I am proud to say we are decriminalizing mental illness. The Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force – which consists of more than 40 members, including co-chairs: Steven Leifman, Associate Administrative Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit; Jack Lowell, a partner with the Codina Group and one of the founders of the Homeless Trust; and Silvia Quintana, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Program Supervisor, District 11, Florida Department of Children and Families – has fulfilled its mission. The Task Force has successfully implemented nearly every recommendation made in a 2004 Miami-Dade Grand Jury Report.

That report was an indictment of the way our community treats people with mental illness. Since its release two years ago, and with the leadership of the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force, nearly all of the Grand Jury’s recommendations have been implemented. 

More than 1,000 law enforcement and correctional officers have been trained to respond more effectively to cases involving the mentally ill, and we’re working with our state partners to acquire and develop a first-of-its kind mental health diversion facility. It will assist the mentally ill in re-entering the community. Judge Steven Leifman will now head up a monitoring committee to ensure that we continue moving forward.