In 1996, the Florida Legislature funded a full-time Domestic Violence Coordinator Position for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Since that time the Circuit has implemented new programs and has dissolved ineffective programs dealing with domestic violence issues. In 1999, the THRIVE Program, which was a pilot program in Indian River County was dissolved due to lack of participation. The PROP Program was another pilot program that was started in St. Lucie County, but the program was not continued due to the fact it mimicked a probation type of supervision program that has been successfully operating in the Circuit.

Currently the Domestic Violence Coordinator does the following:

• Reviews current procedures, policies, and statutes concerning domestic violence.

• Utilizes approved temporary and permanent injunctions as mandated by the Supreme Court.

• Reports to the circuit judges concerning individual non-compliance with Batterers’ Intervention Programs.

• Furnishes information to judges concerning criminal charges against a batterer in other courts.

• Updates information on community agencies for bench reference guides.

• Undertakes special projects as directed.

• Member of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

• Attends local meetings on domestic violence, including the local Domestic Violence Task Force.

• Speaker on domestic violence court procedure at local law enforcement agencies.

• Attends statewide conferences on the topic of domestic violence.

The two primary goals for the Domestic Violence Program are to:

1. Supply each domestic violence court judge with case summary information as the four county clerks’ databases become interconnected.

2. Attend more community meetings to share information on the topic of prevention of domestic violence.

The year 2000 also brings several more programs to assist domestic violence victims. In March, the Port Saint Lucie Police Department Victim’s Assistance Unit provided training for court clerks handling first appearance hearings, on the operation of a new computer program. This Program allows the judge setting bond at first appearance hearings to view color pictures of the victim (and all bruises, etc.) of domestic violence or battery. The Program uses a secured internet site with password access, after photos have been scanned in by the Port Saint Lucie Police Department. We hope this will be an effective tool.

In addition to the Domestic Violence First Appearance Program, the Family Division Judges were very concerned that our Circuit had no supervised program for monitored exchange of children between parents experiencing a difficult divorce or supervised visitation of children whose parents are alleged to be neglectful or abusive. Thanks to a grant from the Department of Children and Families, the Exchange Club C.A.S.T.L.E., a non-profit agency, has agreed to set up a monitoring program. The Program will be located in St. Lucie County and will serve all four counties of the Circuit.