[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 CELEBRATING THE BROWARD COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH COURT'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2017

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Broward 
County Mental Health Court on celebrating its 20th Anniversary on June 
23, 2017.
  This year's Anniversary will honor the Broward County Public 
Defender, Mr. Howard Finkelstein; the Honorable Dale Ross; the Broward 
Sheriff's Office; the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition; the United 
Way of Broward County; Henderson Behavioral Health; the Broward County 
Crime Commission; the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida; 
and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Broward County. All of 
these outstanding individuals and organizations deserve this honor as 
they have devoted countless hours and years to helping those with 
mental illness navigate an often unforgiving criminal justice system.
  As we celebrate this august occasion, I would be remiss if I did not 
single out the efforts of Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren. Judge Lerner-Wren 
was tasked with presiding over and administering our country's first 
Mental Health Court in 1997, shortly after taking the bench. Since that 
time, she has been a leader in the field of Therapeutic Jurisprudence 
and the justice that emanates therefrom. Judge Lerner-Wren, and all 
those who work for the Mental Health Court, as well as those dedicated 
to the cause of Therapeutic Jurisprudence really have one simple goal 
in mind--ensuring dignity for those suffering from mental illness, who 
find themselves navigating our criminal justice system.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud all those associated with Broward County's 
Mental Health Court over the past 20 years. Their work has made an 
important difference in the lives of those dealing with mental health 
issues, to their families, and our community. I wish the Court many 
more years of continued success, and look forward to championing their 
important work in Congress.

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