Family Justice Center Partners and Their Roles
On-Site Community Partners
Buffalo Police Department –Sex Offense Squad (SOS)
SOS detectives investigate criminal incidents in the City of Buffalo in the areas of domestic violence; sexual assault and abuse; child abuse and neglect; elder abuse; violations of Orders of Protection; custodial interference; stalking; missing persons and offenses committed by juveniles. This squad is also responsible for sex offender management, child pornography investigations, and human trafficking.
Child and Family Services – Haven House
Haven House’s onsite advocates assist with safety planning, shelter options, court advocacy, counseling and referrals to legal and community services. Haven House operates a safe shelter (the location is confidential) that houses up to 36 women and children at one time.
Child Advocacy Center/Child & Adolescent Treatment Services (CATS)
CATS provides assessment and referral services to children who have been exposed to domestic violence. in their homes. CATS consists of experienced mental health professionals with expertise in providing the following to children and families: comprehensive treatment planning, individual counseling, family counseling, specialized treatment for sexual victimization, teen suicide prevention, psychiatric consultation and medication prescription and monitoring.
Crisis Services
Crisis Services, through their Advocate Program, provides crisis intervention and support 24/7 for victims of domestic and family violence, elder abuse, rape and sexual assault. At the FJC, an advocate will assist a victim in determining the services he or she needs and wants, including case management, safety planning, criminal justice advocacy, therapy, linkage to New York State Crime Victims Board Compensation, referrals for community services, housing needs and mental health intervention.
Erie County District Attorney’s Office
The DA is the prosecuting agency for all domestic violence crimes committed in Erie County. The office oversees all cases in the Buffalo City Court Domestic Violence Part, the Felony Domestic Violence Court, the integrated Domestic Violence Court, as well as the prosecution of misdemeanor cases pending in local towns and villages.
Erie County Department of Social Services – Domestic Violence Unit
Caseworkers in the Domestic Violence Unit assess claims of domestic violence made by welfare applicants &/or recipients to determine credibility, and to what extent the individual's safety would be jeopardized by fulfilling employment, paternity, child support, spousal support, or other welfare reform requirements. The Domestic Violence liaisons are also a resource for other county governmental divisions, and monitor the contacts of private agencies providing counseling and other non-residential domestic violence services.
Erie County Probation Department
The Probation Department’s mission is to provide community protection, reduce crime by lowering recidivism rates, to hold offenders accountable for their actions and to compensate and restore victims. With the Probation Department co-located at the Family Justice Center, they can be notified immediately if a probationer is engaging in behavior inconsistent with the terms of his/her probation.
Erie County Sheriff’s Department
Erie County Sheriff’s deputies investigate criminal incidents throughout the County of Erie. The Sheriff’s Domestic Violence Unit provides domestic violence advocates who assist victims in gaining a better understanding of the legal system and how to work with the various programs to achieve the best outcome possible for the victim.
Hispanics United of Buffalo (HUB)
HUB provides Spanish translation services, and assists victims with safety planning, sorting out priorities, accessing community services for basic needs, and / or attorney referrals
International Institute of Buffalo
The Domestic Violence Victim Services program at the International Institute of Buffalo (IIB) is specifically designed to help and support immigrants and refugees who feel unsafe or have problems in their marriage or relationship. No matter what your immigration status, IIB will use an interpreter to assist with the safety of you and your children. IIB staff will help you with court, safe shelter, a link to an immigration attorney, English class, employment or whatever else you might need to feel safe and independent.
Neighborhood Legal Services
NLS provides civil legal assistance to victims. Clients requesting NLS services will have their legal needs assessed, receive legal advice and/or appropriate referrals. Limited legal representation is available in divorce, child support, and housing matters.
Office of Court Administration, 8th Judicial District
The Court’s attorney at the FJC is the liaison for victims and the court. She responds to questions regarding court processes. Clients, can appear before a City Court or Family Court judge via video-teleconferencing located at the FJC in order to obtain a temporary ex parte (or, with the other side absent) order of protection without leaving the comfort and security of the center.
UB Family Medicine, Inc. – Forensic Medical Unit
Clients may request a forensic medical examination. The forensic nurse practitioner will body map and document their injuries. Other medical services and follow-up examinations are provided on a limited basis.
Off-Site Community Partners:
• Baker Victory Services (BVS)
• Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network
• Buffalo VA Hospital - Women’s Center
• Catholic Charities
• Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled
• Deaf Adult Services
• Erie County Central Police Services (CPS)
• Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence (ECCAFV)
• Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH)
• Erie County Department of Senior Services
• Erie County Department of Social Services (DSS)
• Erie County Probation
• ECC One Stop Training & Employment
• Every Person Influences Children (EPIC)
• Gateway Longview
• Gay & Lesbian Youth Services (GLYS)
• Horizon Health Services (HHS)
• Jewish Family Services
• Lakeshore Behavioral Health, Inc.
• Mid-Erie Counseling & Treatment
• Native American Community Services
• Pride Center of Buffalo, Inc.
• Salvation Army
• SUNY at Buffalo Law School
• SUNY at Buffalo School of Social Work
• United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
• Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc.
• WNY AmeriCorps
