Stop Drug Addiction with Mandated Residency Counseling. It is A Disease, they are not criminals. Jail is not the answer for Help!
I humbly petition the state of Florida for a revision and improvement of The Marchman Act.
~In God we trust. May I be used as a vessel for the intent of helping others.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
A bill to be entitled THE JENNIFER ACT
An act relating to substance abuse services; providing a short title; amending s. 28.241, F.S.; providing a reduced filing fee for involuntary admissions proceedings under the Marchman Act; providing for distribution of proceeds; amending s. 397.321, F.S.; requiring that the Department of Children and Family Services strive to ensure that there are secure facility beds available to each county in the state in sufficient quantity to meet the normal demand from that county; amending ss. 397.321 and 397.332, F.S.; transferring specified duties and responsibilities for oversight of providers of substance abuse services from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; providing for a type two transfer of specified duties from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; amending s. 397.6797, F.S.; increasing the time allowed after an emergency admission for an assessment of the need for further treatment; amending ss. 397.6772, 397.6773, and 397.6798, F.S.; conforming provisions to the increase in the period allowed for assessments; amending s. 397.754, F.S.; specifying requirements for initial processing of inmates by the Department of Corrections for substance abuse needs; providing that, to the fullest extent possible, inmates be given the choice between faith-based and non-faith-based substance abuse programs; providing an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The act may be cited as “The Jennifer Act.”
Section 2. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 28.241, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
28.241 Filing fees for trial and appellate proceedings.—
(1)(a)1.a. Except as provided in sub-subparagraph b., sub-subparagraph d., and subparagraph 2., the party instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in the circuit court shall pay to the clerk of that court a filing fee of up to $395 in all cases in which there are not more than five defendants and an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $265 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $180 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund. One third of any filing fees collected by the clerk of the circuit court in excess of $100 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission.
b. The party instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in the circuit court under chapter 39, chapter 61, chapter 741, chapter 742, chapter 747, chapter 752, or chapter 753 shall pay to the clerk of that court a filing fee of up to $295 in all cases in which there are not more than five defendants and an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $165 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $80 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund.
c. An additional filing fee of $4 shall be paid to the clerk. The clerk shall remit $3.50 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Court Education Trust Fund and shall remit 50 cents to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission to fund clerk education. An additional filing fee of up to $18 shall be paid by the party seeking each severance that is granted. The clerk may impose an additional filing fee of up to $85 for all proceedings of garnishment, attachment, replevin, and distress. Postal charges incurred by the clerk of the circuit court in making service by certified or registered mail on defendants or other parties shall be paid by the party at whose instance service is made. No additional fees, charges, or costs shall be added to the filing fees imposed under this section, except as authorized in this section or by general law.
d. The party instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in the circuit court under part V of chapter 397 shall pay to the clerk of that court a filing fee of up to $95 in all cases in which there are not more than five defendants and an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. The first $90 in filing fees must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services.
2.a. Notwithstanding the fees prescribed in subparagraph 1., a party instituting a civil action in circuit court relating to real property or mortgage foreclosure shall pay a graduated filing fee based on the value of the claim.
b. A party shall estimate in writing the amount in controversy of the claim upon filing the action. For purposes of this subparagraph, the value of a mortgage foreclosure action is based upon the principal due on the note secured by the mortgage, plus interest owed on the note and any moneys advanced by the lender for property taxes, insurance, and other advances secured by the mortgage, at the time of filing the foreclosure. The value shall also include the value of any tax certificates related to the property. In stating the value of a mortgage foreclosure claim, a party shall declare in writing the total value of the claim, as well as the individual elements of the value as prescribed in this sub-subparagraph.
c. In its order providing for the final disposition of the matter, the court shall identify the actual value of the claim. The clerk shall adjust the filing fee if there is a difference between the estimated amount in controversy and the actual value of the claim and collect any additional filing fee owed or provide a refund of excess filing fee paid.
d. The party shall pay a filing fee of:
(I) Three hundred and ninety-five dollars in all cases in which the value of the claim is $50,000 or less and in which there are not more than five defendants. The party shall pay an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $265 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $180 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund;
(II) Nine hundred dollars in all cases in which the value of the claim is more than $50,000 but less than $250,000 and in which there are not more than five defendants. The party shall pay an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $770 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $685 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation described in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund; or
(III) One thousand nine hundred dollars in all cases in which the value of the claim is $250,000 or more and in which there are not more than five defendants. The party shall pay an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $1,770 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $1,685 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund.
e. An additional filing fee of $4 shall be paid to the clerk. The clerk shall remit $3.50 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Court Education Trust Fund and shall remit 50 cents to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission to fund clerk education. An additional filing fee of up to $18 shall be paid by the party seeking each severance that is granted. The clerk may impose an additional filing fee of up to $85 for all proceedings of garnishment, attachment, replevin, and distress. Postal charges incurred by the clerk of the circuit court in making service by certified or registered mail on defendants or other parties shall be paid by the party at whose instance service is made. No additional fees, charges, or costs shall be added to the filing fees imposed under this section, except as authorized in this section or by general law.
Section 3. Subsection (20) of section 397.321, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.321 Duties of the department.—The department shall:
(20) Designate addictions receiving facilities for the purpose of ensuring that only qualified service providers render services within the context of a secure facility setting. The department shall also strive to ensure that there are secure facility beds available to each county in the state in sufficient quantity to meet the normal demand from that county.
Section 4. Subsections (6), (7), and (8) of section 397.321, Florida Statutes, are transferred, renumbered as subsection (4) of section 397.332, Florida Statutes, and amended to read:
397.332 Office of Drug Control.—
(4)(6) The Office of Drug Control shall:
(a) Assume responsibility for licensing and regulating licensable service components delivering substance abuse services on behalf of service providers pursuant to this chapter.
(b)(7) Ensure that each licensed service provider develops a system and procedures for:
1.(a) Clinical assessment.
2.(b) Treatment planning.
3.(c) Referral.
4.(d) Progress reviews.
5.(e) Followup.
(c)(8) Provide for the systematic and comprehensive program evaluation of substance abuse service providers that are state-owned, state-operated, or state-contracted.
Section 5. All powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, pending issues and existing contracts, administrative authority, administrative rules, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds for the licensing, regulation, and supervision of substance providers specified in s. 397.321(6), (7), and (8), Florida Statutes, prior to their renumbering and transfer by this act are transferred by a type two transfer, as defined in s. 20.06(2), Florida Statutes, from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control.
Section 6. Section 397.6797, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6797 Dispositional alternatives after emergency admission.—Within 5 days 72 hours after an emergency admission to a hospital, or a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility, or the individual must be assessed by the attending physician to determine the need for further services. Within 5 days after an emergency admission to a nonresidential component of a licensed service provider, the individual must be assessed by a qualified professional to determine the need for further services. Based upon that assessment, a qualified professional of the hospital, detoxification facility, or addictions receiving facility, or a qualified professional if a less restrictive component was used, must either:
(1) Release the individual and, where appropriate, refer the individual to other needed services; or
(2) Retain the individual when:
(a) The individual has consented to remain voluntarily at the licensed provider; or
(b) A petition for involuntary assessment or treatment has been initiated, the timely filing of which authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the individual pending further order of the court.
Section 7. Subsection (1) of section 397.6772, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6772 Protective custody without consent.—
(1) If a person in circumstances which justify protective custody as described in s. 397.677 fails or refuses to consent to assistance and a law enforcement officer has determined that a hospital or a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility is the most appropriate place for the person, the officer may, after giving due consideration to the expressed wishes of the person:
(a) Take the person to a hospital or to a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility against the person’s will but without using unreasonable force; or
(b) In the case of an adult, detain the person for his or her own protection in any municipal or county jail or other appropriate detention facility.
Such detention is not to be considered an arrest for any purpose, and no entry or other record may be made to indicate that the person has been detained or charged with any crime. The officer in charge of the detention facility must notify the nearest appropriate licensed service provider within the first 8 hours after detention that the person has been detained. It is the duty of the detention facility to arrange, as necessary, for transportation of the person to an appropriate licensed service provider with an available bed. Persons taken into protective custody must be assessed by the attending physician within the 5-day 72-hour period and without unnecessary delay, to determine the need for further services.
Section 8. Section 397.6773, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6773 Dispositional alternatives after protective custody.—
(1) An individual who is in protective custody must be released by a qualified professional when:
(a) The individual no longer meets the involuntary admission criteria in s. 397.675(1);
(b) The 5-day 72-hour period has elapsed; or
(c) The individual has consented to remain voluntarily at the licensed service provider.
(2) An individual may only be retained in protective custody beyond the 5-day 72-hour period when a petition for involuntary assessment or treatment has been initiated. The timely filing of the petition authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the individual pending further order of the court.
Section 9. Subsection (1) of section 397.6798, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6798 Alternative involuntary assessment procedure for minors.—
(1) In addition to protective custody, emergency admission, and involuntary assessment and stabilization, an addictions receiving facility may admit a minor for involuntary assessment and stabilization upon the filing of an application to an addictions receiving facility by the minor’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian. The application must establish the need for involuntary assessment and stabilization based on the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675. Within 5 days 72 hours after involuntary admission of a minor, the minor must be assessed to determine the need for further services. Assessments must be performed by a qualified professional. If, after the 5-day 72-hour period, it is determined by the attending physician that further services are necessary, the minor may be kept for a period of up to 5 days, inclusive of the 5-day 72-hour period.
Section 10. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 397.754, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
397.754 Duties and responsibilities of the Department of Corrections.—The Department of Corrections shall:
(1) To the fullest extent possible provide inmates upon arrival at a department of Corrections reception center for initial processing with an assessment of substance abuse service needs, including drug testing and mental, physical, and emotional assessment by qualified professionals.
(2) Provide inmates who are admitted to inmate substance abuse services with an individualized treatment plan which is developed on the basis of assessed need for services and which includes measurable goals and specifies the types of services needed to meet those goals. To the fullest extent possible, each inmate must be given the choice of either a faith-based drug program or a non-faith-based program for rehabilitation and drug treatment.
Section 11. This act shall take effect July 1, 2010.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————–
At the holidays: For those of us whose children have died
December 8, 2010 by kingblog22 | Edit
For those families, especially parents whose children have died, this is a bittersweet time of year. It is a time of memories and reflection on holidays past. It is also a reminder of those who are are no longer here with us (like our children.) Please don’t be afraid to mention our loved ones who have died at this time of year. I am getting so many heart breaking emails from families who have buried their children and siblings and grand children to drug overdoses. These are people all over the U.S. who are sharing their hearts candidly as they sign my online petition. I am honored that these brave people have the courage to write to me and share their loss and also show their support of The Jennifer Act. They already know about grief, loss and pain and they, like me, don’t want another family to have to endure this heart-ache.
To all of you who are so open and candid with me, may I say “thank-you” from the bottom of my heart. I promise you I am doing everything within my power, to get this bill to pass in Indiana and Florida. My focus and vision is to see The Jennifer Act bill passed in these 2 states and then bring it to the fore front, nationwide. With budget cuts in every state and treatment for addicts not at the top of the legislative agenda, I realize this makes my mission and advocacy seem humanly impossible. But the bible says, “with God, all things are possible”. Many are praying for this bill to pass, so when it does come to pass, let us remember what a great and mighty GOD we serve!
Thank you to all the legislatures who are helping with this very important legislation Please read all the comments on this website’s on-line Petition site.
You can hear from the people first hand, why we need this bill to pass.
Posted in News and updates | Leave a Comment »
Just Added Online Petiton to Support The Jennifer Act
November 28, 2010 by kingblog22 | Edit
I’ve just made it easier to show your support of The Jennifer Act. I’ve added a new page to the website, Sign the Petition! You can find it as a tab on the top of this website.
Also, here is a direct link to the petition site. Click here or http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/the-jennifer-act—involuntary-drug-treatment/
I keep hearing from people asking how they can help. Simply signing this petition will be a tremendous show of support. This petition will be a huge stepping stone in accomplishing the goal of involuntary drug treatment for those addicted. Once I get signatures compiled, they will be mailed to our Indiana and Florida State Senators and Representatives. Thank you for helping.~
Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to use the lessons we’ve learned and the comfort He’s given us during difficult times to help others in special ways. Paul indicated this when he wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
~Using the lessons learned in my trials to touch the lives of others~
The comfort God has given us
He wants us now to share
With others who are suffering
So they will sense His care. —Sper
God doesn’t comfort us to make us comfortable; He comforts us to make us comforters.
Isaiah 61: Exaltation of the Afflicted
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
Posted in News and updates | 2 Comments »
Bill 22- The Jennifer Act- Indiana
November 17, 2010 by kingblog22 | Edit
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL No: 22
Indiana
Drug and alcohol abuse and commitments. Provides procedures for the involuntary commitment of a person due to alcohol or drug abuse. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to maintain and operate or contract for alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, including faith based facilities. Requires the law enforcement academy to provide training regarding persons with alcohol or drug addictions, including training for involuntary commitments for alcohol or drug use. Requires the department of correction and county jails to provide alcohol and drug rehabilitation to all offenders with alcohol or drug addictions.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
FLORIDA: DIGEST OF THE JENNIFER ACT
A bill to be entitled- Florida
The Jennifer Act
An act relating to substance abuse services; providing a short title; amending s. 28.241, F.S.; providing a reduced filing fee for involuntary admissions proceedings under the Marchman Act; providing for distribution of proceeds; amending s. 397.321, F.S.; requiring that the Department of Children and Family Services strive to ensure that there are secure facility beds available to each county in the state in sufficient quantity to meet the normal demand from that county; amending ss. 397.321 and 397.332, F.S.; transferring specified duties and responsibilities for oversight of providers of substance abuse services from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; providing for a type two transfer of specified duties from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; amending s. 397.6797, F.S.; increasing the time allowed after an emergency admission for an assessment of the need for further treatment; amending ss. 397.6772, 397.6773, and 397.6798, F.S.; conforming provisions to the increase in the period allowed for assessments; amending s. 397.754, F.S.; specifying requirements for initial processing of inmates by the Department of Corrections for substance abuse needs; providing that, to the fullest extent possible, inmates be given the choice between faith-based and non-faith-based substance abuse programs; providing an effective date.
