Family Justice Center Alliance
California Passes First FJC Legislation in America
From Left: Cherri Allison, Nancy O'Malley, Sen. Christine Kehoe, Laura Colgate, Sgt. Judy Weber, Vennette Hueso, Chief John Welter, and Michael Burke showing their support for SB 557 in Sacramento
In October, Governor Jerry Brown signed the first FJC legislation in the United States. The FJCAsponsored SB 557 (Kehoe) creates a study to evaluate four Family Justice Centers in California – San Diego, Anaheim, Alameda County, and Sonoma County. It also includes a definition of Family Justice Centers, key service standards for each Center, special confidentiality protections for client information, and a reporting mechanism back to the State Legislature. Dr. Carrie Petrucci and Wendi Siebold from EMT Associates were selected by the FJCA, in a competitive process, to conduct the research project. We want to particularly thank Senator Christine Kehoe for her visionary leadership and support for this important legislation in California. The research is being funded by the Blue Shield of California Foundation.