Judge Ross and Heather Abel Spotlight RISE Court’s Life-Changing Work at Conference

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Judge Ross and Heather Abel Spotlight RISE Court’s Life-Changing Work at Conference

Judge Stacy Ross and Court Program Specialist Heather Abel, along with Daniela Deas of Survivors HOPE recently presented at the Just Training Conference in Orlando, highlighting the 17th Judicial Circuit’s RISE Court — Restoring Independence, Strength & Empowerment.

This specialized treatment court focuses on meeting the unique needs of child survivors of commercial sex trafficking within both the dependency and delinquency systems. The trio shared an overview of the prevalence of child sex trafficking and emphasized the urgent need for stronger strategies and tools to effectively serve these vulnerable youth.

They also underscored the importance of interagency collaboration and ensuring that the survivor’s voice remains at the center of every decision. Their work is vital in creating a justice system that not only protects children but helps them heal, rebuild, and thrive.

by Sallie James — October 21, 2025 in Announcements

A Life Lesson in Civics

Students from PSG Homeschool got an inside look at the justice system during an wide-ranging visit to the courthouse.

They met Judge Nina W. Di Pietro (County Civil) and Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo (Circuit Criminal), explored forensics with Tonya Woytek from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, and learned about the Public Defender’s Office from Janelle Floyd, community outreach coordinator.

The students asked great questions, played interactive games, and discovered what it’s really like to work in the legal system. 👩‍⚖️🔍👨‍⚖️

by Sallie James — October 7, 2025 in Announcements

Shining Star Award Winner: Craig Sherritt!

We are thrilled to announce that Craig Sherritt, staff attorney, has been selected as the recipient of the Court Administration Shining Star Award! Craig was nominated by two of his colleagues for his mentorship of new staff attorneys and his outstanding professionalism.

The Shining Star Award recognizes Court Administration employees who demonstrate exceptional contributions, enabling judges, management, and fellow staff to celebrate their achievements. Eligible nominees are Court Administration employees with at least one year of continuous service, and nominations should highlight contributions from the past 90 days. Craig will enjoy a dedicated parking spot in the East Garage for approximately three months as part of this honor.

Please join us in congratulating Craig on this much-deserved recognition! 👏⚖️

by Sallie James — October 1, 2025 in Announcements

A Peek Inside the Courthouse

A group of Women of Tomorrow students from Park Vista Community High School in Lake Worth spent the morning visiting the courtrooms of Judges Elijah H. Williams and Ari Abraham Porth.

The students gained a firsthand look at juvenile justice—seeing youth in shackles, experiencing the tight confines of a locked jail cell, learning more about mental health and asking plenty of thoughtful questions. They also met with the Broward Public Defender’s Community Outreach Coordinator Janelle B. Floyd, who outlined the vital role public defenders play in our justice system.

It was a powerful, hands-on learning experience these students won’t soon forget, showing why courthouses remain important places of learning, accountability, and community connection.

by Sallie James — September 30, 2025 in Announcements

Broward County Drug Court Earns Prestigious Re-Entry Award

This week, our Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court received the Re-Entry Award from the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency at the 95th Annual Criminal Justice Training Institute on Sept. 10th in Orlando.

Judge Michael Davis, Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards, and Correctional Probation Supervisor Tammy Marcus proudly accepted the award, which recognizes outstanding programs that help individuals successfully transition back into the community after incarceration.

This recognition highlights our team’s exemplary work in rehabilitation, job training, and post-release support—efforts that reduce recidivism, promote second chances, and serve as a model for reentry success nationwide. 👏✨

💡 In addition, Broward County’s Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court has been designated a National Mentor Court—one of only 10 in the entire nation with this distinction.

(Pictured left to right: Michelle Whitworth, State President, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency; Judge Michael Davis; Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards; Department of Corrections Drug Court PTI Supervisor Tammy Marcus; and Nichole Landrum, Committee Chairperson for the FCC Re-Entry Award.)

by Sallie James — September 12, 2025 in Court Updates

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 Sallie James — September 1, 2025 in Announcements