County advocates say a family justice center could reduce barriers for survivors

Jessica Cook and Lisa Tips described a family justice center as a single campus where survivors can access law enforcement, child and family services, county and city attorneys, crime victim advocates and other providers in one place.

"That way a survivor isn't having to run around town endlessly to get all of the things done that they learn that they need to get done when they are involved in these situations," Cook said, explaining the center would be designed around survivors' needs rather than professionals' convenience.

Speakers said the family justice center could improve outcomes by keeping survivors engaged in the process and by making it easier to access support services and follow-up care. They cautioned that realizing the center will require many partners and substantial funding, and noted the model has been adopted in other jurisdictions.

The guests framed the center as particularly valuable for rural residents who currently must travel into Missoula for multiple appointments: a coordinated campus could pair service navigation with tangible supports such as food, childcare and on-site warm handoffs to providers.