‘They are absolutely one of the best courts in the country…as a mentor court, and [Judge Michael Davis] is beyond what we would ever expect a judge to do from the bench in his opportunities to provide people with avenues to succeed,’ said Vanessa Matthews, director of the All Rise Treatment Court Institute in Alexandria, Virginia.

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Adult Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court has been named one of only 10 “mentor” courts in the nation stemming from its compassionate approach to assisting Broward County residents with substance use disorders and providing treatment and educational services for their long-term success.

“It’s a very big deal,” said Circuit Judge Michael Davis, who presides over the problem-solving court. “There are over 4,000 recognized problem-solving courts across the U.S. and only 10 are designated as ‘mentor’ courts. We are the only one in Florida.”