The National Center for State Courts coupled with Broward County Government to bring several security training sessions to the central courthouse last week. Judge Lee Sinclair and Nathan Hall, both NCSC Security Consultants, discussed security-related issues and offered practical advice for keeping the workplace as safe as possible. Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Anthony Paulitano and Security Program Manager Cynthia Burroughs also participated in the training of more than 350 employees..

G4S, the company charged with ensuring contraband does not enter the courthouses in Broward, held a ceremony today, in recognition of its staff who have exhibited exemplary service and performance. Several honors were given to staff with the sharp eyes who have confiscated prohibited items from the obvious to the not-so-obvious.

Thank you, G4S, for keeping our courthouses safer!

Last week, Judge Stacy Ross hosted a training session in her courtroom entitled “Trauma Informed Care in the Legal Community,” and presented by Alexandra Stark LMHC, CAP, NCC and April Brownlee LMHC, MCAP, NCC, both experts in the field and employed by PACE Center for Girls.
The training was open to all court personnel with the purpose of educating on trauma-informed courts, with a focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the negative effects of ACES. The participants included judicial assistants, court deputies, clerks, lawyers, and case managers.
“Many of those who enter our court system have experienced trauma in their lives, so approaching everyone with a trauma-informed lens actually enhances the legal process. Several of the judges in family court have participated in trauma-informed care courses, however, it is important that ALL court personnel are familiar with and understand how trauma may affect individuals,” said Judge Ross.