Share this:
TwitterFacebook
39 Comments »
39 Responses
on February 23, 2009 at 12:47 am | ReplyLee Bahney
I am encouraged that the bill has alternatives for treatment inasmuch as faith based treatment has a higher success rate. Also, the cost of the program should be more than offset by the cost of non-treatment.
on May 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm | Replykingblog22
Pastor Bahney,
Thank you for your comments and support for The Jennifer Act. I appreciate your continued prayers for this law to be passed to help those in bondage and life and death crisis of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Sincerely, Sharon Blair
on February 23, 2009 at 9:25 pm | ReplyTim Eichel
It is an amazing thing you are doing with this Jennifer Act! I only hope that others will be able to save their loved ones before it is too late. This will go a long way in saving the beautiful, creative people, like the ones we have lost. Nothing can replace them nor bring them back but with God’s help we may be able to help others to escape their addiction and have a productive fulfilled life. Don’t give up!
on February 25, 2009 at 3:11 pm | ReplyAnnie Culbertson
I had the honor of knowing Jennifer and over the years was aware of her addiction struggles. It saddens me to discover that in yet another instance our communities are lacking in comprehensive services for those in such clear need. I am in full support of The Jennifer Act – who of us does not have a child, friend or family member who has not been affected by the difficulties and tragedies an addiction brings?
on February 26, 2009 at 2:12 am | ReplySharon
Thank you and may God’s perfect timing come soon for those suffering and the families trying to help them.
on March 31, 2009 at 5:35 am | ReplyLucy Duke
I have seen first hand how the marchman act can fail, after detox even with a court order addicts are sent out to the streets told there are no beds for further treatment.The Jennifer act is long over due.
on October 11, 2009 at 2:51 pm | Replyerika
I dont even know where to start so here I go. I have a loved one struggling with addiction. Ive tried endlessly to put myself out there and offer my support to make a change in his life. And once many years ago it worked. Or at leasted I believed it worked. Last night we were hanging out with an old mutual friend and I was out back on the phone. I came into the garage to hand the phone to my loved one to see a sad sight that took me back…. a tangerine needle cap on the floor in front of him, and as my eyes shot from the floor to his face he scrambled to hide the needle in his hand inside a near by pile of laundry. I almost didnt believe it…i’d seen the signs and maybe didnt want to believe it. I knew he was addicted to prescription pain killers and I have repeatedly talked to him about getting him help but never did i think it was now at the point of needles. I’ve tried to get him to get treatment but he keeps telling me that its his choice to do this that he can stop when he wants to and that hes been on this road for years (since 14yrs old). He says he wants to help himself but the company he keeps, besides me, is not helping the problem. His skin is grey, his eyes are a mile sunken into his head, his skin is almost bubbly you could say, and he a pile of skin and bones. My first question when I seen him is always, ” you hungry hun?? wanna get soemthing to eat with me?? I’ve only known him for 6yrs but since that time hes been dealing with substance abuse and it is rapidly getting worse. I already lost a good friend this year in a drug related car accident, and I dont want to see this happen again. I want to know that I am trying my hardest to help not only my loved one but others. Im a 24yr old with minimal personal experience with drugs. (the experiemental stage in HS) I can say that I have watched many of my peers struggle and I know longer can sit back. i need to find a way to help. So I was conducting a search for help when I found the Jennifer Act website. May God Bless you for all the work your doing. I know its never close to over. And I would like to help. I think maybe I could, even if it is going and talking to young people about this Act and its importance/neccesity. Often people our age say the classic you dont understand, things were different in your time, or even times change. But the bottom line here is addiction is addiction and age has nothing to do with it. Addiction is a demon preying on the souls and minds of our loved ones. A disease battling to win our loved ones over. We can’t let the disease win and we need the Jennifer Act. We need to fight for them!
As i said I found this site during my own search to help my loved one. I am in the Tampa/Clearwater area as is my loved one and if you can contact me I would really like to meet with you and see if you can help me to help my loved one, maybe at least guide me down the right road..I feel like I’m alone and like I said I’d be MORE than willing to help in whatever way I can. To many young adults like myself think the have “time” to change but when time is taking from under them its not to late…its been to late; and those of us who care are left with broken hearts and only memories…
on October 12, 2009 at 8:38 am | Replykingblog22
Dear Erika, Thank you for writing to me. I would like to speak to you about your loved ones addiction. Please call me on my cell. 727-542-5071
When addiction is to the point of using needles, it has progressed into a dangerous level. I look ofrward to speaking with you. Sharon Blair
on December 16, 2010 at 3:04 pm | ReplyPeggy Beeny
My daughter Brandy in a dispute with her xboyfriend , high school sweethearts, 9 yr. relatioship had a child, now 4, in the dispute he could afford a lawyer , she could not she lost, he wouldn’t allow her to see the baby. She felt devistated & tried drinking herself numb. After Alcohol Convultions hospitilization 3 times, going totally nuts without her baby…now with another boyfriend talented in ways that could benefit or destroy depending how he uses them. They have both been doing Crystal Meth & somehow have gotten ivolved with the worst gang in SLC, UT. where his talents would be an asset to this gang. Now I feel in my heart they are scared and cant get away. I feel helpless! I cry everyday hysterically, uncontrolling. I have heart disease, cronic type 2 diabetic, among other health issues & I am no good for her if I am in bad shape. I have called the cops but they don’t seem to care what I know. Like this Jennifer act, putting sick people i jail is just a vicous circle. My daughter & I need help. Sincerely, Peggy
on October 17, 2009 at 8:12 am | Replyhopeful
This is such an important idea. I lost my mother to addiction when she was only 43 years old. She had been through numerous treatment programs including very expensive, long term, inpatient treatments only to drink on the plane ride home. She was in and out of jail, and as a family we asked the courts to send her to inpatient treatment as we were in fear that she would hurt herself or someone else. We were told that they could not look at her past choices/issues in making the decision…this included them not looking at a suicide attempt that was only two months removed, two recent stints in detox, and a history of habitually lying to the courts and bail jumping. Two years after they denied our motion she died. My mother was a lovely person, but as any of us know who have dealt with an addict, she was one of the most manipulative people I have ever met. Her manipulation fooled the courts on that fateful day. Towards the end she had a one track mind and did whatever, whenever, wherever to feed her addiction. I can only take comfort knowing that the bright, beautiful woman that my mother was is who she will be eternally. The shell that was ravaged by addiction, turmoil and demons is now a thing of the past. She was so unhappy in life that I find solace knowing that she is beyond that pain in death. I am so sorry for the loss of Jennifer. Thank you for your incredibly important and courageous work.
on October 17, 2009 at 7:36 pm | Replykingblog22
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and your family at the premature loss of your mother. It is so painful to watch an addicted (alcohol or drugs) loved one slowly slip down to the pit of hell and be able to do nothing to stop the insane behavior. It is for these people who do desperately need the help in a life and death crisis, that I have wrote The Jennifer Act and will continue my advocacy to help those family members who are reaching out to law enforcement, Judges, filing petitions through the courts, etc. to save their loved one before they self destruct. My prayers go out to you and thank you for you writing to me. Also thank you for your condolences at the loss of my daughter this year. I miss her every day. Her siblings are still crying today, over the loss of their sister.
