17th Judicial Circuit Celebrates Launch of Family Court Services Program

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17th Judicial Circuit Celebrates Launch of Family Court Services Program

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the launch of its new Family Court Services (FCS) program this week with a formal kickoff event that drew about 70 attendees, including sitting and retired judges, attorneys, service providers and case managers.

The FCS program is designed to connect individuals involved in family litigation with appropriate therapeutic resources while also helping ensure compliance with court orders. The initiative aims to improve conflict resolution and provide meaningful support services to families, with special sensitivity to the needs of children.

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, along with Judges Lauren M. Alperstein and Hope Tieman Bristol, joined Nan Rich of the Broward County Commission in speaking at the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration in helping families navigate the court system and access the services they need.

by Sallie James — March 20, 2026 in Announcements

White House Officials Visit Broward’s Mentor Drug Court

Judge Michael Davis’s Adult Felony Drug Court welcomed visitors from the White House on Wednesday. Dario Camacho, general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Daniel Boatright, assistant director of the Office of Supply Elimination, spent the afternoon observing Michael Davis’s drug court docket.

Afterward, members of the Drug Court team shared how they work together to support participants on their path to recovery. Judge Davis’s problem-solving court is one of only 10 drug courts in the nation designated as a mentor court, recognized for helping guide and train other drug court programs.

General Counsel Camacho confirmed the visit after Judge Davis reached out following the issuance of the executive order Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.

#DrugCourt #Recovery #ProblemSolvingCourts #BrowardCourts #JudicialLeadership

by Sallie James — March 18, 2026 in Admin Orders

17th Judicial Circuit Judges Help Train Florida’s Newest Judges

Nine judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit served on the teaching faculty at the Florida Judicial College Phase II in Orlando earlier this month—an impressive showing from Broward County. The judges led substantive, subject-matter specific courses designed to help newly appointed judges become familiar with the types of cases they will preside over, such as areas like county civil. Their participation reflects the 17th Circuit’s strong commitment to judicial education and excellence across Florida’s courts.

First row, left to right: Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Stacey Schulman, Judge Hope Tieman Bristol, Judge Deborah Carpenter-Toye, Judge Nina W. Di Pietro and Judge Giuseppina Miranda.

Second row, left to right: Judge Martin S. Fein and Judge Keathan B. Frink.

(Not pictured: Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock)

by Sallie James — March 17, 2026 in Announcements

Students Learn to “Say Something” During Courthouse Reading Event

Second-, third-, and fourth-grade students from several Fort Lauderdale elementary schools spent a memorable day at the courthouse reading with judges, asking questions, and learning about the importance of having their voices heard during “A Day for Reading,” sponsored by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County.

Judges read the book Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds to the students, then answered questions about everything from the law, what it takes to become a judge, and what happens inside a courtroom.

The visit with Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips was especially unforgettable. Students shreiked with delight when she surprised them with miniature judicial robes and plastic gavels so they could each be “judge for a day.” There was a lot of gavel pounding.

It was a fun morning for everyone and proof that it’s never too early to learn the power of speaking up.

#BrowardCourts #DayForReading #JudicialOutreach #LiteracyMatters #FutureLeaders

by Sallie James — March 13, 2026 in Announcements

Judges Gather for Professionalism Luncheon Featuring Florida Supreme Court Justice Renatha Francis

Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit packed the Tower Club this week for the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court’s Annual Professionalism Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Florida Supreme Court Justice Renatha Francis.

The event offered a wonderful opportunity to welcome and meet Justice Francis, connect with colleagues, and catch up on important developments within the legal community. Events like these help strengthen the shared commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and excellence in the practice of law.

by Sallie James — March 12, 2026 in Announcements

From the Classroom to the Courtroom: Pine Lakes Students Visit Broward Judges

Fourth- and fifth-grade students from Pine Lakes Elementary in Pembroke Pines had a blast during their courthouse visit – meeting judges, peeking inside courtrooms, visiting a jury room, and riding plenty of elevators in both the West Tower and North Wing.

The students met County Court Judge Jackie Powell and Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Coleman, peppering them with questions about what it takes to become a lawyer, the kinds of cases they’ve handled, and whether they enjoy their jobs.

They also met Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Broward Public Defender’s Office, who turned learning into a game by quizzing students for candy prizes in what quickly became a fierce competition.

The students, who participate in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, had a fun and memorable day – learning about the justice system and the many careers within it.

by Sallie James — March 11, 2026 in Announcements