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 witnessed 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.
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
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
• Erie County Sheriff’s Department
• ECC One Stop Training & Employment
• Every Person Influences Children (EPIC)
• Gateway Longview
• Gay & Lesbian Youth Services (GLYS)
• Horizon Health Services (HHS)
• International Institute of Buffalo
• 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