All I can do is keep doing what I believe God has led me to do.
Sharon Blair
on October 21, 2009 at 7:19 am | ReplyLimda Limpco
I currently have a son who is need of this act. The filing fee is to high to do anything about his problem. And once he is assessed if there are no drugs within his system at this time after 72 hours they can not hold him any longer. We need help and don’t know what to do. And I also have a question. How many times in a year can you file a Marchman Act on someone? What about the Jennifer act? How many times can you file this in a year? Thanks
on October 23, 2009 at 8:08 am | Replykingblog22
I am sorry that your son is in need of the act, however, he is very fortunate to have you to recognize his need for treatment. Where does your son reside? Is he in Florida? There are many programs in Florida. You can also contact The Florida Office of Drug Control and the Dept. of Children and Families Director, Stephenie Colston’s office. They can direct to to proper treatment facilities in your area.
We do need a law that intervenes in the life and death crisis of drug and alcohol addiction. In Florida, we have the Marchman Act, but it is for 72 hours. The addicted need much, much more time and treatment. This is why I propose The Jennifer Act bill for 2010. I ask everyone to contact the Fl. Gov. Crist and the other contact people on my website and let them know we need The Jennifer Act law to pass to help those severely addicted. If you need more help, please contact me. Thank you. Sharon Blair
on October 29, 2009 at 6:33 pm | ReplyKim
I really don’t know how we as a society can afford not to have the Jennifer Act as law. Looking at the ‘big picture’ we spend more money bandaging and cleaning up the problem than it would cost us to fix it in the first place. Currently, money is spent on; extra officers on the street since addicts commit the majority of crimes, extra jails that include; officers, beds, food, electricity, water, etc. foster care for children of addicts, healthcare since most addicts can’t hold jobs, and court costs for the addicted that go in and out of the system like it has a revolving door. We pay more ignoring the problem than if we had provided the long-term treatment needed to help those suffering from addiction to become functioning members of society. Either way we pay. I have two nieces addicted to prescription drugs and over the years there have been several times when they were screaming out for help to quit, but without thousands of dollars there is no help. Neither of them can hold a job so there is no insurance and state facilities never have beds available.
One niece has had three children, none of which live with her and two of them required extensive treatment at All Children’s hospital for several months at birth. One eventually passed away and the other had around the clock nursing for the first two years of his life. He now does not require nursing, but he will have problems the rest of his life. He too, now lives with a relative. This same niece tried to get her tubes tied to prevent the pregnancies because she knew she was an addict, but the state agencies refused because she was to young.
Wouldn’t it be more cost effective for society to provide a mandatory two-year in-house treatment to fix the problem and then require 1000 hours of community service after completion of the two-year program than to keep people cycling through the system with no treatment of any kind?
on November 3, 2009 at 12:18 pm | Replykingblog22
thank you for writing your comments on The Jennifer Act. You know from experienec the need for treatment. I appreciate you writing to me and sharing your insight. Bless you.
Sharon Blair
on October 30, 2009 at 10:04 pm | Replylisa m
I am sorry for the loss of your daughter. Once I heard your story on Bay News 9, had to find out more. I SO believe we need state funded help for people addicted. I had a husband whom I tried to get help, but needed $15,000 to get him in the door. The BakerAct did not do him justice at all, he got more pills, with more of an addiction. My husband, Anthony, passed away May 3, 08 of an accidental O/D. He would be in a facility, for a little, then release him back to me with children. They diagnosed him as bipolar, gave him like 3 more bottles of prescriptions, and send them on their merry way.
on February 4, 2010 at 4:51 pm | ReplyJD
I am seeking help for my brother. He just got released from the hospital due to drug overdose that alost cost him his life. He is addicted to opiates and is having a very hard time trying to get better. I am very concerned for him and of course our family. I new Jennifer and went to school with her and am very touched that you are doing everything you can to get this law passes.
on March 17, 2010 at 11:06 pm | ReplyDana L. McDade
Sharon,
To say “you are to be commended” is a rather shallow statement, considering what you have been through and what your current endeavor is. I hope you are succesful but never doubt that your efforts, alone, are uplifting to many folks. Even folks outside of Florida can appreciate what you are doing in that state. You are inspirational, no matter where one might live. I live in Texas and I find comfort in your words.
My caring daughter was sweet to send your site to me. We have experienced some of that misery you speak of. Thankfully, God intervened and prevented the finality of losing a loved one, such as you experienced. Ironically, most of this occurred in Florida.
Although we now live in Texas, we shall monitor your progress in attempting to help the folks in Florida. It works anywhere. May God bless you and encourage you in your pursuit to end the terrible scourge of addiction.
Thanks,
Dana L. McDade
on November 25, 2010 at 7:29 pm | Replykingblog22
Dear Mr. McDade, Thank you for your support of The Jennifer Act. The bill has been introduced in Indiana on Nov. 16, 2010 by Indiana State Senator Vi Simpson. It is now Indiana Senate Bill No 22. You can support the bill by emailing Sen. Vi Simpson at: s40@iga.in.gov
You may also write to Sen. Simspon at: 200 W. Washington, St., Indianapolis, IN. 46204
Sincerely,
Sharon Blair
on January 17, 2021 at 10:55 am | ReplyPAMELA DEE LIBERTO
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I too am a mother of a struggling drug addict and no one should have to live like this! How do I get the petition for the Pensacola area in Florida. We have court this Tuesday at 8 am Jan 19, 2021. I cannot even talk to a lawyer until Thursday after the court, and it is the MLK Holiday this Monday. All the court and cops did was charge my son with 3 felony charges and released him from the hospital in 12 hours. Now my son wants to kill me, and I have spent all week at the court house and on the phone trying to find help and asking questions because I filed the Marchman Act and I was told they would take his phone and keep him at a minimun of 72 hours and it did not work at all. Going to jail is not the answer. He has been crying out for help, but refuses to get it. He has just suffered a very traumatic year of losing his dad at 59 yrs of age, and his life long dog and the neighbor at 59 years old, as well as covid and two hurricanes destoying the house he has lived in. I am on my third appeal with FEMA to get help, because he had no insurance at all except liability on his truck which got destroyed during the Hurricane Sally and he lost his job. I now have health insurance on him and Thank God! Someone, please reach out to me ASAP, if you have any suggestions. The system has failed us and even the health system too on my end. I was physically attacked at the Shrimp Festival and nothing was done and then my identity was stolen and I have been battling these two items for over 6 years. Nothing has been done not even through Crime Victims. I was also hit by a Mack Truck when I lived in Miami and did not even know what to do at all. Then went through Hurricane Andrew and lost everything. It has been a SAD life. Please, I need help!
