Children’s Justice Centers (CJC) place child victims at the center of every decision, streamlining investigations, supporting recovery, and strengthening prosecutions through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. By bringing key partners together, the centers improve outcomes for children while more effectively holding offenders accountable.
The Children’s Justice Center Program supports the development, expansion, and continued operation of centers across Utah, ensuring that children receive services in safe, home-like environments designed to reduce trauma.
Through every interview, examination, and partnership, Children’s Justice Centers help transform fear into hope—guiding children and families toward healing, stability, and justice.
new cases
individuals served
Following a major legislative investment in 2023 and significant investments from counties and private donors, five Children’s Justice Centers across Utah launched new facilities or made significant renovations in FY25 to better serve vulnerable children and families. From expanded medical rooms to trauma-informed design and increased privacy, these projects reflect strong partnerships with counties, school districts, municipalities, and local donors. Together, the new centers significantly enhance access, safety, and quality of care in communities statewide.
Utah’s Children’s Justice Centers are leading the way in adopting the Care Process Model, a trauma screening tool developed in partnership with the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Center for Safe and Healthy Families. With one in two children screening high for trauma symptoms and two in five at elevated suicide risk, the model has become a vital tool for informed safety planning. Utah is now collaborating with national partners to expand this life-saving screening nationwide.
In FY25, the Program delivered comprehensive, specialized training to hundreds of professionals across Utah, including law enforcement, judges, advocates, and forensic interviewers. Topics ranged from child sexual exploitation and forensic interviewing to victim advocacy, multidisciplinary coordination, and emerging investigative practices.
