All Posts in "Case Management"

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren Honored for Mental Health Advocacy

Congratulations to Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, who was named recipient of the Community Champion of Mental Health Award on 5/22/2025 in recognition of her decades-long leadership and advocacy in the field of mental health. Judge Lerner-Wren was honored at the 10th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference in Fort Lauderdale, an event presented by the United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention. Amazing honor and well-deserved. Read our press release HERE.

by — May 23, 2025 in Announcements
Ex Parte Communications Training!

Case managers, judicial assistants, magistrates and hearing officers from the 17th Judicial Circuit got a crash course in ex parte communications during a special May 9th training session conducted by instructors Maxine Williams – the Administrative Magistrate from the 15th Judicial Circuit, and Keith Schenk, a Magistrate from the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The duo made learning easy by testing participants with real life ex parte scenarios that varied in complexity. Magistrate Yves Laventure, of the 17th, also shared some of his own thoughts and suggestions regarding ex parte communications. More than 40 people attended. Great event!

by — May 16, 2025 in Announcements
“Bikers Against Trafficking” Discusses Trauma for Problem-Solving Courts Month

The founders of “Bikers Against Trafficking” visited the 17th Judicial Circuit this week to discuss the long-term effects of human trafficking, point out often-missed red flags and explain what can be done to help. Patrick “Doc” Nave and his wife Diena “Rainey” were both trafficked as children, meeting years later in treatment. Determined to shine a light on human trafficking and help eradicate this horrific practice, the couple founded the nonprofit BAT in January 2016. Their goal: to restore hope and healing to those who have been trafficked. Doc has a Doctoral degree in therapy, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Masters Certified Addiction Counselor and is a Diplomate in Trauma Counseling. Rainey is the Business Manager and Trauma Counselor at Sojourners Recovery & Wellness Center AND Family4Today and an addiction counselor. Amazing event to highlight Problem-Solving Courts Month! Visit BIKERSAGAINSTRAFFICKING.ORG to learn more.

by — May 16, 2025 in Court Updates
Improving Outcomes Through Training & Education

Employees Tiffany Jackson and Marie Alvarez-Ortiz Marie recently attended the Maternal & Child Health Conference – hosted by the Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County – at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Tiffany is the Early Childhood Court Coordinator for the 17th Judicial Circuit and Marie is the Circuit’s Juvenile Services Coordinator. “Healing legacies and shaping futures” was the focus of the April 10th conference. Thank you both for making such a difference in children’s lives! 

by — April 18, 2025 in Announcements
Statewide Training Conference Offers Court Administration Staff Chance to Hone Skills

Court Administration staff is always looking for new ways to better serve the public and they got some guidance during a recent conference at the Florida Court Personnel Institute in Lake Buena Vista. The event, considered the marquee educational event for court employees, was designed to enhance knowledge, build skills and promote ethical standards. Its mission? To ensure the competent and fair administration of justice for all. (Pictured left to right at the Feb. 10-12th event: Beth Plotkin, Malikh Williams, Katarzyna Zielinski, Linda Lippert, Sheree Edwards & Heather Abel)

Thank you for making a difference every day!

by — February 17, 2025 in Announcements
Drug Court, Mental Health Initiatives Showcased at Problem-Solving Court Conference

Our drug court and mental health initiatives took the spotlight during a recent Problem-Solving Court Conference in Orlando attended by nearly 400 people involved with Florida’s treatment courts. Our very own felony drug court team — including Judge Michael Davis, Russell Edwards, Reggie Williams, Ben Francois and Christine DeCicco – learned they had been selected as a national mentor drug court from more than 4,000 treatment courts across the nation. Judge Michele Towbin Singer served as training committee chair for the executive committee that planned and executed the conference. Shout out to everyone from the 17th Judicial Circuit whose amazing work makes such a difference every day!

by — December 18, 2024 in Announcements
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube