Team Stuart Wegener

Stuart was named to the Meridian Board of Directors in 2023. He is a Diversion Resource Coordinator for Alachua County, and an Alachua County Criminal Justice Liaison.

Stuart is also a Founding Board Member for the Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF), which promotes community transformation through the power of philanthropy. His service with the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Oversight Sub-Committee includes advocacy for the Stepping Up program.

Stepping Up is a data-driven framework that assists counties through training, resources, and support tailored to local needs. These counties are currently Stepping Up to reduce the number of people with mental illness in jails: Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Gadsden, Hernando, Lake, Leon, Levy, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Polk, and Sarasota.

The Stepping Up recommendations include a three-step approach for gathering data:

1. Establish a shared definition of Serious Mental Illness used throughout local criminal justice and behavioral health systems.

2. Use a validated mental health screening tool on every person booked into the jail and refer people who screen positive for symptoms of Serious Mental Illness to a follow-up clinical assessment by a licensed mental health professional.

3. Record clinical assessment results and regularly report on this population.