Sign PetitionSign Petition~In God we trust. May I be used as a vessel for the intent of helping others.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
A bill to be entitled THE JENNIFER ACT
An act relating to substance abuse services; providing a short title; amending s. 28.241, F.S.; providing a reduced filing fee for involuntary admissions proceedings under the Marchman Act; providing for distribution of proceeds; amending s. 397.321, F.S.; requiring that the Department of Children and Family Services strive to ensure that there are secure facility beds available to each county in the state in sufficient quantity to meet the normal demand from that county; amending ss. 397.321 and 397.332, F.S.; transferring specified duties and responsibilities for oversight of providers of substance abuse services from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; providing for a type two transfer of specified duties from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; amending s. 397.6797, F.S.; increasing the time allowed after an emergency admission for an assessment of the need for further treatment; amending ss. 397.6772, 397.6773, and 397.6798, F.S.; conforming provisions to the increase in the period allowed for assessments; amending s. 397.754, F.S.; specifying requirements for initial processing of inmates by the Department of Corrections for substance abuse needs; providing that, to the fullest extent possible, inmates be given the choice between faith-based and non-faith-based substance abuse programs; providing an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The act may be cited as “The Jennifer Act.”
Section 2. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 28.241, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
28.241 Filing fees for trial and appellate proceedings.—
(1)(a)1.a. Except as provided in sub-subparagraph b., sub-subparagraph d., and subparagraph 2., the party instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in the circuit court shall pay to the clerk of that court a filing fee of up to $395 in all cases in which there are not more than five defendants and an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $265 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $180 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund. One third of any filing fees collected by the clerk of the circuit court in excess of $100 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission.
b. The party instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in the circuit court under chapter 39, chapter 61, chapter 741, chapter 742, chapter 747, chapter 752, or chapter 753 shall pay to the clerk of that court a filing fee of up to $295 in all cases in which there are not more than five defendants and an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $165 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $80 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund.
c. An additional filing fee of $4 shall be paid to the clerk. The clerk shall remit $3.50 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Court Education Trust Fund and shall remit 50 cents to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission to fund clerk education. An additional filing fee of up to $18 shall be paid by the party seeking each severance that is granted. The clerk may impose an additional filing fee of up to $85 for all proceedings of garnishment, attachment, replevin, and distress. Postal charges incurred by the clerk of the circuit court in making service by certified or registered mail on defendants or other parties shall be paid by the party at whose instance service is made. No additional fees, charges, or costs shall be added to the filing fees imposed under this section, except as authorized in this section or by general law.
d. The party instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in the circuit court under part V of chapter 397 shall pay to the clerk of that court a filing fee of up to $95 in all cases in which there are not more than five defendants and an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. The first $90 in filing fees must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services.
2.a. Notwithstanding the fees prescribed in subparagraph 1., a party instituting a civil action in circuit court relating to real property or mortgage foreclosure shall pay a graduated filing fee based on the value of the claim.
b. A party shall estimate in writing the amount in controversy of the claim upon filing the action. For purposes of this subparagraph, the value of a mortgage foreclosure action is based upon the principal due on the note secured by the mortgage, plus interest owed on the note and any moneys advanced by the lender for property taxes, insurance, and other advances secured by the mortgage, at the time of filing the foreclosure. The value shall also include the value of any tax certificates related to the property. In stating the value of a mortgage foreclosure claim, a party shall declare in writing the total value of the claim, as well as the individual elements of the value as prescribed in this sub-subparagraph.
c. In its order providing for the final disposition of the matter, the court shall identify the actual value of the claim. The clerk shall adjust the filing fee if there is a difference between the estimated amount in controversy and the actual value of the claim and collect any additional filing fee owed or provide a refund of excess filing fee paid.
d. The party shall pay a filing fee of:
(I) Three hundred and ninety-five dollars in all cases in which the value of the claim is $50,000 or less and in which there are not more than five defendants. The party shall pay an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $265 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $180 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund;
(II) Nine hundred dollars in all cases in which the value of the claim is more than $50,000 but less than $250,000 and in which there are not more than five defendants. The party shall pay an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $770 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $685 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission and used to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation described in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund; or
(III) One thousand nine hundred dollars in all cases in which the value of the claim is $250,000 or more and in which there are not more than five defendants. The party shall pay an additional filing fee of up to $2.50 for each defendant in excess of five. Of the first $1,770 in filing fees, $80 must be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $1,685 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, $3.50 must be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission to fund the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation created in s. 28.35, and $1.50 shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund within the Department of Financial Services to fund clerk budget reviews conducted by the Department of Financial Services. The next $15 of the filing fee collected shall be deposited in the state courts’ Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund.
e. An additional filing fee of $4 shall be paid to the clerk. The clerk shall remit $3.50 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Court Education Trust Fund and shall remit 50 cents to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund within the Justice Administrative Commission to fund clerk education. An additional filing fee of up to $18 shall be paid by the party seeking each severance that is granted. The clerk may impose an additional filing fee of up to $85 for all proceedings of garnishment, attachment, replevin, and distress. Postal charges incurred by the clerk of the circuit court in making service by certified or registered mail on defendants or other parties shall be paid by the party at whose instance service is made. No additional fees, charges, or costs shall be added to the filing fees imposed under this section, except as authorized in this section or by general law.
Section 3. Subsection (20) of section 397.321, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.321 Duties of the department.—The department shall:
(20) Designate addictions receiving facilities for the purpose of ensuring that only qualified service providers render services within the context of a secure facility setting. The department shall also strive to ensure that there are secure facility beds available to each county in the state in sufficient quantity to meet the normal demand from that county.
Section 4. Subsections (6), (7), and (8) of section 397.321, Florida Statutes, are transferred, renumbered as subsection (4) of section 397.332, Florida Statutes, and amended to read:
397.332 Office of Drug Control.—
(4)(6) The Office of Drug Control shall:
(a) Assume responsibility for licensing and regulating licensable service components delivering substance abuse services on behalf of service providers pursuant to this chapter.
(b)(7) Ensure that each licensed service provider develops a system and procedures for:
1.(a) Clinical assessment.
2.(b) Treatment planning.
3.(c) Referral.
4.(d) Progress reviews.
5.(e) Followup.
(c)(8) Provide for the systematic and comprehensive program evaluation of substance abuse service providers that are state-owned, state-operated, or state-contracted.
Section 5. All powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, pending issues and existing contracts, administrative authority, administrative rules, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds for the licensing, regulation, and supervision of substance providers specified in s. 397.321(6), (7), and (8), Florida Statutes, prior to their renumbering and transfer by this act are transferred by a type two transfer, as defined in s. 20.06(2), Florida Statutes, from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control.
Section 6. Section 397.6797, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6797 Dispositional alternatives after emergency admission.—Within 5 days 72 hours after an emergency admission to a hospital, or a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility, or the individual must be assessed by the attending physician to determine the need for further services. Within 5 days after an emergency admission to a nonresidential component of a licensed service provider, the individual must be assessed by a qualified professional to determine the need for further services. Based upon that assessment, a qualified professional of the hospital, detoxification facility, or addictions receiving facility, or a qualified professional if a less restrictive component was used, must either:
(1) Release the individual and, where appropriate, refer the individual to other needed services; or
(2) Retain the individual when:
(a) The individual has consented to remain voluntarily at the licensed provider; or
(b) A petition for involuntary assessment or treatment has been initiated, the timely filing of which authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the individual pending further order of the court.
