History

of the

The Bexar County Family Justice Center opened its doors on August 1, 2005. This exciting and challenging journey began in January 2004 following the announcement of available federal funding from the Department of Justice-Office on Violence Against Women.  The $20 million Presidential Initiative was patterned after an innovative approach to serving victims of domestic violence- the San Diego Family Justice Center.

In 1986 Casey Guinn, City Attorney for San Diego, California evaluated the formula for Children's Advocacy Centers and the feasibility for a "one stop shop" for victims of domestic violence.  In April of 2002 the San Diego Family Justice Center opened with over 20 on-site partners including counseling, food, housing, transportation, military advocates, District Attorney Victim/Witness Advocates and Police Investigators, chaplain, a forensic medical unit, and 55 volunteers, as well as an additional 15 off-site agencies. 

Guinn took his vision to Washington D.C. and in October of 2003 President George W. Bush announced his plans for a pilot program that would provide $20 million across the country for the planning and development for the establishment of comprehensive domestic violence victim service and support centers.

Susan D. Reed, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney, immediately recognized this incredible opportunity.  Her enthusiastic and creative leadership brought together a powerful and successful collaborative.  More importantly, she has kept the collaborative not only together, but brought growth and development.  Upon announcement of the eligible funds, collaborative efforts began between the District Attorney's Office, Bexar County Housing & Human Services, San Antonio Police Department, University Health Systems and the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative.  Throughout the planning process excitement grew and new agencies were added daily to the efforts.  In January 2004, several members of the Bexar County District Attorney's Office traveled to San Diego to attend a special conference designed for this grant solicitation and also toured the well-known San Diego Family Justice Center.  Bexar County filed their completed grant application on February 5, 2004.

April 2004 brought the Department of Justice and the Office of Violence Against Women as Bexar County was chosen as one of twenty-four cities selected for a site visit.  On Wednesday, July 21, 2004 Bexar County was notified that the proposal had been selected.  The site in Bexar County was the only Texas site chosen and was awarded $1,367,000.00.  In total, fifteen cities were chosen to build centers throughout the nation.  One of San Antonio's main attractions for the center site is the large military component and cultural diversity.  Both of these traits are part of what make San Antonio such a unique and exciting city. 

The planning of the Bexar County Family Justice Center involved over thirty public and non-profit agencies.  The Family Justice Center is housed at the old Brady Green hospital, now known as The University Health Systems-Downtown Clinic facility.  The Family Justice Center occupies a little over 10,000 square feet which has been adapted for the provision of services.  Efficiency and collocation are the mortar that builds meaningful delivery of service.

The efforts of those involved have paid off.  Beginning August 1, 2005, victims of domestic violence are able to access a variety of services under one roof at the Family Justice Center.  Each client has the ability to see any and all service providers at no charge.  The goal of the Family Justice Center is to take a victim from survivor to thriver.  Through the consolidation of services offered at the Family Justice Center this dream is now a reality!