Community Court

17th Judicial Circuit Community Court City of Pompano Beach

In 2022, the City of Pompano Beach launched a pioneering Community Court Program in South Florida. This innovative approach addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations, aiming to tackle homelessness in the city.

The Community Court program seeks to engage the community, provide tailored services to individuals, and connect participants with restitution projects, onsite social services, and treatment providers. The Community Court program of Pompano Beach is a beacon of unity between law enforcement and community outreach.

Services Provided:

• Case management
• Healthcare access
• Medical Screening
• Obtaining Identification
• Detox and Mental Health Rehabilitation

The Court is presided over by the Honorable Judge Florence Taylor Barner, affectionately known as Judge Flo. She is dedicated to assisting individuals in improving their circumstances.

Presiding Judiciary

Honorable Chief Judge Jack Tudor

Honorable Judge Florence Taylor Barner

Honorable Judge Betsy Benson

City Elected Officials

Mayor Rex Hardin

Vice Mayor Alison Fournier

Commissioner Audrey Fesik

Commissioner Rhonda Sigerson-Eaton

Commissioner Beverly Perkins

Commissioner Darlene Smith

List of Providers

Sunserve
https://www.sunserve.org/

Flite Center
https://flitecenter.org/

Broward Health
https://www.browardhealth.org

Care Resources
https://careresource.org/

Henderson Behavioral Health
https://www.hendersonbh.org/

Fellowship Recovery
https://www.fellowshiprecovery...

Broward County Coordinated Entry
https://www.broward.org/Homele...

United Way of Broward County
https://www.unitedwaybroward.o...

Johnathan

Background and Struggles
Jonathan was a client struggling with drug addiction and was arrested for unlawful lodging. He admitted to abusing Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid.

Detox and Treatment
Jonathan successfully completed detox and treatment for his addiction, marking an important first step in his recovery journey.

Current Status
He is currently in recovery and living in a halfway house in Palm Beach County, where he continues to receive support and supervision.

Community Court Graduation
Jonathan graduated from the community court program on August 10, 2023, with secured housing, demonstrating his significant progress in both rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Success Story
Jonathan's story is an inspiring success, highlighting his ability to overcome significant challenges. He is now on a positive path toward recovery and stability. Jonathan’s journey underscores the critical role of support, treatment, and second chances provided by programs like Community Court.

James

Background and Arrest
James was arrested on November 2, 2022, for trespassing. He had been living in the woods for over 10 years with his common-law wife, Laurie. When their encampment was abated, they were offered assistance to improve their living situation.

Challenges and Court Mandated Support
At the time of his arrest, James was not receiving any income and was eventually arrested for municipal violations. The court mandated assistance to help him address key needs, including:

• Housing
• Health care
• Dental care
• Income
• Food stamps
• A cell phone

Efforts by Court and Support Services
Through the collaborative efforts of the court and support services, several positive outcomes were achieved for James:

• Healthcare: James received healthcare through Broward Health under a grant, addressing his immediate health needs.
• Medicare Transition: On March 2, 2023, James transitioned from homeless healthcare to Medicare, giving him more comprehensive coverage.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): James received back pay for his SSI, amounting to $11,000 on March 2, 2023, and began receiving $1,600 in monthly Social Security income.

Stability and Graduation
By February 1, 2024, James and Laurie were successfully housed. On February 23, 2023, they both graduated from the community court program and were placed in permanent supportive housing, providing them with stability and ongoing support.

Conclusion
James Stanley’s story illustrates the powerful impact of community court programs and support services in helping individuals overcome homelessness, access vital resources, and transition to a more stable and sustainable living situation. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of assistance, guidance, and second chances for those in need.

Kenneth

Arrest and Struggles
Kenneth was arrested on June 15, 2023, for trespassing. At the time, he had been struggling with opiate abuse and had been dealing with homelessness for five years. Despite his circumstances, Kenneth managed to conceal his situation well.

Court Intervention and Support Needs
When Kenneth appeared in court, he was in need of various essential documents and support services to stabilize his life, including:

• Birth certificate
• ID
• Social security card
• Food stamps
• Health care
• Reinstating his suspended license
• Stable income

Commitment to Sobriety
Kenneth reported having seven months of sobriety upon entering court, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming his substance abuse issues.

Progress in Community Court
Kenneth's hard work and determination led to several positive developments:

• On November 29, 2023, Kenneth graduated from community court, a major milestone that secured him housing and marked a significant step towards stability.
• He obtained his birth certificate and social security card, as well as access to food stamps amounting to $294 per month.
• Initially, Kenneth received a $500 payout in food stamps to cover immediate needs and back payments.

Regaining Mobility and Employment
Through community court support, Kenneth was able to:

• Reinstate his suspended license, which allowed him to regain mobility and access employment opportunities.
• Secure a stable job that pays $25 per hour, along with necessary benefits, providing him with financial stability.

Success Story
Kenneth Stilp’s success story highlights the positive impact of community court services in helping individuals like him overcome personal challenges, access essential resources, and transition to a more stable, fulfilling life. His journey showcases the importance of support, guidance, and empowerment in facilitating meaningful life changes for those in need.

