The Vancouver City Council has made a wise investment in our community by extending funding for the Children’s Justice Center. Other jurisdictions that benefit from the center should also contribute to the program and its important work.
The Children’s Justice Center was founded under the premise that abused children require special protection in the criminal justice system. As columnist Ann Donnelly wrote recently for The Columbian: “The staff includes trained advocates, detectives, prosecutors, city and county law enforcement, and experts from Children’s Center, Family Solutions, and Washington’s Department of Children, Youth & Families. They work some 700 cases a month, averaging 230 cases for the three victim advocates, a workload 10 times the industry standard.”
As Donnelly noted, the work often is hidden from public view because of the sensitive nature of cases involving underage victims. But when the city council recently proposed a reduction in funding for the Children’s Justice Center, advocates who are aware of this important work spoke up.
Council members now are recommending funding two positions – a victim advocate and forensic investigator – for 2025 at a cost of $283,000. But problems remain.
One is that the city of Vancouver is facing an expected $43 million deficit. Spending cuts are, indeed, necessary and will lead to reductions in services.
Another is that the funding is recommended for only one year. As Councilor Erik Paulsen said: “We can’t have this same conversation a year from now. There are structural issues that must be resolved.”
That is why other jurisdictions must be involved. Money for the center comes from the city of Vancouver and Clark County, split depending upon how many cases are referred. But other cities do not contribute, despite referring cases to the experts at the center. The Columbian reports that in 2023, Battle Ground, Camas, Ridgefield and Washougal sent a combined 134 cases to the center.
As Paulsen said: “Other partners need to bring themselves into the conversation. I would hope that they would share our values and see the benefit of making this investment for the safety of our children.”
That touches upon the substance of the issue. Budgets, whether in the private or public sector, are a statement of priorities, reflecting what is important to an entity and the people it serves.
As Donnelly wrote: “Entering the Children’s Justice Center’s secure facility, a visitor is reminded of the vulnerability of the victims: childish artwork in the hallways, tiny chairs in the interview rooms, colorful blankets and stuffed animals. Cases involve sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking, torture, violence, exposure to drugs. The youngest-ever victim was just 3 months old.”
Effectively serving and advocating for those victims is a benchmark for a civilized society. Notably, officials in Clark County and throughout the nation reported an increase in child abuse cases in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like the city of Vancouver, other municipalities throughout Clark County are facing budget shortfalls as jurisdictions adjust to the expiration of one-time COVID-relief funding. Difficult decisions will need to be made, and some cuts will be required.
But the Children’s Justice Center is an important investment that not only protects vulnerable victims but can help reduce long-term societal costs that come from extended abuse. Communities throughout the region should contribute to these valuable services.
