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DCF Holds Steering Committee on Executive Order to Enhance Behavioral Health and Law Enforcement Collaboration

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The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today convened the first meeting of the Executive Steering Committee on Executive Order 18-81 in Tallahassee. Governor Scott signed the order on March 26, directing DCF to enhance collaboration with law enforcement in each Florida county to improve the coordination of behavioral health services for individuals in need. To view Executive Order 18-81, click HERE.

“Close coordination of services between DCF, mental health treatment providers, and law enforcement is essential for the success of Florida’s coordinated system of care,” said John N. Bryant, DCF’s Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “By bringing together representatives from various organizations who help address behavioral health treatment and safety across state, we can improve service delivery methods and truly make an impact for the citizens of Florida.” 

The first meeting of the steering committee was led by Mr. Bryant and the committee reviewed the objectives of the Executive Order, outlined the role of the committee members, developed an action plan for implementation, and discussed the required final report. Mr. Bryant also provided an overview of new funding allocated for crisis services in the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 budget.

The Executive Steering Committee is comprised of state agency leadership, law enforcement, and education and treatment representatives whose knowledge, insights, and experience will aid in the development of an implementation plan and recommendations on how to best meet the behavioral health and public safety needs of Florida’s citizens. Committee members will also play a vital role in supporting regional and local meetings. Members include: 

  • John N. Bryant, DCF Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
  • Justin Senior, Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration
  • Rick Swearingen, Commissioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • Christina Daly, Secretary, Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Rebecca Kapusta, DCF Assistant Secretary for Operations
  • Matt Dunagan, Florida Sheriffs Association
  • Natalie Kelly, Florida Association of Managing Entities
  • Amy Mercer, Florida Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Joy Frank, General Counsel, Florida Association of District School Superintendents

Statement by CARE FL Steering Committee Chairman Brent Hanlon RE: SB 386 High Speed Rail Safety Act

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Today, Senator Debbie Mayfield filed Senate Bill 386 to create a high speed passenger rail safety act.  Representatives MaryLynn Magar, Gayle Harrell and Erin Grall also filed a house companion.  Brent Hanlon, chair of Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida issued the following statement. 
“On behalf of the members of Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida and concerned residents in the Treasure Coast region, we thank and applaud Sen. Mayfield and Reps. Magar, Harrell and Grall for filing legislation to protect our safety and well-being.  The thoughtful measure specifically addresses Florida’s current unacceptable lack of any law or regulation governing high speed rail safety.
“What many Floridians do not realize is that All Aboard Florida (AAF) plans to send up to 32 high-speed passenger trains barreling through our small communities each day, negatively affecting thousands of school children, first responders, pedestrians and residents. As if that’s not enough, they also plan to add additional freight trains that may carry hazardous materials, increasing the risk for something to go wrong. And to top it all off, AAF wants us to pay for the cost of maintaining the upgrades necessary to protect ourselves from these dangerous trains. This important legislation will ensure that AAF is solely responsible for the cost of upgrading and installing the appropriate safety measures desperately needed at high-speed rail crossings, protecting not only the safety and well-being of Treasure Coast residents, but our pocketbooks as well.
“Sen. Mayfield and Reps. Magar, Harrell and Grall fully understand the negative impact the AAF project would have on our communities if allowed to move forward as planned, and have taken commendable action today to not only put sensible state wide and not project specific regulations in place to enhance public safety, but to alleviate the financial burden that would have been placed squarely on the backs of our local governments as well.”
CARE FL is a coalition created by a group of concerned community leaders, organizations and neighbors in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Our group continues to grow. We share a common goal: Protecting the safety, welfare and way of life for the families, businesses and retirees who live in and around our communities. To learn more about CARE FL’s concerns, visit www.saveourfl.com and follow us on Twitter @CARE_FL or like us on Facebook.