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17th Circuit Leaders Participate in Early Childhood Court Conference

From August 5–7, Court staff attended the national Early Childhood Court/Safe Babies Teams conference in Portland, Oregon. Attendees from the 17th Judicial Circuit included Judge Hope Bristol, Judge Jose Izquierdo, and Trent Baker. Judge Izquierdo presented on “Indian Child Welfare Court: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Enhancing Trust and Collaboration.”

📸 Photos:

  • ChildNet Team (left): Part of our core in-court ECC team—Jamica Smith, Sherrelle Young, Terra Singletary, and Trent Baker.
  • 10 Years of ECC in Florida (right): Group photo celebrating a decade of Early Childhood Courts in Florida, featuring Florida judges, child welfare staff, and partners, including Judge Izquierdo, Judge Bristol, and Trent Baker.

The conference, hosted by Safe Babies/Zero to Three™, focused on team-based approaches to supporting infants, toddlers, and families in the child welfare system. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Roots, Growing Our Branches,” honored our strong foundation in early childhood health, mental wellness, and parent voice—while fostering innovation and collaboration nationwide.

by — September 1, 2025 in Announcements
Bridging Borders: 17th Circuit Hosts Delegation from Indonesia

A contingent of Indonesian judicial delegates recently visited the 17th Judicial Circuit to learn about Florida’s family court system. They discussed The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Florida’s Child Welfare system, and general family court practices with Judge Jose Izquierdo, the Circuit’s Hague Convention representative.

The group also received a detailed overview of child custody and child support procedures. Judge Izquierdo shared his expertise on Florida’s approach to international child abduction cases.

Thank you to Judge Izquierdo for hosting the delegation and to attorney Ashley Bober for participating in the visit.

The visit took place on July 23, 2025.

by — August 29, 2025 in Announcements
All Broward Courts Closed On Monday, Sept. 1, in Observance of Labor Day

👏 The 17th Judicial Circuit extends a heartfelt thank you to all our hardworking courthouse employees — from clerks and staff to our dedicated judges. Your commitment to justice and public service helps uphold the rule of law and ensure fair, efficient access to the courts.

We also salute every hardworking individual in our community — your contributions, big and small, help keep our society moving forward. 💼⚖️💙

Thank you for all you do! All Broward Courts will re-open on Tuesday, September 2nd.

#ThankYou #HardWorkMatters #CourtStrong #JusticeInAction #17thJudicialCircuit #RuleOfLaw #PublicService #Gratitude

by — August 28, 2025 in Announcements
Official Sign Now Marks Community Court’s Downtown Home

After being displaced following the flooding at Fort Lauderdale City Hall, the Fort Lauderdale Community Court — now located at 18 NW First Ave. in downtown Fort Lauderdale — proudly displays new signage to welcome community members seeking services. The sign marks a new chapter for the court.

📸 Pictured: Presiding Judge Florence Taylor Barner — known affectionately as Judge Flo — who continues to lead the court in its mission to connect individuals with the resources they need. Her bailiff Leticia Johnson is on the right.

by — August 14, 2025 in Announcements
17th Circuit Judges Share Expertise at Statewide Conference

Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit served as both learners and leaders at the 2025 Florida Conference of Circuit Judges in Orlando earlier this month.

  • Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson led a session on case management.
  • Judge Keathan B. Frink spoke on judicial and personal security.
  • Judge Lauren M. Alperstein presented “Show Me the Money – Beyond the Basics of Equitable Distribution.”

We’re proud to have such exceptional knowledge and experience right here in the 17th Judicial Circuit.

by — August 13, 2025 in Announcements
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