1 Catherine H. Johnson, M.S., Ed.S, LMFTDirector
2 About Me
3 Objectives Local statistics and prevalence of domestic and sexual violence Family Justice Center overview including implementation, services, and impact Elder Justice Committee partnerships and focused community engagement initiatives
4 Initiate partner violence is woven into the fabric of each of our lives.It is an epidemic in our country and is pervasive amongst all ages, economic status, race, religion or education The statistics are circular, startling , and connected. The child that is abused, is the adolescent that bully's, is the woman whose home is a battlefield, is the adult child that steals from is windowed mother… its connected, its all connected. Common types of abuse: Emotional Financial Sexual Physical Social Abuse isn't an argument every once in a while, or a bad mood after a tough day Abuse is a pattern of controlling behavior that someone uses against his or her partner Abuse is about power and control Abuse can cause injury and even death, but it doesn’t have to be physical Mainstream issue that we marginalize. We lack survivor support skills. Often we objective and blame victims for what has happened.
5 Key Steps in the Planning ProcessPlanning for a comprehensive access point began in Process included: Stakeholders readiness survey Nationwide analysis and research on best practices Development of a diverse steering committee and framework for operations and governance
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7 Guilford County FJC Steering Committee PartnershipsGuilford County Commissioners Family Service of the Piedmont Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging Greensboro City Council Greensboro Police Department The Corporation of Guardianship Chief District Court Judge Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services- Social Services The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Cone Health System Legal Aid of North Carolina District Attorney’s Office North Carolina A & T University's Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness and the Greensboro Child Response Initiative Elon University School of Law We are continuing to build our partnerships as many organizations and groups are working together to address issues of family violence in the community.
8 Governance Structure VOICES COUNCIL Working Partner TeamElder Justice Committee Executive Partner Team Guilford County Board of Commissioners County Administration Family Justice Center Department
9 The Family Justice Center ModelThe FJC is a point of access to: Services Training Partnerships Shared Resources Problem Solving The FJC does NOT: Replace existing programs Pay partner staff The FJC is a framework for service provision, not a service provider. The FJC staffing will consist of a Director, Receptionist/Administrator, and Navigator/Social Worker. The FJC Administrative Team will guide the operations of the center and support survivors in determining the services needed and/or requested.
10 Prior to the opening of the FJC, victims were traveling from place to place to get their needs met.The systems in place to provide support and assistance are often challenging to navigate leaving vicitms feeling confussed, frustrated, and unsure where to go or what to do. Providers have also felt the frustration of having vicitms not return for service or follow through as a result of all of the hoop jumping required. Prior to the opening of the FJC, victims were traveling from place to place to get their needs met Providers also felt the frustration of having victims not return for service or follow through as a result of all of the hoop-jumping required
11 Prosecution and offender accountabilityThe FJC approach is three pronged: Law enforcement Prosecution and offender accountability Social support, health and legal services
12 On-site Partner Agencies Include:Guilford County District Attorney’s Office Legal Aid of North Carolina Elon University School of Law Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC) Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Unit Greensboro Police Department Family Victim’s Unit (GPD) Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services(DHHS- Adult Protective and Child Protective Services) Family Service of the Piedmont Victim Advocacy Greensboro Child Advocacy Center (CAC): Kellin Foundation’s Child Response Initiative (CRI) Cone Health System
13 Core Services Provided:Safety Planning and Access to Shelter Child, Adult, and Elder Advocacy and Support Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Legal Services Electronic Filing of Emergency Protective Orders (50B) Medical Care Emergency Needs and Support Emotional Support Community Education, Outreach, and Prevention We will continue to evaluate the services provided on-site and these services will be guided by the survivor accessing the FJC.
14 Creating a safe, secure environment is an essential function of the FJC.The lobby area is all bullet proof glass and sheet rock. From the moment client’s enter the space we want to communicate to them that we take their safety seriously.
