(BPI #013)

Practice Areas:  

• Linkages with comprehensive victim advocacy and services

• Procedures for emergency hearings and orders

• Procedures for service of process for temporary orders

• Procedures for hearings on the final order

• Standardized civil protection order elements

• Mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance with the order

• Enforcement of orders from other state and tribal jurisdictions

• Other:  Referral to alternative dispute resolution

Date of Implementation: 1999

Overview: A Domestic Violence Coordinator (DVC) position was established to insure safety and fairness to all parties and contribute to the most efficient use of judicial time. The DVC facilitates the resolution of injunctions for protection, serves as an investigator for each case, and monitors compliance with final orders.

Key Elements:

• The Domestic Violence Coordinator (DVC) attends all civil docket hearings with respect to temporary restraining orders and meets individually with both the petitioner and the respondent in an attempt to resolve the final injunction in a manner that is satisfactory to both parties. By caucusing with the petitioner and the respondent in a separate and safe mode, the DVC can often obtain a resolution of the injunction hearing that is aimed at protecting victims.  If, at any time, there are contested issues that cannot be resolved, the case is set for trial. 

• Details of agreement (if reached) are presented to the presiding judge, who reviews the order with both parties, confirms their acceptance of the terms, and ensures they understand the order, its effect, and the ramifications of violating any of the conditions.  

• The DVC acts as an investigator and researches each case (e.g., running criminal histories, checking through the Clerk’s Office for collateral cases, verifying services of the temporary order through the sheriff’s department) prior to the hearing.  The DVC brings to the hearing prepared final judgments, orders of extension, and orders of dismissal.  There are also forms available to ensure that petitioners who request dismissals are fully informed of all options, and forms are provided to respondents to assist in compliance with court-ordered programs.

• The DVC monitors compliance with final orders as well as the entry of temporary and final orders of protection into the FCIC/NCIC system. 

• The DVC works closely with various local agencies, including the Domestic Abuse Shelter, the Grardian ad Litem, the Department of Children and Families, and local law enforcement to ensure the DVC has the full picture about each case.  

Evaluation: Evaluation data not available at this time. The jurisdiction maintains monthly statistics on the number of cases that come into the system and the outcome of those cases (e.g., dismissal at request of petitioner, final order entered through agreement of the parties, final order entered through hearing with judge, final order denied due to lack of statutory evidence).

Contact & Related Links: 

Gail T. Brennan
Domestic Violence Coordinator
130 Porto Salvo Drive
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 853-7433
(305) 853-7368 Fax
brennang@keysso.net

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