Peer Exchange Guide: Family Justice Centers

• NCJ Number: 255477
• Date Published: August 2017
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-DG-BX-K001
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description; Instructional Material (Programmed); Factsheet

Annotation

This is a guide for community agencies and collaborations that are considering or have already decided on participation in a peer exchange event that involves an on-site exposure to and discussion of the policies and practices of a family justice center (FJC), which is generally identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services, as well as services to victims of sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, and/or human trafficking.

Abstract

This guide provides examples of FJC services that encompass legal services, safety planning, medical examinations, counseling, and access to criminal investigation. Agencies interested in learning more about FJCs may find a peer learning opportunity to visit established FJCs helpful. This guide for planning such a visit suggests topics for an agenda to be covered in the visit, sample objectives that might be achieved through the visit, and potential outcomes of the visit. A sample of topics that might be addressed in the peer exchange visit are the range of services provided by the FJC; a discussion with FJC leadership regarding planning, logistics, funding, and other resources needed for a FJC; and meetings with FJC local partners, including law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocates, and volunteers. Among sample objectives for the peer exchange are to determine what FJCs do, the resources needed for various types of services, and how to measure the effectiveness of FJC services. Suggested potential outcomes of the peer exchange visit are the establishment of a FJC or strategies for improving an existing FJC, expansion of services provided by an FJC, and increased FJC outreach. Online access is provided for information related to FJCs.