Section 7. Subsection (1) of section 397.6772, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6772 Protective custody without consent.—
(1) If a person in circumstances which justify protective custody as described in s. 397.677 fails or refuses to consent to assistance and a law enforcement officer has determined that a hospital or a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility is the most appropriate place for the person, the officer may, after giving due consideration to the expressed wishes of the person:
(a) Take the person to a hospital or to a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility against the person’s will but without using unreasonable force; or
(b) In the case of an adult, detain the person for his or her own protection in any municipal or county jail or other appropriate detention facility.
Such detention is not to be considered an arrest for any purpose, and no entry or other record may be made to indicate that the person has been detained or charged with any crime. The officer in charge of the detention facility must notify the nearest appropriate licensed service provider within the first 8 hours after detention that the person has been detained. It is the duty of the detention facility to arrange, as necessary, for transportation of the person to an appropriate licensed service provider with an available bed. Persons taken into protective custody must be assessed by the attending physician within the 5-day 72-hour period and without unnecessary delay, to determine the need for further services.
Section 8. Section 397.6773, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6773 Dispositional alternatives after protective custody.—
(1) An individual who is in protective custody must be released by a qualified professional when:
(a) The individual no longer meets the involuntary admission criteria in s. 397.675(1);
(b) The 5-day 72-hour period has elapsed; or
(c) The individual has consented to remain voluntarily at the licensed service provider.
(2) An individual may only be retained in protective custody beyond the 5-day 72-hour period when a petition for involuntary assessment or treatment has been initiated. The timely filing of the petition authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the individual pending further order of the court.
Section 9. Subsection (1) of section 397.6798, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
397.6798 Alternative involuntary assessment procedure for minors.—
(1) In addition to protective custody, emergency admission, and involuntary assessment and stabilization, an addictions receiving facility may admit a minor for involuntary assessment and stabilization upon the filing of an application to an addictions receiving facility by the minor’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian. The application must establish the need for involuntary assessment and stabilization based on the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675. Within 5 days 72 hours after involuntary admission of a minor, the minor must be assessed to determine the need for further services. Assessments must be performed by a qualified professional. If, after the 5-day 72-hour period, it is determined by the attending physician that further services are necessary, the minor may be kept for a period of up to 5 days, inclusive of the 5-day 72-hour period.
Section 10. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 397.754, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
397.754 Duties and responsibilities of the Department of Corrections.—The Department of Corrections shall:
(1) To the fullest extent possible provide inmates upon arrival at a department of Corrections reception center for initial processing with an assessment of substance abuse service needs, including drug testing and mental, physical, and emotional assessment by qualified professionals.
(2) Provide inmates who are admitted to inmate substance abuse services with an individualized treatment plan which is developed on the basis of assessed need for services and which includes measurable goals and specifies the types of services needed to meet those goals. To the fullest extent possible, each inmate must be given the choice of either a faith-based drug program or a non-faith-based program for rehabilitation and drug treatment.
Section 11. This act shall take effect July 1, 2010.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————–
At the holidays: For those of us whose children have died
December 8, 2010 by kingblog22 | Edit
For those families, especially parents whose children have died, this is a bittersweet time of year. It is a time of memories and reflection on holidays past. It is also a reminder of those who are are no longer here with us (like our children.) Please don’t be afraid to mention our loved ones who have died at this time of year. I am getting so many heart breaking emails from families who have buried their children and siblings and grand children to drug overdoses. These are people all over the U.S. who are sharing their hearts candidly as they sign my online petition. I am honored that these brave people have the courage to write to me and share their loss and also show their support of The Jennifer Act. They already know about grief, loss and pain and they, like me, don’t want another family to have to endure this heart-ache.
To all of you who are so open and candid with me, may I say “thank-you” from the bottom of my heart. I promise you I am doing everything within my power, to get this bill to pass in Indiana and Florida. My focus and vision is to see The Jennifer Act bill passed in these 2 states and then bring it to the fore front, nationwide. With budget cuts in every state and treatment for addicts not at the top of the legislative agenda, I realize this makes my mission and advocacy seem humanly impossible. But the bible says, “with God, all things are possible”. Many are praying for this bill to pass, so when it does come to pass, let us remember what a great and mighty GOD we serve!
Thank you to all the legislatures who are helping with this very important legislation Please read all the comments on this website’s on-line Petition site.
You can hear from the people first hand, why we need this bill to pass.
Posted in News and updates | Leave a Comment »
Just Added Online Petiton to Support The Jennifer Act
November 28, 2010 by kingblog22 | Edit
I’ve just made it easier to show your support of The Jennifer Act. I’ve added a new page to the website, Sign the Petition! You can find it as a tab on the top of this website.
Also, here is a direct link to the petition site. Click here or http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/the-jennifer-act—involuntary-drug-treatment/
I keep hearing from people asking how they can help. Simply signing this petition will be a tremendous show of support. This petition will be a huge stepping stone in accomplishing the goal of involuntary drug treatment for those addicted. Once I get signatures compiled, they will be mailed to our Indiana and Florida State Senators and Representatives. Thank you for helping.~
Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to use the lessons we’ve learned and the comfort He’s given us during difficult times to help others in special ways. Paul indicated this when he wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
~Using the lessons learned in my trials to touch the lives of others~
The comfort God has given us
He wants us now to share
With others who are suffering
So they will sense His care. —Sper
God doesn’t comfort us to make us comfortable; He comforts us to make us comforters.
Isaiah 61: Exaltation of the Afflicted
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
Posted in News and updates | 2 Comments »
Bill 22- The Jennifer Act- Indiana
November 17, 2010 by kingblog22 | Edit
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL No: 22
Indiana
Drug and alcohol abuse and commitments. Provides procedures for the involuntary commitment of a person due to alcohol or drug abuse. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to maintain and operate or contract for alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, including faith based facilities. Requires the law enforcement academy to provide training regarding persons with alcohol or drug addictions, including training for involuntary commitments for alcohol or drug use. Requires the department of correction and county jails to provide alcohol and drug rehabilitation to all offenders with alcohol or drug addictions.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
FLORIDA: DIGEST OF THE JENNIFER ACT
A bill to be entitled- Florida
The Jennifer Act
An act relating to substance abuse services; providing a short title; amending s. 28.241, F.S.; providing a reduced filing fee for involuntary admissions proceedings under the Marchman Act; providing for distribution of proceeds; amending s. 397.321, F.S.; requiring that the Department of Children and Family Services strive to ensure that there are secure facility beds available to each county in the state in sufficient quantity to meet the normal demand from that county; amending ss. 397.321 and 397.332, F.S.; transferring specified duties and responsibilities for oversight of providers of substance abuse services from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; providing for a type two transfer of specified duties from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Office of Drug Control; amending s. 397.6797, F.S.; increasing the time allowed after an emergency admission for an assessment of the need for further treatment; amending ss. 397.6772, 397.6773, and 397.6798, F.S.; conforming provisions to the increase in the period allowed for assessments; amending s. 397.754, F.S.; specifying requirements for initial processing of inmates by the Department of Corrections for substance abuse needs; providing that, to the fullest extent possible, inmates be given the choice between faith-based and non-faith-based substance abuse programs; providing an effective date.
