Family Crisis Network
From Grass Roots to a Valuable Community Asset
by Sarah Kramer, Program Manager, and Cody Francis, Assistant Director
M
ost people who encounter Family Crisis Network for the first-time state, “I never knew you existed!” and we reply, “Most don’t… unless they find themselves needing our services.” Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault are not usually a part of everyone’s daily vocabulary but unfortunately it is a part of several family’s silent struggles. FCN has been serving many of these families in this community since 1982. As a grass roots advocacy agency in a time when people wanted to help abused woman and children but did not have the legislation, support, or resources, volunteers answered a domestic violence hotline in the basement of the United Church of Christ while a few community members opened their homes to provide a safe haven for families fleeing from abuse. Since the beginning, the agency has moved locations several times but has been in its current location since 1990. As the years passed, advocates and lobbyist made great strides in providing laws and resources for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault victims and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was finally passed in 1994. The agency began to grow as resources became available to support a proper working staff and more resources became available in the community. Flash forward to 2021 and Family Crisis Network has become a multiple service agency providing advocacy, case management, shelter, crisis intervention, trauma therapy, and financial resources for victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault, victims of all other crimes, and the homeless. FCN also provides food, personal care items, winter clothing, tents,
28 Wise Guide | 2021/2022 Edition
sleeping bags, shuttle passes to Spokane, prescription vouchers and emergency financial assistance to persons in need. FCN provides a confidential environment with trained advocates who are there to listen and support while empowering survivors to make their own educated choices. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FCN was recently given funding to maintain units to be used for isolation and quarantine for the duration of the pandemic. We work closely with the medical community and emergency management team to help fill this need. In July of 2019 FCN expanded by opening a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for Pend Oreille County. Before this was available, child victims of sexual assault, abuse and neglect in Pend Oreille County had to wait for an appointment in Spokane to be interviewed and at times that could take weeks. This was not only inconvenient and stressful, but the process jeopardized the prosecution in their effort to hold the abuser accountable. Today, at the CAC, a child is interviewed in a timely manner by a trained, experienced forensic interviewer in a child friendly environment. The family can access resources from the CAC and receive support from the Care Coordinator. Resources include medical advocacy, legal advocacy, and professional therapy. Children are interviewed in a soundproof room with audio visual equipment, while law enforcement and related legal professionals observe in a nearby watch room. The team, then can follow up with any needs and concerns and provide a cohesive process throughout the case and beyond. We hope that having this process available in our community will encourage
