Announcements
Part one of a two-part outreach event on the opioid crisis and its affects on users and non-users alike was held Friday, July 19, 2019, with a large audience in attendance. Held in the jury room of the central courthouse, the two-hour presentation/question focused on what opioids are, how they affect our brains and bodies, the history of opioid use in America and how we got to the current epidemic. The doctors presenting also covered the dangers of prescription opioids and the need to be knowledgeable about the side effects and possible dependency risks of opioids and all prescription medications, as well as provided updates on the current treatment options in Broward County for opioid use disorders. The event was moderated by Judge Michele Towbin Singer.
The second event takes place on August 29.
The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit is proud to announce the implementation of RISE Court (Restoring Independence, Strength and Empowerment), a specialized sub-division within the juvenile dependency and delinquency divisions that addresses children known or suspected of being a victim of human trafficking.
The community is invited to attend our kick-off reception, to learn more about this program and the services it will offer.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 24th from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
WHERE: Courtroom #5810, North Wing
Broward County Courthouse
The first session of RISE Court begins on August 13th. Cooperation and collaboration are essential to effectively run this special court program, designed to serve our most vulnerable children.
Cake and refreshments will be served and all are welcome!
Congratulations to Judge Phoebee Francois who was recognized as a 2019 Community Pillar by the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association during their 34th Annual Scholarship, Awards and Installation Banquet in June!
There is no cure for opioid use disorder. Reoccurrences can be expected. Long-term treatment & recovery can limit adverse effects. Problem-solving treatment courts includes accountability and produce improved results. #OpioidAwarenessMonth
At the 2019 Florida Conference of County Court Judges, the Honorable Natasha DePrimo was sworn in as the Seventeenth Circuit’s representative, succeeding past circuit representative, the Honorable Kenneth Gottlieb. Also during the conference, Judge Gottlieb was elected to the executive board as district representative, and Judge Robert Lee was honored by president Dave Denkins for all his hard work as chair of the Education Committee in charge of the educational needs of all county judges in Florida. Judge Louis Schiff was also honored for his continuing service as past president of the conference and as a lifelong presenter on education programs.
Florida’s Conference of County Court Judges provides education for judges state-wide all year and supports the Supreme Court with statewide legislative needs.
Circuit Judge Frank Ledee had his investiture ceremony on Friday, July 12, 2019. The former Miami-Dade prosecutor was sworn in by Chief Judge Jack Tuter and robed by his wife and son. Judge Ledee took the bench in January, first serving in the Foreclosure division before transferring to the Family division where he currently presides.
Congratulations Judge Ledee!
Congratulations to Judge Stacy Ross who was chosen as the 2019 Jurist of the Year by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers! She was presented the honor during the Florida Bar Annual Convention in late June.
Additionally, Broward County Women Lawyers’ Association was awarded Outstanding Service Project of the Year for their work with our circuit to create the Nursing Mother’s Room in the central courthouse.
Children’s Services Council of Broward County has produced a Youtube “Future First” episode on Early Childhood Court, giving viewers an in-depth look at how the specialized court, which focuses on the littlest of us all, works. Featured in the video are Judge Hope Bristol, Unified Family Administrative Judge, Lynn Allen, Manager of UFC Case Management, and Jessica Byczek, Supervisor of the Dependency Case Management team.
In addition to medications, treatment is individualized & focused on long-term disease management. Individuals with opioid use disorder in problem-solving courts and dependency courts use medication assisted treatment.
#OpioidAwarenessMonth
The FDA has approved three medications to treat opioid use disorder. A National Academy of sciences study says the medications are effective and “intended to normalize brain structure and function.” #OpioidAwarenessMonth
