began this July 2015.  

With nearly a thousand members statewide, the goal of the organization is to apprise people of the importance of an independent judiciary and to keep the history of the Florida court system.

Congratulations Judge Robinson!