I am asking for the legislature to review and revise The Marchman Act to include The Jennifer Act.
Due to the recent death of my daughter, Jennifer M. Reynolds (age 29) and repeated attempts to intervene and save her life by following all Florida laws currently in place, (filing of the Marchman Act in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Hardee Counties on behalf of my daughter, Jennifer), I see the need for reforming this law.
Respectfully, the following revisions I bring before the legislature:
1) There are no secure beds in Pinellas County, of which The Marchman Act requires.
Therefore, I petition the state of Florida and ask for secured beds and facilities for the addicted under the new amendment: The Jennifer Act.
*note:
There are very few Florida state funded facilities currently available for the addicted for detox. Currently, the addicted can walk out of a treatment facility.
2) The enforcement of The Marchman Act changes from county to county within the state of Florida. Therefore, I ask for the new law The Jennifer Act. The purpose is to ensure revision of the law firmly in place in all counties in which it is filed in the state of Florida.
3) The fee for filing a Marchman Act petition at the courthouse is very costly: $400.00
Therefore, I ask for the new law, The Jennifer Act, and that this filing fee be changed and re-adjusted at an affordable rate of the cost of processing the paper work only. Currently the cost varies from county to county, so The Jennifer Act would make the fee the same for every county in Florida.
4) Currently, the Marchman Act “holds” the addicted person for 72 hours for observation and a professional assessment. Therefore, I ask for the length of time extended for proper medical detoxing, and a board certified professional (C.A.P.) evaluation of the addicted person. The length of detox varies based the substance and the individual, but in either case 72 hours is an insufficient amount of time. Note: intake specialist must be board certified.
5) Evaluation and assessment of the patient/ the addicted is critical. Therefore, I ask for the new law, The Jennifer Act, to supervise and oversee county by county all facilities by The Office Of Drug Control, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida.
The Jennifer Act would provide a watchdog team. This would hold the patient/addicted until a thorough and proper assessment and evaluation and stabilization of the patient/addicted has been approved by an elected board on staff at The Office of Drug Control. This is a three-fold plan.
a) It brings accountability to the state funded, state run facility
b) It involves another certified addiction professional, a second evaluation and opinion
c) It ensures a treatment plan that does not release the addicted immediately. This extra time required initially, will provide a time of intense residential drug treatment.
6) Incarceration is not drug treatment. Incarcerating the addicted is perpetuating a revolving door of repeating the insanity of addiction. It brings nothing of purpose to an individual and the result is of no lasting value for mankind. I believe in investing in people, regardless of race, creed or gender which can positively alter and change addiction behaviors and habits. It costs thousands of dollars per year to incarcerate the addicted. Therefore, I ask for the new law, The Jennifer Act, for the purpose of a network of Doctors and Certified Addiction Professionals -staffed by the Dept. of Corrections to evaluate inmates, including drug testing, mental, physical and emotional assessment due to their addiction. After positive assessment has been made of an addict, I ask on behalf of the addicted, they be given 2 alternatives/choices for rehabilitation and drug treatment vs. incarceration:
a) Faith based drug treatment
b) Secular drug treatment
The purpose of The Jennifer Act is that we as a body in the state of Florida, work together as advocates to better mankind, especially the weak, sick and drug addicted. For twelve years, I have fearlessly fought hard and mightily for drug treatment (through the Florida court system and laws in place, including petitions to many Judges and Magistrates) for my precious daughter, Jennifer. I am a voice for the castaways, the addicted. They are somebody’s daughter, son, mother, father, sister, brother or loved one. Often times, they have children, like my daughter. She has died at age 29 and left behind a precious little son, age seven and a family that loves her deeply. It is for Jennifer, my grandson Trey and others who have no voice and believe no one hears them or cares, that I write The Jennifer Act.
In summary, it has taken too many petitions, phone calls, letters, emails, and visits to get basic drug treatment for Jennifer – which is why I know first hand the struggle to help an addict. Most people do not have the time, knowledge, willpower or resources to accomplish what I have done, which is why I have proposed The Jennifer Act – so that they may have the chance to save their loved one.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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
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!
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?
Thank you and may God’s perfect timing come soon for those suffering and the families trying to help them.
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.
