All Courthouses in Broward County Closing at Noon Today
All Posts in "Announcements"
Community Court Continues to Provide
Launched this past Spring, Community Court in Fort Lauderdale has produced a multitude of success stories, helping the city’s homeless population by offering (and seeing through) assistance programs from agencies across the county. Recently, the Department of Health has come out to provide free Hepatitis A vaccines and prevention education. Also, the City of Fort Lauderdale has begun providing safety lights and instructions on how to use them for the homeless so they can be seen at night.
The Seventeenth Circuit is proud to be a part of this initiative and is grateful for the continued support from agencies across the community.
Changes Come to First Appearance Court
The Opioid Crisis – Community Event
Sharon Press Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution Award Given to Program Director
Jeanne Potthoff was recognized at the 27th Annual Dispute Resolution Center conference on August 17 with the Dispute Resolution Center’s Sharon Press Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution Award for a person with visionary leadership, professional integrity, and unwavering devotion to the field of alternative dispute resolution.
Jeanne was involved in the implementation of the first dependency mediation program for the circuit as well as managing the instant family mediation grant in the early 2000’s. In 2003, Jeanne was selected by Sharon Press to participate with the group of coordinators and directors who provided input to OSCA for implementation of the programs under the state. Jeanne serves on the ADR Rules and Policy committee including a few subcommittees. One subcommittee, the On-line Dispute Resolution subcommittee provides input and guidelines for On-line Dispute Resolution pilot projects. The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit has been selected as one of six pilot sites.
Congratulations Jeanne!
Hollywood Municipal Ordinance Diversion Program in South Satellite Courthouse
This year, the Hollywood Municipal Ordinance Diversion Program began in Judge Cawthon’s division at the South Satellite Courthouse, and the first 3 program graduates completed the program last week! The diversion program is aimed at addressing the needs of the homeless and low-level first time and repeat offenders who have been charged with municipal ordinance violations. Individuals who are eligible for the diversion program must comply with all program requirements, including active participation in community programs aimed at addressing each individual’s specific needs, such as housing assistance, substance abuse, job training, etc. This type of program encourages individuals with chronic issues to take control of their lives and overcome their problems, ultimately improving both the individuals’ lives and the quality of life in the surrounding community.
The first time graduates were presented with a certificate of completion and had their cases dismissed by the Hollywood City Prosecutor.
