Hollywood Community Court marks first year of success in combatting homelessness
Under the Community Court Program, local community-based organizations partner with the court to provide housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and other social support
The City of Hollywood on February 19 issued a proclamation honoring the Hollywood Community Court’s one-year anniversary which stated, “By focusing on compassion and tailored solutions, the court has strengthened community cohesion and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to public safety, social justice, and resilience.” The Hollywood Community Court is a problem-solving court created to provide alternatives to jail for low-level misdemeanor crimes while connecting the homeless with services. Pictured are Judge Corey A. Cawthon and Hollywood Police Officer Dwayne Chung, the PD’s homeless coordinator.
Hollywood Community Court – a problem-solving court created to provide alternatives to jail for low-level misdemeanor crimes while connecting the homeless with services – celebrated its one-year anniversary this week.
The court, funded by a $532,305 federal grant, was established in January 2024. To date, to fledging court has served more than 330 individuals, including more than 30 families and held over 600 hearings and nine graduations representing 37 years of combined homelessness for individuals who are now off the street.
“Community Court represents an opportunity to address the challenges and issues surrounding homelessness,” said Judge Corey Amanda Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. “It enables and empowers those experiencing homelessness to take back control of their lives, to get off the street, and to give back through service to the community.”
The City of Hollywood on February 19 issued a proclamation honoring the court’s one-year anniversary which stated, “By focusing on compassion and tailored solutions, the court has strengthened community cohesion and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to public safety, social justice and resilience.”
Hollywood Community Court meets every other Tuesday at The Caring Place at 2056 Scott St.
“It’s important to recognize all of our service providers who have been working in partnership with us over the past year to provide services for the defendants and the community at large,” Judge Cawthon said.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court also conducts community court at 18 NW First Ave., in Ft. Lauderdale and at the Annie L. Weaver Health Center, 2011 NW Third Ave., in Pompano Beach.
Judge Florence Taylor Barner presides weekly on Wednesdays in Ft. Lauderdale and co-presides with Judge Betsy Benson in Pompano Beach every other Thursday.
Ft. Lauderdale Community Court was established in 2019 with funding from a $200,000 federal grant. Pompano Community Court was established in 2022 and was awarded a $716,876 federal grant last year.
Under the Community Court Program, local community-based organizations partner with the court to provide housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and other social support at no cost to the grant. The Broward Sheriff’s Office also facilitates community service opportunities for participants as ordered by the court. Participants who complete the requirements of their court-ordered program have their eligible misdemeanor cases dismissed while gaining the benefit of the services obtained through the program.
Hollywood Community Court is a collaborative effort involving the 17th Judicial Circuit and the City of Hollywood.
