At a recent session of the Erie County Legislature, Majority Leader Lynn Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) approved an initiative to create a Family Justice Center in Erie County.

The effort will co-locate law enforcement, judicial staff, civil legal counsel, domestic violence service providers, medical services, child care, chaplaincy and information systems in one central location in downtown Buffalo easily accessible to victims of family violence. The Center will also form direct links to other services such as shelters, specialized services and parenting classes.

"This project takes a vital leap forward in providing a one-stop resource for families dealing with domestic violence," said Legislator Marinelli, who has served the community for 18 years as an advocate of family violence issues, as Chair of the Coalition Against Family Violence and a leader in many local efforts.

Erie County will receive $945,712, a 100% federally funded grant from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women. The Erie County Coordinating Council on Children and Families was one of fifteen grant recipients awarded nationally, out of over 150 applicants. The project will run for a minimum of 18-months.

The goals of the Family Justice Center include:

• Improved victim safety and reduction of domestic violence and child abuse through improved standardized individual safety plans, advocacy and legal assistance, and the opportunity to obtain orders of protection,



• Increased offender accountability and reduction of domestic violence homicides through improved investigations, forensic evidence, and case development, enhanced law enforcement and judicial training and improved information sharing, and



• Promotion of a coordinated community response for domestic violence grounded in the principles of zero tolerance, and enhanced prevention and outreach activities.

Erie County will contract with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County to establish the Family Justice Center.

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