SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Bexar County Family Justice Center has earned Level 1 Trauma-Informed Care Certification, recognizing two decades of service to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related abuse, officials announced.

The certification was awarded by the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium and The Ecumenical Center following a 2024 assessment that included staff training, policy review, and site evaluations aimed at strengthening trauma-informed practices across the Center.

“The Level 1 certification reflects the dedication of our staff and partners who work every day to create a safe and supportive environment for survivors,” said Crystal Chandler, executive director of the Bexar County Family Justice Center. “Trauma-informed care is foundational to the Family Justice Center model and ensures survivors are met with compassion, collaboration, and commitment.”

The Center, which operates under the direction of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, established a multidisciplinary Trauma-Informed Care Working Group in 2024. The group, led by Nathan Hanson, an adult counselor at the Center, and supported by Haley Steele, Community Projects and Initiatives Coordinator for the BCFJC Foundation, brought together on-site partners to evaluate needs, expand training, and refine policies.

Trauma-informed organizations emphasize safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment to support healing. At the Bexar County Family Justice Center, those principles guide a coordinated response that includes law enforcement, legal advocates, counselors, and community partners working together to assist survivors.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said the certification underscores the importance of a trauma-informed approach in responding to violence.

“This certification reflects the shared commitment of our onsite partners who work together every day to support survivors,” Gonzales said. “Approaching this work through a trauma-informed lens helps ensure survivors are treated with dignity while enhancing our justice system's responsiveness and collaboration.”

The Center serves more than 5,000 survivors each year and is considered a national model for integrating services in a single secure location. It houses the District Attorney’s Protective Order Division, which, along with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, assists survivors in seeking civil protective orders.

Officials said access to protective orders has expanded significantly since 2019, with petitions increasing by more than 300 percent due to additional resources and improved coordination among prosecutors, advocates, and law enforcement.

Mary Beth Fisk, president and CEO of The Ecumenical Center, said the certification highlights the Center’s continued focus on supporting vulnerable populations.

“This milestone reflects the Center’s commitment to fostering safety, trust, and collaboration while serving some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Fisk said.