Share this:
TwitterFacebook
39 Comments »
39 Responses
on February 23, 2009 at 12:47 am | ReplyLee Bahney
I am encouraged that the bill has alternatives for treatment inasmuch as faith based treatment has a higher success rate. Also, the cost of the program should be more than offset by the cost of non-treatment.
on May 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm | Replykingblog22
Pastor Bahney,
Thank you for your comments and support for The Jennifer Act. I appreciate your continued prayers for this law to be passed to help those in bondage and life and death crisis of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Sincerely, Sharon Blair
on February 23, 2009 at 9:25 pm | ReplyTim Eichel
It is an amazing thing you are doing with this Jennifer Act! I only hope that others will be able to save their loved ones before it is too late. This will go a long way in saving the beautiful, creative people, like the ones we have lost. Nothing can replace them nor bring them back but with God’s help we may be able to help others to escape their addiction and have a productive fulfilled life. Don’t give up!
on February 25, 2009 at 3:11 pm | ReplyAnnie Culbertson
I had the honor of knowing Jennifer and over the years was aware of her addiction struggles. It saddens me to discover that in yet another instance our communities are lacking in comprehensive services for those in such clear need. I am in full support of The Jennifer Act – who of us does not have a child, friend or family member who has not been affected by the difficulties and tragedies an addiction brings?
on February 26, 2009 at 2:12 am | ReplySharon
Thank you and may God’s perfect timing come soon for those suffering and the families trying to help them.
on March 31, 2009 at 5:35 am | ReplyLucy Duke
I have seen first hand how the marchman act can fail, after detox even with a court order addicts are sent out to the streets told there are no beds for further treatment.The Jennifer act is long over due.
on October 11, 2009 at 2:51 pm | Replyerika
I dont even know where to start so here I go. I have a loved one struggling with addiction. Ive tried endlessly to put myself out there and offer my support to make a change in his life. And once many years ago it worked. Or at leasted I believed it worked. Last night we were hanging out with an old mutual friend and I was out back on the phone. I came into the garage to hand the phone to my loved one to see a sad sight that took me back…. a tangerine needle cap on the floor in front of him, and as my eyes shot from the floor to his face he scrambled to hide the needle in his hand inside a near by pile of laundry. I almost didnt believe it…i’d seen the signs and maybe didnt want to believe it. I knew he was addicted to prescription pain killers and I have repeatedly talked to him about getting him help but never did i think it was now at the point of needles. I’ve tried to get him to get treatment but he keeps telling me that its his choice to do this that he can stop when he wants to and that hes been on this road for years (since 14yrs old). He says he wants to help himself but the company he keeps, besides me, is not helping the problem. His skin is grey, his eyes are a mile sunken into his head, his skin is almost bubbly you could say, and he a pile of skin and bones. My first question when I seen him is always, ” you hungry hun?? wanna get soemthing to eat with me?? I’ve only known him for 6yrs but since that time hes been dealing with substance abuse and it is rapidly getting worse. I already lost a good friend this year in a drug related car accident, and I dont want to see this happen again. I want to know that I am trying my hardest to help not only my loved one but others. Im a 24yr old with minimal personal experience with drugs. (the experiemental stage in HS) I can say that I have watched many of my peers struggle and I know longer can sit back. i need to find a way to help. So I was conducting a search for help when I found the Jennifer Act website. May God Bless you for all the work your doing. I know its never close to over. And I would like to help. I think maybe I could, even if it is going and talking to young people about this Act and its importance/neccesity. Often people our age say the classic you dont understand, things were different in your time, or even times change. But the bottom line here is addiction is addiction and age has nothing to do with it. Addiction is a demon preying on the souls and minds of our loved ones. A disease battling to win our loved ones over. We can’t let the disease win and we need the Jennifer Act. We need to fight for them!
As i said I found this site during my own search to help my loved one. I am in the Tampa/Clearwater area as is my loved one and if you can contact me I would really like to meet with you and see if you can help me to help my loved one, maybe at least guide me down the right road..I feel like I’m alone and like I said I’d be MORE than willing to help in whatever way I can. To many young adults like myself think the have “time” to change but when time is taking from under them its not to late…its been to late; and those of us who care are left with broken hearts and only memories…
on October 12, 2009 at 8:38 am | Replykingblog22
Dear Erika, Thank you for writing to me. I would like to speak to you about your loved ones addiction. Please call me on my cell. 727-542-5071
When addiction is to the point of using needles, it has progressed into a dangerous level. I look ofrward to speaking with you. Sharon Blair
on December 16, 2010 at 3:04 pm | ReplyPeggy Beeny
My daughter Brandy in a dispute with her xboyfriend , high school sweethearts, 9 yr. relatioship had a child, now 4, in the dispute he could afford a lawyer , she could not she lost, he wouldn’t allow her to see the baby. She felt devistated & tried drinking herself numb. After Alcohol Convultions hospitilization 3 times, going totally nuts without her baby…now with another boyfriend talented in ways that could benefit or destroy depending how he uses them. They have both been doing Crystal Meth & somehow have gotten ivolved with the worst gang in SLC, UT. where his talents would be an asset to this gang. Now I feel in my heart they are scared and cant get away. I feel helpless! I cry everyday hysterically, uncontrolling. I have heart disease, cronic type 2 diabetic, among other health issues & I am no good for her if I am in bad shape. I have called the cops but they don’t seem to care what I know. Like this Jennifer act, putting sick people i jail is just a vicous circle. My daughter & I need help. Sincerely, Peggy
on October 17, 2009 at 8:12 am | Replyhopeful
This is such an important idea. I lost my mother to addiction when she was only 43 years old. She had been through numerous treatment programs including very expensive, long term, inpatient treatments only to drink on the plane ride home. She was in and out of jail, and as a family we asked the courts to send her to inpatient treatment as we were in fear that she would hurt herself or someone else. We were told that they could not look at her past choices/issues in making the decision…this included them not looking at a suicide attempt that was only two months removed, two recent stints in detox, and a history of habitually lying to the courts and bail jumping. Two years after they denied our motion she died. My mother was a lovely person, but as any of us know who have dealt with an addict, she was one of the most manipulative people I have ever met. Her manipulation fooled the courts on that fateful day. Towards the end she had a one track mind and did whatever, whenever, wherever to feed her addiction. I can only take comfort knowing that the bright, beautiful woman that my mother was is who she will be eternally. The shell that was ravaged by addiction, turmoil and demons is now a thing of the past. She was so unhappy in life that I find solace knowing that she is beyond that pain in death. I am so sorry for the loss of Jennifer. Thank you for your incredibly important and courageous work.
on October 17, 2009 at 7:36 pm | Replykingblog22
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and your family at the premature loss of your mother. It is so painful to watch an addicted (alcohol or drugs) loved one slowly slip down to the pit of hell and be able to do nothing to stop the insane behavior. It is for these people who do desperately need the help in a life and death crisis, that I have wrote The Jennifer Act and will continue my advocacy to help those family members who are reaching out to law enforcement, Judges, filing petitions through the courts, etc. to save their loved one before they self destruct. My prayers go out to you and thank you for you writing to me. Also thank you for your condolences at the loss of my daughter this year. I miss her every day. Her siblings are still crying today, over the loss of their sister.
