14th Judicial Circuit Judge Roberts Nominated for ‘William E. Gladstone Award’ at the DCF Summit

We have the opportunity at NWF Health Network to work with so many great judges. Judge Russell Roberts was one of only a few statewide judges who were nominated for the “William E. Gladstone Award” at the Florida Department of Children and Families Summit.

Judge Roberts:

-Started hearing dependency cases as the 14th Circuit was still recovering from the dual challenges of Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic.

-Has made significant progress in reducing dependency case backlog in Bay County

-Has presided over decreasing numbers of children in out-of-home care despite increased into care.

-Has transformed adoption hearings into ceremonies that celebrate the children and adoptive parents

-Held adoptions on Christmas Day and offered to cover adoptions in other counties on Christmas when other judges were unavailable

Thank you for all you do to protect and serve the children and families we serve in North Florida, Judge Roberts.