15 The center is just under 12,000 SF and specially designed to support victims.The area in teal to the right is law enforcement. GPD’s Family Victim’s Unit is onsite (12 detectives total) and the Domestic Violence Unit for the Sheriff’s Office (6 deputies) are onsite to assist with serving protective/retraining orders. The area in green is the legal, advocacy, and social support area. The blue area is the medical room staffed by Cone hospital. Sexual assault and domestic violence forensic exams can be conducted onsite. The light purple area is the Greensboro Children’s Advocacy Center- specially trained staff who coorindate with professionals to provide services to children who have experienced DV and/or SA.
16 Elder Justice CommitteeOur mission to be a diverse partnership committed to the shared responsibility of enhancing our communities knowledge, resources, and response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation Over 40 programs and agencies from across Guilford County representing home health, civil and criminal legal services, medical, advocacy, academic institutions, area non-profits, and County and City Government
17 FJC Elder Abuse Statistics Total Served: 300
18 FJC Elder Abuse Statistics Continued
19 Friends Against Fraud Our mission: To be a diverse partnership committed to the shared responsibility of enhancing our community’s knowledge, resources, and response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation Monthly collaborative meetings Over 40 programs and agencies from across Guilford County representing home health, civil and criminal legal services, medical services, academic institutions, local non- profits, and County and City Government
20 Our EJC Partners Advanced Home Care Booth, Harrington and JohnsCone Health System The Corporation of Guardianship Elon University School of Law Family Service of the Piedmont Gentiva Home Health Geriatric Consulting Services Greensboro Police Department Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services Guilford County Emergency Medical Services Guilford County Family Justice Center Guilford Metro 911 Heritage Greens Legal Aid of Greensboro PACE of the Triad Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging Senior Resources of Guilford UNC Health Systems High Point Regional Hospital
21 Friends Against Fraud Certification Program 2017HAVE AUDIENCE MEMBERS RECITE THE PLEDGE ALOUD TOGETHER
22 FJC Major AccomplishmentsCoordination of the implementation of electronic filing for restraining orders, reducing the average time for victims spent in this process from 8 hours to 3 hours. The District Attorney’s Office, with the support of the FJC and Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, secured funding to provide an additional Assistant District Attorney in Guilford County whose position is solely dedicated to working with victims of intimate partner violence and collaborating with FJC partners. Establishment of the VOICES Council, a committee comprised of survivors of domestic, sexual, child, and elder abuse who participate and support FJC outreach initiatives. Implementation of a robust volunteer program, securing student interns and community-based volunteers to support FJC operations and administrative needs. Conducted community outreach and education to 125 agencies and organization, reaching a total of 4000 people. Increased partnerships with community based organizations, expanding from 17 agencies to over 45. 1 of 12 sites nation-wide selected as a Camp HOPE America Readiness grant recipient from the Verizon Foundation. NACo Achievement Award recipient in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category. Elder Justice Committee chosen as a pilot site by the State Department of Aging and the Jordan Institute for Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill for research and evaluation for our work to prevent elder abuse and exploitation.
23 Goals Save lives! Make services for more accessibleIncrease and improve communication amongst professionals Increase successful prosecutions in domestic violence, sexual assault, child and elder abuse cases Increase community support and partnerships Family Justice Center work is about shared responsibly! We need the community to be the biggest partner as ultimately the community decides how offenders will be held accountable We are ONE SAFE PLACE with MANY PARTNERS and a UNITED MISSION In addition to providing a better coordinated community response, we are working with survivors to help build outreach and education programming to the community be better informed and more able to support those in need.
24 FAQ Do I need an appointment? No. You can walk in for services. You can also schedule an appointment. Where can I park? Free parking is available in the Greene St. parking deck and the Center is within walking distance from a bus stop. May I bring my children with me? Yes. We have a specially designed play room for children. Will it cost me to come to the FJC? No. All services are FREE. Can I get assistance in filing a civil action to obtain a Protection Order at the Family Justice Center? Yes. Can I return for additional services? Yes. We encourage you to take advantage of all appropriate services.
25 Contact Information Guilford County Family Justice Center 201 S. Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401 SAFE (7233) Walk-in Hours: M-F 8:30 to 4:30