All I can do is keep doing what I believe God has led me to do.
Sharon Blair
on October 21, 2009 at 7:19 am | ReplyLimda Limpco
I currently have a son who is need of this act. The filing fee is to high to do anything about his problem. And once he is assessed if there are no drugs within his system at this time after 72 hours they can not hold him any longer. We need help and don’t know what to do. And I also have a question. How many times in a year can you file a Marchman Act on someone? What about the Jennifer act? How many times can you file this in a year? Thanks
on October 23, 2009 at 8:08 am | Replykingblog22
I am sorry that your son is in need of the act, however, he is very fortunate to have you to recognize his need for treatment. Where does your son reside? Is he in Florida? There are many programs in Florida. You can also contact The Florida Office of Drug Control and the Dept. of Children and Families Director, Stephenie Colston’s office. They can direct to to proper treatment facilities in your area.
We do need a law that intervenes in the life and death crisis of drug and alcohol addiction. In Florida, we have the Marchman Act, but it is for 72 hours. The addicted need much, much more time and treatment. This is why I propose The Jennifer Act bill for 2010. I ask everyone to contact the Fl. Gov. Crist and the other contact people on my website and let them know we need The Jennifer Act law to pass to help those severely addicted. If you need more help, please contact me. Thank you. Sharon Blair
on October 29, 2009 at 6:33 pm | ReplyKim
I really don’t know how we as a society can afford not to have the Jennifer Act as law. Looking at the ‘big picture’ we spend more money bandaging and cleaning up the problem than it would cost us to fix it in the first place. Currently, money is spent on; extra officers on the street since addicts commit the majority of crimes, extra jails that include; officers, beds, food, electricity, water, etc. foster care for children of addicts, healthcare since most addicts can’t hold jobs, and court costs for the addicted that go in and out of the system like it has a revolving door. We pay more ignoring the problem than if we had provided the long-term treatment needed to help those suffering from addiction to become functioning members of society. Either way we pay. I have two nieces addicted to prescription drugs and over the years there have been several times when they were screaming out for help to quit, but without thousands of dollars there is no help. Neither of them can hold a job so there is no insurance and state facilities never have beds available.
One niece has had three children, none of which live with her and two of them required extensive treatment at All Children’s hospital for several months at birth. One eventually passed away and the other had around the clock nursing for the first two years of his life. He now does not require nursing, but he will have problems the rest of his life. He too, now lives with a relative. This same niece tried to get her tubes tied to prevent the pregnancies because she knew she was an addict, but the state agencies refused because she was to young.
Wouldn’t it be more cost effective for society to provide a mandatory two-year in-house treatment to fix the problem and then require 1000 hours of community service after completion of the two-year program than to keep people cycling through the system with no treatment of any kind?
on November 3, 2009 at 12:18 pm | Replykingblog22
thank you for writing your comments on The Jennifer Act. You know from experienec the need for treatment. I appreciate you writing to me and sharing your insight. Bless you.
Sharon Blair
on October 30, 2009 at 10:04 pm | Replylisa m
I am sorry for the loss of your daughter. Once I heard your story on Bay News 9, had to find out more. I SO believe we need state funded help for people addicted. I had a husband whom I tried to get help, but needed $15,000 to get him in the door. The BakerAct did not do him justice at all, he got more pills, with more of an addiction. My husband, Anthony, passed away May 3, 08 of an accidental O/D. He would be in a facility, for a little, then release him back to me with children. They diagnosed him as bipolar, gave him like 3 more bottles of prescriptions, and send them on their merry way.
on February 4, 2010 at 4:51 pm | ReplyJD
I am seeking help for my brother. He just got released from the hospital due to drug overdose that alost cost him his life. He is addicted to opiates and is having a very hard time trying to get better. I am very concerned for him and of course our family. I new Jennifer and went to school with her and am very touched that you are doing everything you can to get this law passes.
on March 17, 2010 at 11:06 pm | ReplyDana L. McDade
Sharon,
To say “you are to be commended” is a rather shallow statement, considering what you have been through and what your current endeavor is. I hope you are succesful but never doubt that your efforts, alone, are uplifting to many folks. Even folks outside of Florida can appreciate what you are doing in that state. You are inspirational, no matter where one might live. I live in Texas and I find comfort in your words.
My caring daughter was sweet to send your site to me. We have experienced some of that misery you speak of. Thankfully, God intervened and prevented the finality of losing a loved one, such as you experienced. Ironically, most of this occurred in Florida.
Although we now live in Texas, we shall monitor your progress in attempting to help the folks in Florida. It works anywhere. May God bless you and encourage you in your pursuit to end the terrible scourge of addiction.
Thanks,
Dana L. McDade
on November 25, 2010 at 7:29 pm | Replykingblog22
Dear Mr. McDade, Thank you for your support of The Jennifer Act. The bill has been introduced in Indiana on Nov. 16, 2010 by Indiana State Senator Vi Simpson. It is now Indiana Senate Bill No 22. You can support the bill by emailing Sen. Vi Simpson at: s40@iga.in.gov
You may also write to Sen. Simspon at: 200 W. Washington, St., Indianapolis, IN. 46204
Sincerely,
Sharon Blair
on January 17, 2021 at 10:55 am | ReplyPAMELA DEE LIBERTO
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I too am a mother of a struggling drug addict and no one should have to live like this! How do I get the petition for the Pensacola area in Florida. We have court this Tuesday at 8 am Jan 19, 2021. I cannot even talk to a lawyer until Thursday after the court, and it is the MLK Holiday this Monday. All the court and cops did was charge my son with 3 felony charges and released him from the hospital in 12 hours. Now my son wants to kill me, and I have spent all week at the court house and on the phone trying to find help and asking questions because I filed the Marchman Act and I was told they would take his phone and keep him at a minimun of 72 hours and it did not work at all. Going to jail is not the answer. He has been crying out for help, but refuses to get it. He has just suffered a very traumatic year of losing his dad at 59 yrs of age, and his life long dog and the neighbor at 59 years old, as well as covid and two hurricanes destoying the house he has lived in. I am on my third appeal with FEMA to get help, because he had no insurance at all except liability on his truck which got destroyed during the Hurricane Sally and he lost his job. I now have health insurance on him and Thank God! Someone, please reach out to me ASAP, if you have any suggestions. The system has failed us and even the health system too on my end. I was physically attacked at the Shrimp Festival and nothing was done and then my identity was stolen and I have been battling these two items for over 6 years. Nothing has been done not even through Crime Victims. I was also hit by a Mack Truck when I lived in Miami and did not even know what to do at all. Then went through Hurricane Andrew and lost everything. It has been a SAD life. Please, I need help!
See more petitions:
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.
By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.
Having problems signing this? Let us know.