Grass Valley Council Learns About New Family Justice Center
Nevada County officials described one-stop support services for violence survivors at the Nevada City facility.
2 min read
GRASS VALLEY — Assistant District Attorney Lydia Stewart presented information about the Family Justice Center to Grass Valley City Council members during the May 12 meeting. The center opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 22 and occupies space at 590 Searls Avenue in Nevada City. Stewart explained how the facility addresses longstanding challenges for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence across Nevada County.
“This visual represents the 50-plus locations that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault would have to go to within Nevada County in order to receive wraparound services,” Stewart said, referencing a sprawling chart of numerous organizations and services victims interact with. “At each location, they have to tell their story multiple times, become re-traumatized, navigate different intake systems.” The Family Justice Center operates as a co-located multidisciplinary hub where service providers bring support directly to clients in one safe space.
Clients begin with a centralized intake and assessment process handled by trauma-informed staff. Survivors then move to soft rooms designed with soothing colors, sound therapy from fountains, and other calming features. Service providers rotate into the rooms based on each person’s individualized needs rather than requiring clients to travel between agencies. Warm handoffs ensure follow-up appointments and connections without placing additional burdens on survivors.
Partners of the center include Community Beyond Violence for crisis intervention and restraining orders, A New Day for counseling, the District Attorney’s Office with victim advocates, local law enforcement agencies such as the Grass Valley Police Department, county child welfare services, and Western Sierra Medical Clinic for medical support. The center also coordinates with Helping Hands Nurturing Center and other organizations. Future plans call for on-site forensic exams for sexual assault cases and the development of a strangulation response protocol.
Nugget, Grass Valley Police Department’s therapy dog. Credit: City of Grass Valley.
The presentation featured Nugget, a therapy dog from the Grass Valley Police Department. Detective Chris Roberds, Nugget’s handler, introduced the Golden Retriever, which the Rüdiger Foundation donated. “Nugget’s primary purpose is first responder wellness because it’s important to us,” Roberds said. “We can’t care for the community if we don’t care for ourselves.” Nugget assists during critical incident debriefs for law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel and helps calm victims and witnesses, especially children, by offering breaks during stressful interviews.
Council members expressed strong support for the initiative. Member Joe Bonomolo described the center as “something that is desperately needed in our community” and praised the collaboration that brings services together in one location. More information about the Family Justice Center and its services appears online at fjcnc.org.