Frequently Asked Questions (Clients)

Do I need an appointment?

No. You can make an appointment but it is not necessary. All you need to do is go to the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County or call: 711 E. Colfax Avenue South Bend, IN 46617 574-234-6900

Where do I park?

You can park in the lot adjacent to the building. Security cameras monitor parking lot activity

Do I have to pay for parking?

No, parking is free.

Can I bring my children with me?

Yes, bring your children. We have a children's play room where you children can play supervised while you are receiving services.

May I bring a friend with me for support?

Yes, you can bring a friend. However, when you talk to one of our professionals on-site your friend may be asked to wait for you in another room.

What kind of services are offered at the FJC?

- Civil/legal assistance
- Information regarding orders of protection
- Crisis intervention
- Counseling for children, adolescents, and adults
- Substance abuse assessments
- Supervised play room for children
- Criminal investigations
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate services
- Employment and training assistance
- Assessments for children who witness domestic violence
- Domestic violence advocates
- Spiritual Care services
- Prenatal counseling

Frequenty Asked Questions (Supporters)

What is the President's Family Justice Center Initiative?

It is a pilot program of the Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, to establish 15 comprehensive domestic violence victim support centers throughout the country. The centers bring together under one roof service providers from many organizations - domestic violence victim services, prosecution, probation, law enforcement, medical services, civil legal assistance, chaplains and other community-based services

Why create such an initiative?

The goal is to improve access to services for victims. Because victims who want to leave an abusive relationship have to tell their story over and over again to professionals who may be scattered throughout a community, the frequently do not seek the help they need. To get the support necessary to escape their situation, survivors typically need to visit at least 20 different offices, often with children in tow, and typically at the most dangerous point in the abusive relationship - the time of leaving. The FJC concept facilitates the search for help and justice by bringing the services together under one roof.

What is the relationship between the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph county and the President's Initiative?

In 2004, the Office of Violence Against Women identified St. Joseph County as one of just 15 communities nationwide out of 400 applicants to be awarded financial support from the federal government to enact this new, model response.

What do we know about victims of domestic violence locally?

In St. Joseph County, police respond to approximately 8,000 domestic violence calls a year. Since the Department of Justice estimates that only 54% of the intimate partner violence is reported to authorities, it is reasonable to assume there are at least 16,000 local incidental of domestic violence annually. Most victims are women. Most have children. Victims come from all walks of life, income levels, races and religions.

How can I help right now?

-Make a financial donation. The Family Justice Center of St. Joseph is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are gratefully accepted, frugally utilized, and tax deductible to the extent of law. Click here to donate

-Purchase an item from our Wish List. Call 574-234-6900 for our most current needs

-Join the Family Justice Center's Volunteer Program. Call 574-234-6900 for more information.