Purpose
To advocate for meeting the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder and child abuse in the State of California.
To actively work toward the prevention of such crimes.
To support the implementation of the provisions and intent of California Penal Code 13750.
To mitigate the impact of high Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) scores in children exposed to family violence.
History
In 2009, Blue Shield of California Foundation emerged as an early leader in the vision to develop a statewide Family Justice Center Initiative, the first of its kind in the United States. In partnership with Alliance for HOPE International, Blue Shield of California Foundation funded the development of the first 15 Centers in the state as part of the California Family Justice Center Initiative including learning exchange teams from all participating sites – meeting quarterly to support one another and share lessons learned. The California Legislature has also played a critical role in the promotion of FJCs.
In 2011, the California Legislature authorized the first study of the FJC model in a “study bill” and asked Dr. Carrie Petrucci and ABT & Associates to conduct an independent evaluation funded by Blue Shield of California Foundation (Petrucci, 2013). In 2013, the California Legislature added FJCs to state law with the passage of Penal Code Section 13750, creating definitions and standards for FJCs and similar multi-agency Centers.
In 2018, Assemblymember Tim Grayson lead the way in securing $10 million from the California Office of Emergency Services for California FJCs. This funding was for a two-year period which has helped the California Family Justice Centers grow and develop. Today, California has 24 open Centers with more in development. FJCs in California provide services to more than 65,000 adult and child trauma survivors each year. The CFJCN serves as the membership organization for FJCs. The CFJCN provides training, statewide coordination of services, promotes promising and best practices, advocates for survivors, and assists with research and outcome evaluations. The CFJCN advocates for the needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, elder and child abuse in the State of California with a focus on collaborative service approaches. The CJFCN will ensure implementation of the provisions and intent of California Penal Code 13750 which defines FJCs.
*Members only, please email william@allianceforhope.com to gain access through an enrollment code and sign up form.
State of California Penal Codes 13570 and 13751 legislate specific staff training requirements that Family Justice Centers and Multi-Agency Centers are required to meet on an annual basis. The California Family Justice Center Network Training Committee has identified various trainings that comply with this requirement and will update the trainings on an ongoing basis.
