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District attorney: Family Justice Center South to open in National City this fall
Summary
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan told the City Council a regional Family Justice Center to serve South County will open this fall and co-locate victim services under one roof to reduce barriers to care.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced to the National City City Council that a new Family Justice Center for South County — branded “One Safe Place” — is on track to open this fall in National City.
Stephan said the center will gather services that victims of domestic violence, elder abuse and human trafficking currently must pursue from many different locations. ‘‘What Family Justice Center does is it becomes a one-stop shop. It brings all the services under one roof including the hospital services, the sexual assault exam, strangulation exam, temporary restraining order clinics, law enforcement, navigation for housing, educational opportunities, and trauma-specific services for children,’’ she said.
The district attorney described the Family Justice Center network as a proven model that began in San Diego County 25 years ago and has been expanded regionally to close access gaps. Stephan told the council that the North County Family Justice Center has drawn about 8,000 visitors and that the South County facility will replicate that model and architecture.
Stephan said the new center already has 23 partner organizations signed up and that it will be sited near existing services including the LiveWell Center and immigrant and veteran services. Chief Deputy Tracy Pryor will manage the South County center, she said. The DA’s office will continue to provide prosecution and direct victim services, but the center’s “navigation” model is intended to reduce drop-off when victims are directed to multiple, separate providers.
Council members and several attendees welcomed the announcement. Members asked about staffing and next steps; Stephan said the center’s opening is planned for between September and October and that she appreciated the city’s help clearing red tape.
The city did not take any formal vote on the presentation. Council members thanked the DA and said staff will coordinate as the project finalizes details and service offerings.
