I am honored to serve as the President for the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency for the 2023-   2024   year. With mental health issues on the rise, the theme for this year is Mental Health in Criminal       Justice: Crisis   or Opportunity.

 As criminal justice professionals, we have an obligation to provide the best opportunities for success   for   those in   our care suffering from mental health issues. That said, the jobs we do are quite taxing   whether   you work in   juvenile justice, corrections, policing, courts or another branch of the criminal   justice system.  Not only do our   clients need assistance, but staff do as well. Staff wellness is   important,  as our staff are  our greatest asset. We   will focus on staff wellness and mental health for   them as well.

 I look forward to working with you all to make this year productive and educational on mental health.   Our 94^th   Annual Training institute is scheduled at the beautiful Tradewinds resort in St. Petersburg   Florida and I look     forward to seeing you all there.

                                          My door is open for innovative ideas on how we can improve FCCD.

                                          Sincerely,   Laura E. Bedard, Ph.D.