Broward Circuit Court Judge Ari Abraham Porth received the Judge Steven Leifman Mental Health Champion Award at the Florida Problem-Solving Court Conference, held Nov. 4-6 in Orlando. Porth presides over the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Felony Mental Health Court.
The award honors people who show strong leadership, advocacy and dedication to helping those facing mental health and substance use challenges. It is named for retired Miami-Dade County Judge Steven Leifman, whose work diverting people with serious mental illnesses from the criminal justice system and connecting them to community treatment has drawn national recognition.
Porth, a Parkland resident, called the honor an “immense honor.” He credited the team that works with him, including peer specialists, pretrial services staff, caseworkers and court administration employees, for helping court participants move toward recovery and stability.
“We have a great collaboration here, and this is the reason you have given me the Steven Leifman Award,” Porth said in a statement.
