Family Justice Center Becomes Reality…
Although Sacramento County has more than 80 agencies that serve victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, many victims are not aware of all of the services available to them and how to obtain them.
With support from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and Sacramento County Executive Officer Bradley J. Hudson, victims will now have a place to go where they can access all of the services they need in one place. “This will be an important resource for our community and we’re very proud of the work that’s being done to provide integrated services for victims of crime,” said Susan Peters, Supervisor for District 3.
Last week, the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) Board of Directors and District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert announced that a location has been secured for the soon-to-be operational SRFJC.
The SRFJC will be a collaborative hub of multicultural and multidisciplinary services, bringing together nonprofit and government agencies in one safe and inclusive environment for victims. From legal assistance with obtaining a restraining order, reporting a crime, meeting a victim advocate to learn about the court process, to counseling and finding safe housing, the Center will work to ensure our women, children, and men do not fall back into the hands of abusers.
The effort to bring a Family Justice Center to the community was spearheaded by former District Attorney and current SRFJC Board Chair Jan Scully. Scully stated, “On behalf of our entire Board of Directors, I am so grateful to all those who have supported and participated in the effort to make the opening of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center a reality.”
“We’re appreciative of all of the foresight, planning and hard work that has gone into getting this project off the ground,” said Bradley J. Hudson, County Executive. “Now that a location has been found, having a fully functioning Justice Center in our region will become a reality.”
The District Attorney’s Office has remained integrally involved in establishing the SRFJC and will be a key participant in this collaborative. District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert stated, “It is my priority to not only prosecute abusers and sex traffickers, but to also ensure their victims receive the services they need to stay safe.”
Located on Power Inn Road, the Center will provide a legal center housed inside the Sacramento Family Courthouse with a collaborative service center located adjacent to the courthouse. This will allow victims to access services at the Family Court site, where they must already visit for restraining orders. The Center will start with the legal services portion with the service center opening once interior improvements are completed in approximately six months.
For updates on the SRFJC grand opening and other news, visit www.hopethriveshere.org.
