Seminole County, FL

Seminole County Government

FLorida

Rural & Urban | Population: 484,271

“You have been an angel without obvious wings for our son. You are a vital part of his recovery—you and the entire team are angels sent from heaven, and we will be forever grateful.”

—participant’s family

Seminole County, Florida, is developing innovative pathways for court officials and judges to respond more effectively to individuals involved in the legal system due to substance use and in need of treatment. The program enhances public safety and accountability by addressing substance use disorder (SUD) through a comprehensive approach that includes treatment, case management, and community engagement. Launched in 2022 with funding from the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, this initiative in Seminole County, located in central Florida just north of Orlando, fosters cross-system collaboration to support individual recovery and enhance community well-being. 

Developed in collaboration with the Seminole County Public Safety Coordinating Council, this initiative takes a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to improving access to treatment, reducing recidivism, and enhancing public safety. The program increases awareness and participation in problem-solving courts, expedites jail releases by connecting individuals with appropriate court programs, and identifies dependency court participants needing faster intervention through immediate lab testing located in the courthouse. It also provides access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), transportation, and continued support post-release while promoting community education on substance use and the life-saving use of naloxone (Narcan) to prevent opioid overdoses. This program isn’t just creating systems change, it’s transforming lives. 

Key Components of the Program 

Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment Services

For individuals reentering the community, the program provides essential support through community-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), transportation assistance, and continued care post-release. To ensure seamless access to treatment, bus passes have been distributed to individuals leaving the correctional facility while on MAT, helping them attend appointments and stay engaged in recovery services during this critical transition. 

26

bus passes distributed as of dec 31, 2024

A jail-embedded social worker conducts assessments, provides appropriate referrals. Individuals are released with a three-day supply of buprenorphine and a referral to a clinic. All court recommendations and treatment referrals are made within 48 hours of referral. The social workers continue to follow clients that opt into problem-solving courts, maintaining contact until they are fully engaged in their new programs. 

Court-Based Services 

As of dec 31, 2024…

72

incarcerated individuals assessed

1,159

drug tests administered

Seminole County has significantly enhanced its court-based services through strategic, impactful initiatives. A dedicated social worker was hired and specially trained to conduct in-depth risk and needs assessments within the correctional facility, ensuring that individuals receive timely, appropriate connections to problem-solving courts and vital community resources. These assessments are laying the groundwork for more informed and personalized intervention strategies. In another major advancement, a drug testing lab was established within the courthouse, enabling judges to request on-the-spot substance use screenings that directly support timely and informed decision-making. Through providing drug screens, the lab is reinforcing the court’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of justice-involved individuals.

“Having on-site drug testing expedited the court process. Judges can receive results within hours, allowing them to make informed decisions the same day, which speeds up court proceedings and connects individuals to treatment faster. It’s been incredibly well-received by the judiciary and has significantly increased in use since implementation.” 

—Amanda Hamer, Project director

AS OF DEC 31, 2024…

920

outreach and education events conducted

677

doses of naloxone distributed

571

safe rx destroyers distributed

Public Outreach and Education 

As part of a comprehensive community outreach initiative focused on overdose prevention, the program actively engages the public through education and resource distribution. At outreach and education events, participants receive vital information on overdose risks and prevention strategies. These events also facilitate naloxone distribution to individuals and organizations, equipping them with the tools needed to respond effectively to overdose emergencies. In addition, safe drug disposal kits areprovided to promote responsible medication disposal and reduce the risk of misuse. This outreach not only raises awareness but also strengthens community resilience against the ongoing opioid crisis. 

Conclusion

Seminole County’s program brings innovation to the courthouse by creating a streamlined connection between in-jail assessments, on-site drug testing, and timely information sharing with judges. This process expedites court dockets, reduces time in custody, and helps guide individuals into the appropriate problem-solving courts and treatment programs—ultimately relieving pressure on the jail and enhancing public safety. Through expanded services, increased use of the drug testing lab, and ongoing community education about substance use prevention and recovery, these efforts underscore Seminole County’s commitment to innovation, accountability, and recovery-oriented justice. Over the next year, the program will prioritize sustainability while advancing long-term goals to ensure lasting impact. Key initiatives include launching two major media campaigns to raise awareness about substance use prevention and support services. The program will also expand correctional facility assessments and increase access to drug testing services, building on its strong foundation to reach more individuals and deepen community engagement. 

Collaborative Partners 

• Seminole County Sheriff’s Office 

• Seminole County Public Safety Coordinating Council 

• Florida Department of Health 

• The 18th Judicial Circuit Court Administration 

• Brooke Research & Consulting, LLC

Project Director

Amanda Hamer, Financial Grant Manager
Seminole County
ahamer@seminolecountyfl.gov
497-665-7171

This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.