Voices for Children of Broward County is stepping directly into the courtroom to make sure vulnerable kids don’t fall through the cracks.
The nonprofit, which supports children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, has launched a new court-based program in partnership with Broward’s 17th Judicial Circuit. The initiative embeds a Voices Program Manager inside the county’s Juvenile Problem-Solving Courts and Shelter Hearings — putting real-time support and resources within arm’s reach of children and families navigating the dependency and delinquency systems.
The launch comes as Voices marks its 15th anniversary and expands its mission to help young people in crisis access the immediate essentials that can stabilize their lives.
Instead of waiting days or weeks for help, families can now be connected on the spot to emergency needs like clothing, food, transportation, or housing referrals, along with mental health services, educational support, and longer-term community programs. The Program Manager will maintain weekly availability in the courtroom and in the community to keep families supported even after hearings end.
Leaders say the initiative closes a long-standing gap between what families need and what overburdened systems can provide quickly.
“It’s an honor to work with Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit’s Juvenile Problem-Solving Courts and Shelter Hearings and be embedded in the courtroom to provide real-time support,” said Erica Herman, president and CEO of Voices for Children of Broward County. “Embedding a Voices Program Manager directly in the courtroom marks a transformative step in how we support vulnerable children and families in Broward County. By being present where critical decisions are made, we can provide real-time resources, advocacy, and stability to those who need it most.”
The county’s Problem-Solving Courts are designed to address the underlying issues that lead families into the juvenile system — from instability and trauma to lack of access to essential services. With Voices involved, officials hope the courts will be able to streamline cases while helping families build long-term stability.
Families engaged through the program will also have access to Voices’ broader support efforts, including Dream BIG Days and Hope Haven, which offer enrichment experiences, resources, and family-strengthening opportunities.
Voices credits judges, court administrators, and staff from the 17th Judicial Circuit for helping bring the initiative to life, calling it a collaborative model meant to strengthen coordination between the courtroom and the community.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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