Ogden's heart is set to beat a bit stronger come May with the completion of the new Weber-Morgan Children’s Justice Center (CJC). Located at 1845 Jackson Ave., this essential facility is currently under construction, marking a new chapter in community synergy and a commitment to the well-being of children impacted by crime. As reported by Weber County, the new CJC will boast enhanced confidentiality, an increased capacity for services, and joint training spaces for various community partners.
The new center is a group effort, with every city in Weber County chipping in, "Every city in Weber County contributed funds to the construction of the new center. We’re very grateful to the cities, the Weber County commissioners and employees, Ogden School District, Friends of the Weber/Morgan CJC, the LDS Church and other individual private donors," said Rod Layton, the former director of the CJC, as per Weber County. Notable among the donors is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which contributed a generous $300,000 to the project, their funds earmarked for vital services including medical and interview room equipment, comfort items, and mental health services for visiting children.
A child's comfort and safety are paramount to the CJC's mission. The center’s design is intentional, with a child-friendly atmosphere that eases the apprehension a child may feel when discussing abuse. "When children come to the CJC they are often hesitant because they are nervous to disclose what has happened to them," Layton said, as obtained by Weber County. "We start reducing that trauma the moment they walk in the door." Specially trained interviewers aim to minimize additional trauma that can be caused by repeated discussions of their experiences.
Support for the victims of these crimes doesn't stop with conversation but continues across a spectrum of services provided by the CJC. An in-house examination room brings together medical professionals from Primary Children's Hospital's Safe and Healthy Families Department, ensuring health needs are met, including the collection of forensic evidence. A multidisciplinary team, guided by the Weber County Attorney’s Office, is tasked with case review, guaranteeing comprehensive care for each child. The team encompasses law enforcement, DCFS, prosecutors, and mental health specialists among others, determined to support the impacted children as they reintegrate into their families, schools, and communities.