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…
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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
Wow where do I begin? After reading everyone’s heart felt stories I find myself also leaving one. I was looking for places to volunteer or maybe even to let one hear my families story of what prescrpition drugs did to us! On October 15th of 2008 I lost not only my mother but my best friend due to sucide from prescription pain killers and depression. My mother was depressed for years and has always been on meds so I never thought anything of it. But the following 2 years she had spun out of control and bcome very, very depressed over the thought of loosing everything she worked so hard for you see her home was in pre foreclousre due to refinancing of her home to pay off other bills which she was tricked into a balloon rate so her mortgage doubled the regular payment everymonth and she could not afford it bein a manager at a gas station and having a teenage son to care for. She tried for two years to manage everything on her own and tried her best to pay the mortgage payment but she became too tired and more depressed She had felt as if she failed her kids as she always put her kids and both grankids first. She was the type of person she always was there for somone when they needed help. You see drugs don’t only effect the person taken them it has now effected myself and my kids also my baby brother who found her that painful day. She took a bottle of Vicodine a bottle od Oxycodine and a bottle of Soma. She had spoke about it for sometime how she would be better off gone but she never once spoke of it to her kids she did however tell her mother that on several occassions and she just brushed it off as ahh you would never do that stop saying that when in all reality she was ploting to do so. I have never been so hurt in my life with the passing of my mom so many questions and dreams left someone who loved me and my babies unconditionally someone who was always there for her family no matter will be missed so much I cry everyday for not knowing how bad it was I wish we could change the hands of time and I can open my eyes and see how stressed she was but I can’t and I will never have the opprtuinty to tell her I love her again or to hear her sweet voice or just to have her call me and want to speak to the kids. My family misses her so much and I just want people to know help your loved one no matter how hard it seems they are having it so much harder you never know what is going on in their heads you never know…….Thanks for listening and I hope this act gets passed!
Is there anything that we can do to help get the Jennifer act bill to pass? The drug epidemic in our state is killing our children and too many have no where to turn for help. Please let me know how I can help.
We live in Indiana and my son desperately needs counsiling. He is being charged for a felony possession charge, reduced from a dealing charge. He is currently incarcerated and due to be moved to DOC. He needs help, not put in DOC for his addiction!! I would love to assist in helping get this law passed, not only in Florida but all states… Let me know if there is anything I can do… Praying that my son is able to kick his drug habit when it is released in Sept.
Hello. I read your email about your son’s need for counseling. From your email, you say he is now incarcerated and due to be moved to DOC. Is it possible for you to talk to his lawyer or public defender about his need for substance treatment? I would recommend that if possible. Also, if you can speak with the Judge directly and the prosecutor and let them know of his addiction issues, that would be helpful.
I don’t know what town your son will live in in Indiana. Wheeler Misssions in Indianapolis has a very good Christian substance treatment program. You may want to call them and inquire about their program.
The intake specialist at Wheeler Mission is Charles Dillard.
Thank you for your desire to assist with your support of The Jennifer Act bill. I ask everyone who offers or asks, to please write to In. Gov. Daniels, IN. Senator Vi Simpson, IN. Senator Errington (Muncie) and express your support for The Jennifer Act bill to pass in Indiana in 2011 and WHY we need this bill. It will assist the addicted getting help and treatment. Those in jail and out.
Thank you for writing and I hope I have helped you.
Sharon Blair
p lez nelp me 2 get a bill passed 2 take off the market and 2 close down the pain mg clinics who are giving it 2 the ones abusing it and the know it, and they are doing nothing , help to close down pharmacy ithat are popping up every where to make money i want to see this drug only wrote 4 peopl;e who were inttended in dying from cancer , reg pain mg take 3 yrs of docomentation from a primary care 2 refer with disabiling conditions , patricia
Pat, I mailed you the info on The Jennifer Act bill for Florida. Contact St. Petersburg’s Rep. Darryl Rouson to support The Jennifer Act bill draft and your local elected state representatives in your district. The more petitions and signatures you can get, the better. Let’s sound the alarm on the crisis of substance addiction and overdoses in Florida. I appreciate your support and that of your Al-Anon group. God bless your family. Sharon
what can i do to help get this bill passed?
Thank you for asking. I get asked this question all the time. I ask people to write to their local state representatives (Senators, Representatives and Governor). Explain that we need The Jennifer Act and why. The more support we get, the more the elected officials will listen. We need Al-Anon groups to write, as well. We need to pass this bill to save lives. It’s plain to see we need this bill or more will die. It is life and death when a loved one or friend is addicted. Whatever we can do to help them, we must do. Death is not an acceptable answer. Incarceration is not theraputic. It is just a holding place until the addicted gets out and uses again. The cycle repeats itself with treatment. Please write your Governor and state elected officials. Tell them we need this bill. Thank you for your help and support. With God’s help, this bill is possible! Sharon Blair
Ms Blair,
I am deeply saddened by the endemic prescription drug crisis with the youth of Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties. I am in the process of attaining my CAC, with plans to complet study for CAP, LMHC, and doctoral studies in comorbid addictions.
