Family Resource Center outlines child-abuse-prevention programs and local caseload

Linda Johnson, director of the Family Resource Center, gave commissioners an overview of the center’s mission and services, which she summarized as preventing child abuse by strengthening families. Johnson said the center operates five programs and maintains waiting lists for each; she estimated the organization regularly serves more than 100 families at a time, with most households including multiple children.

Johnson noted that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and discussed outreach and awareness activities, including blue pinwheels as a public symbol. She described work with the Mountain Judicial Circuit family courts, including parenting classes, supervised family visits, and in-home visitation to ensure safe reunifications. Johnson said the center works with families affected by substance use disorders and that anticipated opioid-related funds would support family-centered interventions.

Commissioners thanked Johnson for the presentation and asked about the center’s court relationship; Johnson said staff provide in-home monitoring and parenting classes and coordinate with courts on supervised visits and reunifications.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the center’s workload and indicated support; the presentation served as an informational briefing ahead of potential funding decisions and coordination on family services.