The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a collaborative community response to domestic violence. It is the co-location of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work together, under one roof, to provide coordinated services to victims of domestic violence. The FJC brings together, in one place, numerous domestic violence organizations which represent government, private, non-profit and faith-based communities. While a FJC may house many partners, the basic partners include victim advocates, counselors, law enforcement and prosecutors. This strategic and coordinated utilization of services increases the potential of success for victims of domestic violence.
Survivors identified requiring aid with basic needs and/or sustainability services are linked to the Dream Center (DC) Program. Understanding the affects of trauma, DC practices from a Hope Centered, Trauma Informed Care approach. Employing transparency and trustworthiness, the DC, regards survivors with respect and empower survivors by providing access to necessary education, tools and support needed for physical and interpersonal safety. Basic needs to services that aid in self-reliance, including financial literacy education are instituted. To establish short and long-term stability, individuals are contacted by the Community Resource Manager, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or a Master/Bachelor level Social Work Intern, to assess and meet their needs by collaborating with on-site partners and/or community agencies. The establishment of short and long-term stability, utilizing on and off-site partners of the BCFJC is an essential goal. The program is a substantial role at the Center and in the realization of skill building and emotional intelligence of survivors. Services are accessible at no cost.
The Dream Center has practicum opportunities for social work students (who are working on their bachelors or masters social work degree) in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Based on the students' required hours per week, we can allow for 4-8 students a semester. We can host students who are available M-F 8a-5p (OR 8a-2p/11a-5p) if they are FT interns. We also accept PT interns who are available M-F 8a-12p/12p-5p (OR 8a-1p/1p-5p). We can compromise on scheduling depending on how many interns we accept for the semester.
Sincerely,
Elisabeth Galarza, LCSW-S