I am an alcoholic/addict in recovery whose life was saved by the involuntary interventions of Pinellas County Jail and Court System, AA and faith-based recovery services.
As a helper of addicts, in training, I wish to thank you from my heart and tell you, I, and my fellow counselors in training, support The Jennifer Act and the NOPE Taskforce.
I am aware that my ex legal counsel and current State Rep. Darryl Rouson is a supporter of the act with prejudice and it is my intention to contact him in support of The Jennifer Act. I will also encourage my fellow students to do the same.
If there is anyone in Tallahassee that is not in support of the act, I would like to know how to contact them and have my fellow students and faculty push the cause further with our numbers.
Ironically, in one of my classes, our work group is developing a proposal to bring a group prevention and intervention program into the Pinellas Co. Schools to educate and provide REBT counseling to 12 thru 15 year old students at risk for prescription drug initial usage and those who are using and likely to become addicted.
In closing, I pray that the dedication you have extolled to the re-writing of the Marchman Act, in loving memory of your daughter, will provide the resources, caregivers, and facilities to save the lives of our youth and be a model of effective eradication of the prescription drug crisis in our state.
God Bless and Keep You,
Dallas Collins
(SPC Health Center Human Services Student)
Dear Dallas,
I appreciate you taking the time to write to me and share your thoughts about The Jennifer Act for Florida. I am also working with the state of Indiana (Indiana Senate Bill No 22). The Jennifer Act bill was introduced Nov.16, 2010 in Indiana.
I am thankful to you and your class is exploring this bill for Florida and are willing as a class to write to FL.Rep. Darryl Rouson and also Florida State Senator Jack Latvala and share your support of re-vamping the Marchman Act to better serve Florida and those who are addicted. I have another friend in Indiana who is a college student and is working with her college class as well, to dofollow the process of The Jennifer Act Bill in Indiana and support the Bill with their resources. This is very helpful and productive as a class and also it explores and explains the legislative process of how a draft becomes a bill for each state.
Addiction is a killer of left un- treated. Overdoses are happening at an alarming rate in Florida. Over hauling the current and only bill in place in Florida is necessary in order to save lives. It has to be improved. I say this out of personal experience of filing 5 petitions in Florida to get help for Jennifer. I knew she would die with out long term treatment. It would take in-voluntary treatment for her to live. She knew it and I knew it. Thank you for caring and helping to support The Jennifer Act bill for Florida. God bless you and your new carerr in helping others who are struggling to live. Recovery is possible!! Sharon Blair
Dear Dallas,
Hello. Thank you for your support of The Jennifer Act. Would you please email me your mailing address at: SharonBlair3@gmail.com
I would like to mail you some postcards of The Jennifer Act for you and your fellow counselors in training at SPC Health Center Human Services. They could then send them to their legislators in Florida. (@ State Representatives are Senator Jack Latvala and Rep. Darryl Rouson. This is a pro-active way to get the Marchman re-written.
I am thrilled to hear of your class developing a proposal of prevention and education of drug abuse. It is critical and very important to educate the youth and teens.
Thank you all for your help. Sincerely, Sharon Blair
Web letter by Sheila Roesler McCampbell: Society needs to treat addiction holistically
The very predictable outcomes of addictive disease – wasted lives, drunken driving victims, shattered families, overflowing jails, disrupted workplaces, skyrocketing medical and insurance costs – are increasing in number and visibility. You and I – the taxpayer, spouse, child, sibling, co-worker – are paying the price and quite possibly enabling the vicious cycle. Most of us have been touched directly or indirectly by some form of addictive disease.
Most people have heard the definition of insanity: taking the same actions, yet expecting a different outcome. To wit, we cycle offenders through the legal system, suspend driver’s licenses, wonder why people don’t just use some common sense and scratch our heads as the heartache continues.
Fellow citizens and members of the legal, law enforcement, medical, social service and health insurance communities: Addiction is a disease like any other one might seek treatment for. It just isn’t often viewed or treated holistically as such, despite the well documented (and successfully treated) physical, genetic and mental health-psychological aspects.
