Project Description

Missoula County and local partners are exploring the possibility of establishing a Family Justice Center, a one-stop service center for people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other forms of abuse. The goal of a Family Justice Center is to bring different services together in one location where survivors can connect with advocates, law enforcement, legal help, healthcare providers, and other resources.

Currently, survivors of crime in Missoula County must seek services from multiple locations – a process that is exhausting, logistically complicated and expensive. The Family Justice Center is a nationally recognized model that seeks to streamline this process by offering services under one roof and in one coordinated approach to support individuals and their families. By offering services in one location, survivors have a better chance of getting the help they need.

Missoula County and partners are starting the planning process to determine the feasibility of establishing a Family Justice Center in Missoula. This planning process is funded by a $700,000 federal grant. The goal is to fund a potential facility with grants, fundraising and other outside sources, not local property taxes.

The first Family Justice Center was established in San Diego, California, in 2002 through a partnership between the San Diego City Attorney and the San Diego Police Department. Montana currently has one Family Justice Center, the Northern Lights Family Justice Center in Billings, which opened in 2025. Click here to learn more about Family Justice Centers.