Lawrence & Male - (Brothers)

Background and Struggles

• Lawrence Thompson was arrested on September 12, 2023, for street solicitation. His brother, Male Thompson, was a walk-in to Community Court.
• The brothers found themselves in challenging circumstances after the passing of their mother. They moved to Florida to live with an uncle who cared for them, but tragically, they lost their uncle to COVID-19.
• This left them homeless, forced to live on the streets. Both brothers were sleeping in places not meant for human habitation and struggled to survive without knowing how to read or write.
• Lawrence faced additional challenges that required specialized support and care, particularly related to his autism.

Court Intervention and Support

• Recognizing the severity of their situation, Community Court expedited their case for housing through the Broward County Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program.
• While waiting for their PSH placement, the brothers were temporarily housed through the Project Sore program.
• Both brothers were in need of essential documents, including housing support, food stamps, identification cards, birth certificates, social security cards, and a cell phone.

Efforts by the Court and Support Services

• Through the dedicated efforts of Community Court and support services:
  • Identification cards, social security cards, and birth certificates were secured for Male.
  • Lawrence’s birth certificate is pending arrival from New York Vital Statistics.
  • These crucial documents are vital for the brothers' housing requirements and provide them with a foundation for a stable future.

Graduation and Ongoing Support

• Once all necessary documents are received, Lawrence and Male will have the necessary foundation for their new home.
• Both brothers successfully complied with all mandates and graduated from Community Court on February 22, 2024, with a secured support system and ongoing case management in place.
• The ongoing support is crucial to ensuring their continued stability, particularly in their housing arrangements.

Conclusion
The story of Lawrence and Male Thompson exemplifies the compassionate and proactive approach of the Community Court system in addressing the complex needs of individuals facing adversity. Their journey toward stability highlights the importance of tailored assistance and care for vulnerable populations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and rebuild their lives.

Christa

At 85 years old, Christa Lakaschus faced a battle that no one should ever have to endure—homelessness due to deed fraud. Born in Germany, Christa moved to Canada with her husband, building a life full of love and cherished memories. However, after the passing of her husband in 2017, the foundation of her world began to crumble.

A Devastating Turn of Events

• In a tragic turn of events, Christa was tricked into signing over the deed to her home.
• Unaware of the fraud, Christa only discovered the truth when she requested a copy of her deed and found that her name was missing.
• This shocking revelation forced Christa into a harsh reality—homelessness, where she spent two long years on the streets.

Resilience and Hope
Despite the immense challenges, Christa’s resilience shone through. She heard about the Pompano Beach Community Court, a program designed to help individuals facing hardships. On April 4, 2024, she walked in as a hopeful participant, determined to reclaim her life.

Community Court Journey
Christa’s journey through the community court was nothing short of transformative. With the support and determination, she graduated on May 23, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her recovery.

• This graduation was particularly special for Christa as it was the first certificate she had ever received in her life, a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
• Just a day before her graduation, on May 22, she signed a new lease for her home in Deerfield Beach, securing a place to call her own again, this time with subsidized housing.

A New Beginning
Christa’s story is one of incredible strength and community support. From the depths of despair to a renewed sense of hope, she has emerged victorious, proving that it’s never too late to rebuild and thrive.

Today, Christa enjoys her new home, surrounded by a community that values her spirit and resilience. Her journey inspires us all, reminding us that no matter the hardship, perseverance and support can lead to new beginnings.

Diana and Carol

Background and Struggles
My name is Diana, and along with my sister, Carol, we have been homeless since October 2022. Both of us are disabled and faced tremendous challenges during this time.

In January 2023, Judge Barner awarded me a certificate of completion from the Pompano Beach Community Court, which marked a turning point in our lives.

A Moment of Hope
Back in October 2022, when Cassandra Rhett and Deputy Carabine found me and offered this life-changing opportunity, I finally regained faith that the darkness in our lives would soon end. Prior to that, we had lost everything during a rainstorm, and our tent had fallen apart. We were elderly, sleeping in soiled clothing in a wet tent, facing dire circumstances.

Health Challenges and Struggles

• My sister, Carol, was hospitalized for a week due to breathing issues and a lack of proper treatment.
• I came into court on a trespassing charge for sleeping on the bank’s property.
• If it wasn’t for Cassandra Rhett giving me this opportunity and submitting our permanent housing referral, I don’t know where we would be today.

Life on the Streets and Progress
We’ve endured many hardships:

• Sleeping on the streets,
• Sleeping in a vehicle,
• Going back to the streets, and then moving to a tent in a friend’s backyard. However, our friend will be moving in less than a week, and we would have to move again.

A New Beginning
Despite these challenges, we have been informed that we’ve been approved for a 7 on Seventh housing unit in Fort Lauderdale, a one-bedroom apartment we will share. This is our home at last.

Gratitude for Support
We owe so much to Community Court Coordinator/Housing and Social Service Manager, Cassandra Rhett. She has been a breath of fresh air in our lives, and we are forever grateful for her support. We owe her everything.