We dare not turn our heads and tolerate lawbreaking, nor lose compassion for the many and varied victims of addictive disease or its tragic consequences. Dare we join as one to make a more earnest, comprehensive and family-oriented effort to combat this “cunning, baffling and powerful” disease, as Alcoholics Anonymous’ “Big Book” describes it?
Recent partnerships involving the local Department of Corrections, not-for-profits and private citizens are encouraging. Fort Wayne can and must do better.
SHEILA ROESLER McCAMPBELL Fort Wayne
Hello,
I am one of the addicted. I am 51 and within a month of receiving proper meds I knew something wasn’t right. I sit here 2 years later having lost everything. I have tried detox, taper, etc… and unfortunately the time needed to fully recover from pain med dependance could be as long as 6-12 months. The brain no longer produces the life-giving endorphins we all take for granted. After becoming dependant (which took about a month) I did whatever I had to not to be dopesick. Trying to work while recovering is impossible, never mind trying to bathe oneself. A truly debilitating condition, unless you give a dose of opiate to return to functioning. Sad but true and I can’t find the help I need. i now have no job, am 1 month away from homeless and will try the pinellas county health system for help. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. I DON’T WANT TO END UP DEAD.
Dear Darren- Hello. I have recieved your email about your addiction to opiates. I understand the cycle of addiction and the dependency on it and the dope sickness when you try to quit. You say that you are in Pinellas County-Fl. You are not alone and there are places that can help you. I will give you some contact numbers here for help. There is hope for you and recovery is possible. Let me know if these numbers help you. God bless you and don’t give up. If one number is busy or if you have to get on a waiting list- go ahead and give them your name and contact number-but call today. ~Sharon Blair
HARBOR HOUSE- Behavior Health Care- 727-639-1893
Ask for Bob Holmes (Director)Tell him I told you to call him for help with your addiction problem.
PAR Detox- Pinellas County-727-538-7243
OPERATION PAR- Wendy Danicourt (Intake) 727-422-1310
Assessment Center
ACTS-Detox Center- Tampa- 877-335-4673 (trained counselors will help you)
NATIONAL CRISIS HOTLINE and support network
CRISIS
Emergency 911
Poison Control http://www.aapcc.org 1-800-222-1222
Suicide Hot Line http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1-800-SUICIDE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
A free 24-hour hotline available to anyone
in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 1-880-273TALK(8255)
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A) http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org 212-870-3400
Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.) http://www.ca.org 800-347-8998
Crystal Meth Anonymous (C.M.A) http://www.crystalmeth.org 213-488-4455
Marijuana Anonymous (M.A.) http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org
Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) http://www.na.org
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) http://www.adultchildren.org 310-534-1815
Al-Anon/ Al-Ateen http://www.al-anon.org 888-4AL-anon
NarAnon http://www.nar-anon.org
Nope Task Force http://www.nopetaskforce.org 561-478-1055
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Hotline 800-237-TALK
Suicide Prevention Lifeline http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255
RELATED SITES
Addiction Recovery Guide http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America http://www.cadca.org
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) http://www.ncadd.org
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) http://www.nida.nih.gov
Office of National Drug Policy and Control http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
Partnership for a Drug-Free America http://www.drugfreeamerica.org
Partnership for Recovery http://www.partnershipforrecovery.org
Recovery Radio Live http://www.recoveryradiolive.com
The state heads in Florida whose offices are in charge of substance abuse and mental heath services: Office Of The Governor (FLORIDA)
Florida Office of Drug Control (Tallahassee) Bruce Grant: bruce.grant@myflorida.com
Phone: (850) 488-9557
His Assistant: Peggy Lawson: peggy.Lawson@eog.myflorida.com
Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health [Florida Department for Substance Abuse and Mental Health] Director Stephenie Colston: Stephenie_Colston@dcf.state.fl.us
Director Stephenie Colston : Cell Phone: 850-210- 2562
Office: 850-921-8461
Her Assistant: Lori Rogers: Lori_rogers@dcf.state.fl.us
TO THE BLAIR FAMILY: MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL TODAY. JENNIFER IS DEARLY MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND JENNIFER, LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU ALL, LINDA LIMA
hi Linda- Thank you so much for remembering Jennifer and our family. Today marks the 2 year mark when Jennifer died. Our lives are forever changed.
Thanks for all you do. By God’s compassion and mercy my son made it out after 10 years of hard core heroin addiction. From one mother to another, my heart hurts for you.
I have linked this page on my blog, hopefully it will help more people find the petition.
