Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 06/22/2009

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Terry Menshek - (707) 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER KICK OFF PLANNING EVENT HELD
WITH FUNDS FROM CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT GRANT

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that over 75 community leaders, family violence service providers, public safety partners, and community-based organizations gathered June 18, 2009 and held a successful kick off planning event yesterday toward establishing a Family Justice Center in Sonoma County.   The event was possible as a result of a $300,000 grant provided to the District Attorney on behalf of the Family Justice Center stakeholders by The California Endowment.  The Endowment’s grant will assist in the strategic planning and implementation of the Family Justice Center.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “We were thrilled to have been chosen to receive these funds from The California Endowment.  The Endowment was impressed with our level of collaboration and community partnership in working to establish a proven model to help family violence victims heal and become survivors, help law enforcement hold offenders accountable, and ultimately make our community a safer and healthier place for Sonoma County residents.  Last week’s event really built on this momentum and enthusiasm.” 

Denise Frey, CEO and Executive Director of the YWCA of Sonoma County, said, “The YWCA Sonoma County and other community based organizations are proud to partner with the District Attorney in his efforts to bring a Family Justice Center to Sonoma County.  The grant from The California Endowment certainly signifies the commitment of major funders who realize that by supporting victims of family violence we are better able to make victims safer and hold offenders accountable.

“The Family Justice Center of Sonoma County was a natural fit for The Endowment's funding priorities," said Gregory Hall, Senior Program Officer of The California Endowment.  "The FJC model promotes inter-agency coordination and communication, which results in improvements in care for victims of family violence.   Rather than just adding more services, the Sonoma County FJC partners are committing to making the community’s existing health, social service, and law enforcement systems more efficient and effective.  I can't think of a better investment during this time of scarce resources."

Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane expressed support on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and pledged to see the Family Justice Center to fruition as a champion of the effort herself.  She said, “I am proud to be a long-time partner and supporter in this important endeavor. When I was CEO for the Council on Aging, we held many meetings of this tremendous group who share a vision about providing essential wrap-around services for family violence victims. As a former therapist who worked with domestic violence victims and someone with a long history in the field of elder abuse, it is wonderful to have a DA who champions the shared vision for a Family Justice Center.”

The Family Justice Center concept is recognized by the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women as the best practice in family violence prevention and intervention services. The Sonoma County FJC will provide and coordinate comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse, wrapping services around a victim while co-locating critical providers.

For more information on how you can become involved in the Family Justice Center, please contact: Hilary Moores at (707)565-1351 or via e-mail: hmoores@sonoma-county.org.