P R E S S R E L E A S E _________________________________________________________________

COUNTY OF SONOMA

____________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Media Coordinator, Terry Menshek - (707) 565-3098 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook Date: June 25, 2013

575 Administration Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Phone (707) 565-2431 Fax (707) 565-3778

REDWOOD CHILDRENS CENTER MOVES TO FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER SONOMA COUNTY

District Attorney Jill Ravitch, Human Services Director Jerry Dunn and Health Services Director Rita Scardaci announce the relocation of the Redwood Childrens Center to the Family Justice Center, located at 2755 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. RCC provides interviews of child victims and witnesses in a soft room by a trained forensic interviewer. The interviews are monitored and recorded by the law enforcement detective, a sexual assault prosecutor and a social worker. This method of interview reduces the number of times a child is questioned, and more often than not results in the resolution of a criminal case without the child having to come to court. By locating this important service at the Family Justice Center, services are available onsite for all family members at a convenient location. Human Services Director Jerry Dunn was an early supporter of the move. This collaboration with other private and public providers of services for victims of violence will enhance the services we have been providing at RCC. Health Services Director Rita Scardaci supports the relocation of RCC as well. We are partnering with the Family Justice Center to enhance services at RCC, and to further develop behavioral health services for all segments of the population who access the FJC. We are now truly offering services for victims from youth to seniors, said District Attorney Ravitch. Wraparound services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse are available to citizens free of charge in one location. The Family Justice Center Sonoma County opened its doors in August 2011. Since that time, over 1,400 clients have received services. Onsite partners include YWCA, Verity, Council on Aging, Catholic Charities, Intertribal Council, Sonoma County Sheriffs

Office Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit and Santa Rosa Police Departments Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit. The DAs Office also has Victim Advocates, DVSA prosecutors and an investigator onsite. ###
The County of Sonoma is comprised of 26 departments and agencies that provide a full range of services to the community. It encompasses over 1600 square miles and is home to almost 500,000 residents. Sonoma County government has a history of providing excellent and responsive public service while operating under sound fiscal principles. Located less than one hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County combines in one location the beautiful Pacific coastline, award-winning wineries, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities.