Johnson County DA pitches regional “family safety center,” asks Mission for a modest contribution

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe told the Mission finance committee he and partner agencies are planning a Family Safety Center to give victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking a single place to get legal help, medical exams and short-term assistance.

"The purpose of the family safety center is to have a one-stop shop," Howe said in his presentation. He outlined services that would be co-located — legal aid for protection orders, medical forensic exams in coordination with hospitals, clothes and daycare for children — and said the planning phase requires an $80,000 engagement with the national consultant Hope Alliance. Howe asked Mission to consider a $5,000 startup donation and noted that several other municipalities in the county had already contributed toward the facilitation fee.

Members of the committee welcomed the idea but asked repeated questions about governance and costs. "As an independent nonprofit, no plan for this to become like a county program or anything at this time," Howe said, adding that some counties and sheriff offices might provide year-to-year support once a model is established. He also noted partner organizations on the project's board, including Safe Home and Sunflower House.

Several council members expressed caution about committing ongoing public dollars before the consultant completes a plan. One member asked that any city contribution be contingent on the consultant’s recommendations and clearer commitments about staffing and site selection. Howe said the goal was to have the remaining facilitation funds collected in the next 60 days so planning could begin in the spring.