With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.
No, I do not have a problem with anyone sharing anything on my website that I write. People share my website all the time on their websites..this is about connecting with people and helping people….it is not for profit of any kind….just a ministry to help people who are suffering and their families who are trying to help those addicted. It is a lonely walk when you are suffering from addiction and also for the families who are trying to help them.
What can I say?……..sorry for your lost I understand your pain. I have a 14 years old son who’s addicted to smoke marihuana. He is a heavy smoker, he drop off the school and now is in a gang, breaking cars and houses to get money to buy drugs. I filled the marchman act in dade county, the cost was in Februart 2011 $40.00 and the judge sent him to an outgoing program; that never works because only my son had to show up Mondays and Wensdays and for the court doesn’t matter is he continued with his habbit.
He stole fom me $2000 a laptop at avery family member and friends.
Now he is at Fort Lauderdale hispital, but I think he will be release in 2 or 3 days, and after that what!…….he can not kive with me or his mom house he runs away.
This is a nightmare for me and everybody else who loves him. I ry to help, you know he is only 14 years old.
Anyway I will continie my fight against the law because I believe is a big hole and the goverment do not whant to invets in help and as a United States citizens any addict should be have right to treat the illines or mental issues. The police is waiting to close my son as soon he does somthing stupid as a robbery with a gun, but why to wait until that point we need help now.
If I can contribiute in anyway in this jennifer act please do not hesitate to contact me
thank you
Dear Marcelo,
I am so sorry to hear about your son’s addiction issues. This is a devastating and heartbreaking experience to go through, I know. If you can speak to the Judge who has ordered the outgoing program and let him know your son is getting worse and perhaps he could court order him to a substance treatment program for his drug addiction issues. Teen Challenge in Florida is a very good program. A Judge can order addicts to Teen Challenge or another treatment facility. To support The Jennifer Act, please contact your local state Senator and Representative in Dade County, and tell them we need this bill to pass in Florida and why. They can co-sponsor the bill with FL. Senator Jack Latvala.
I pray you can speak to the Judge and explain your son’s very serious situation with drug abuse and he can order him to get help. Thank you for writing to me, Marcelo. If I can help further, please let me know.
Sharon Blair
Pingback: NA Narcotics Anonymous
Am reading the Jennifer act in search of help for my son in Gainesville. Im so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine what you have gone thru, knowing I am facing the same truth, my heart pours out to you and your family. I had a marchman act served on my son yesterday at 2:00 thanking God my son and his pregnant wife were safe…. he climbed the fence and left. The sheriffs dept cant pick him up when he returned home at 3:00 am this morning as they said it was just for testing and evaluating. The detox center now lets me know the person can just say he doesnt want to be there, and leave. Nothing holding them. His pregnant wife had to call paramedics as she was so upset she was having pain. Im sure he is angry. Will go to Gainesville and try and talk to him, however if your an addict there is no reasoning. PLEASE keep us in your prayers. I pray this passes. God Bless you for your determination to help other families in the same situation.
Hi I would like some information on how we can get something like this in our state
of Virginia?I am so heartbroken. My husband of 22years is relapsed and we are devastated. He relapsed in August of this year.Is there no help for us?What can we do to get that here?
Ross
Hello there, You have performed an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
I have a sister that has been struggling for just a few years now. She started with Vicodin and now is a drinker. She was in a marriage where she was extremely unhappy, but chose to not leave because of the kids, so instead of walking away she chose to just numb her pain with pills or alcohol. Now she is divorced and has cause herself to be addicted. In the past 2 years she has almost killed herself from her choices from being so drunk. She has been in and out of detox and treatment centers numerous times, but they will only hold her for 72 hours then release her. It seems like every episode she has gotten worse now. She now contemplates her death when she is drunk. She has inflicted violence on our mother and husband and beats her head on the ground when she is drunk! She has fallen down stairs and had to have stitches in her head as well. The hardest thing is that when she sobers up she is completely normal. That is the hardest part about having anyone take her serious about needing help. She has learned to manipulate people to think she is fine and doesn’t need help. Then a week passes and she is back at it again! I fear for her life, but it doesn’t seem like anyone cares! No one will listen to her family on how sick she is!! I sit and wait for the phone to ring some day saying she has finally killed herself! I am at a loss for where to turn to save my sister! If she doesn’t want to or can’t save herself…who will?? I don’t want my sister to be taken by these evil demons that she suffers from! Is there information that I can get for the state of Texas on how to help??