College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists

Steve Leifman, JD

Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: Constructing a Comprehensive and Competent Criminal Justice/Mental Health Treatment System

The deinstitutionalization of psychiatric facilities has been a major factor that has led to the current crisis of the criminalization of the mentally ill.  Judge Steven Leifman, a Miami-Dade County Judge who has also served as Special Advisor on Criminal Justice and Mental Health for the Supreme Court of Florida, is responsible for chairing the Court’s Mental Health Subcommittee.  He and his group authored a ground-breaking report entitled, Transforming Florida’s Mental Health System.

During his presentation, Judge Leifman will discuss new and effective strategies that are being developed and employed to transform the mental health system.  He will address ways that providers can assist those with mental health disorders to maneuver the criminal justice system to minimize burden.  Additionally, he will discuss how pharmacists and other health care professionals can get involved in a legislative manner to help transform the mental health system.

Listen to NPR Interview with Judge Leifman