Duchesne County hears Children’s Justice Center report and discusses funding a part‑time forensic interviewer

The Duchesne County Children’s Justice Center reported a rise in cases and interviews for 2025 and asked the Commission to consider a part‑time forensic interview specialist to improve interview quality and court readiness.

Director of the Children’s Justice Center (speaker 6) told commissioners that the center opened 253 cases in 2025 and conducted 254 interviews, and that medical exams and multidisciplinary staffing also increased. "We opened 253 cases, and the interviews we had last year were 254," the director said, summarizing the center’s caseload and services. The director said the center provided 429 counseling sessions funded by VOCA and made 93 therapy referrals.

The center argued that a dedicated forensic interviewer is best practice and would provide continuity, training, peer review and consistency for child interviews that may later be used in court. The director estimated a part‑time position at roughly $28 per hour and an all‑in cost of about $51,000 annually when benefits and indirect costs are included. "For a part‑time position, it's about $51,000 starting now," the speaker said.

Commissioners asked how the position could be funded and whether other models—contracting with nearby centers, reimbursing officers per interview, or using VOCA grants—would be feasible. Commissioners and staff discussed options including housing the position under another county department to reduce indirect costs or pursuing one‑time grant funds to start the role. The director said some counties pool agency contributions or use contract models to share costs.

Separately, the Commission considered a short memorandum of understanding (MOU) to clarify the advisory board’s role for the center. The MOU states the advisory board will provide recommendations to the county and does not supersede county authority. Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to approve the MOU and the motion carried unanimously.

The Commission asked staff to return with budget options and more detailed cost models and to explore grant possibilities and interagency contributions before any personnel decision. The director said she would bring additional information and possible funding models to a future meeting.