Harvey Ruvin Clerk of Circuit and County Courts Justice Building, 1351 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33125, US

HistoryThe Advocate Program has been in business for over 40 years. It has collaborated with the community to develop Victim Response, Inc. (VRI) Miami-Dade county's first privately-run domestic violence and sexual assault women's shelter. As a result of an initiative funded by The Children's Trust, the Advocate Program also established its Child and Family division, which oversees and manages the Bridging Families & Communities system of care. The division and program serve as the catalyst for the organization of interagency teams and private/public partnerships, and for coordinating a seamless system of care to better service children exposed to domestic violence. Bridging Families & Communities provides a home-based assessment of family needs, mental health consultation and care coordination. The program works with families to address system barriers and develop a family-centered plan for services.SpecialtiesThe Advocate Program, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501 c (3) justice agency that offers probation, diversion, community service, DUI and traffic programs, domestic violence programs, substance abuse and mental health evaluations and treatment to court-ordered individuals. It has expanded to work with juveniles and families in the juvenile justice field, and to work with families impacted by family conflict and violence.

Honorable Jacqueline Schwartz

Honorable Elena Maria Verde

Honorable Bertila Soto

Circuit Court Judge