VENTURA, Calif. – The City of Thousand Oaks has been identified by the District Attorney’s Office as the city best suited for the location of the East County Family Justice Center (FJC). District Attorney Erik Nasarenko made the announcement today during the Board of Supervisors meeting.

“The key imperative here is to bring services to our east county to assist victims who are experiencing trauma and debilitating crimes,” District Attorney Nasarenko told the Board. “One of the core principles that we are establishing through the regionalization of the Family Justice Center is removing transportation barriers and maximizing access.”
Thousand Oaks was selected after a rigorous process to determine which city in the eastern part of Ventura County would be best suited for an FJC. Based on crime data, geographical factors, community input, and cost sharing commitments from municipal leaders, Thousand Oaks was selected. The District Attorney’s recommendation also considered a report compiled by Alliance for Hope, an international organization that has successfully sited Family Justice Centers throughout the world. The ultimate location of the East County FJC will be subject to future action by the Board of Supervisors.

“Family Justice Centers are game changers; they are lifesavers,” District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell said. “I am committed to working, to ensuring it is a regional asset for everyone in east county.”

“I am very excited that we are going to have these services in east county,” District 4 Supervisor Janice Parvin said. “I look forward to the future of our east county Family Justice Center.”

Several factors will go into identifying the ultimate location in Thousand Oaks. The building must be available for purchase not leased, it must be between 8,000 and 12,000 square feet, be near transportation and medical centers, and have open space for youth recreational activities. The search for a site is underway.

The Family Justice Center is a community support system that uses a holistic approach to uplift and empower victims and their families. The Ventura County Family Justice Center offers a comprehensive selection of services to Ventura County residents seeking a safe environment to recover, heal, and break the cycle of violence. The East County FJC in Thousand Oaks will join Ventura and Oxnard to become the third crime victims support services center in the county.

More information about the work being done by the Ventura County Family Justice Center can be found at www.vcfjc.org.

Contact: Joey Buttitta

Title: Communications Manager/PIO

Phone: (805) 767-3400

Email: Joey.Buttitta@ventura.org

Approved: SW

Date: December 18, 2024

Release No.: 24-153