For Immediate Release

Circuit Court for Prince George’s County Opens Family Justice Center

(UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – June 3, 2016)  The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County is opening a Family Justice Center to provide coordinated services for victims of abuse and their children in a convenient one-stop setting near the Courthouse.  A grand opening celebration will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. at the Family Justice Center, 14757 Main St., Upper Marlboro.

The Family Justice Center is the first of its type in Prince George’s County and brings together services from 19 providers to help abuse victims and their children in a single facility.  Services include safety planning, counseling, legal assistance, and social services to help victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, teen relationship violence, and elder abuse.

The 13,000-square foot building is within 100 yards of the Courthouse and was used to house the District Court before being converted to law offices after the Bourne Wing was erected in 1991.  When Prince George’s County officials recommended renovating the space for the new Family Justice Center, Seventh Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge Sheila R. Tillerson Adams thought it was a “perfect” location given its proximity to the Courthouse.  “When their hearings are concluded, victims can simply walk out of the commissioners’ entrance of the courthouse and proceed across the driveway to the Family Justice Center, where they will find all of the resources they need in a welcoming and secure environment,” Judge Adams said.

“This opening marks the culmination of seven years of planning and work in Prince George’s County and the ongoing collective efforts of providers throughout the county to eradicate domestic violence in our community,” said Judge Adams.

To create the new facility, the Circuit Court has collaborated with a host of Prince George’s County agencies and nonprofit organizations, most of which are located within the Family Justice Center.

The grand opening event is open to the public.  To attend, RSVP by Tuesday, June 7, to Lisette DuPree at 301-780-2063 or [email protected].

Please note for the grand opening:  The Family Justice Center’s entrance is located across the driveway from the Prince George’s County Courthouse commissioners’ entrance.

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