Client Documents

You are not required to take our survey, but our Director says “we can’t fix what we don’t know is broken.” If you have two minutes to spare and are willing to give feedback on your experience with the FJC staff and services provided, we would appreciate it greatly.

Go to the Client Outcome Survey

If someone has a concern, issue or grievance regarding services at the Family Justice Center, they have options of how to work toward a resolution of that situation(s). Those options are as follows. 

• To speak with the Executive Director at any time to discuss any concern(s).

• To ask for a Grievance Form to fill out regarding their concern(s). This can be filled out and left the day of the visit or returned at a later date.

• To write a letter to the Executive Director of the FJC detailing their concern(s).

• They do not have to give their name. The form makes it clear that is up to them as to whether or not they wish to be contacted about the results of the concern/issue/grievance.

• If the concern(s) involves a partner agency, the director will then contact the involved agency/supervisor and advise the client when they can expect to hear back from that agency.

• If their concern(s) are not resolved in a manner that is acceptable to them, then they can ask to have their concern(s) reviewed by the FJC Board which includes members of multiple partner agencies. This entity will give an answer in writing. Options for sending a letter or the form are:

• Fill out the grievance on-site before leaving the FJC and request, at that time, to meet with the Executive Director.

• Mail the grievance to: 

Scott County Family Justice Center
Attn: Executive Director
641 Baker Hwy
Huntsville, TN 37756

• Email the grievance to director@scfjc.org

• Call to speak with the Executive Director at 423-663-6638. 

The Scott County Family Justice Center is committed to creating an environment that provides culturally inclusive services that are non-stigmatizing to all domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault or human trafficking victims/survivors regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (or expression), religion, national origin, age or disability, as well as to others from diverse backgrounds.

• Please understand that the SCFJC welcomes and serves all survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault or human trafficking who access services, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

• Please understand that the SCFJC values diversity and respects participant, staff, and provider’s cultures and needs.

• Please understand that comments and actions that put down, harass, stereotype, discriminate against or otherwise demean a person because of their racial, cultural, religious background, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, or disability will not be accepted.

• Please understand that you are expected to respect the diversity of clients, staff, and volunteers at the SCFJC.

• Please understand that you can report violations of this policy by staff, volunteers, or other clients to: Christy Harness, SCFJC Director. If you don’t feel comfortable reporting the incident to that person or do not feel your concerns are adequately addressed, you may report the incident to the Chairman of the Board or to the Title VI Coordinator for Scott County Government. The contact information for the Title VI Coordinator for Scott County Government is 423-663- 2000 or 2845 Baker Hwy Huntsville, TN 37756.

If you or someone you know is an innocent victim of a violent crime committed in the State of Tennessee, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund may be a financial resource for you. Victims and claimants who meet eligibility requirements may be reimbursed for medical expenses, loss of wages, and other unforeseen costs.

You have been identified as a victim of a crime as defined by statue. By virtue of being a victim, you have certain rights as provided by Article 1 Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee. These rights are stated below:

1. The right to confer with the prosecutor about their case.

2. The right to be free from harassment, intimidation and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.

3. The right to be at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.

4. The right to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.

5. The right to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of all the accused or convicted person.

6. The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.

7. The right to restitution from the offender.

8. The right to know about each of these rights established for victims.

If you are worried about your safety or are sometimes afraid of your partner or loved one, there is help available. To speak to someone about your options, reach out to our office. Your information will be kept confidential and all services are free.

We can help file Orders of Protection, connect you with an advocate from the Scott County Shelter Society or SAI's Sexual Assault Program to create a safety plan, assess your level of risk, and connect you with other resources from our partner agencies.

Your experience with abuse is unique to you, and your path to safety and healing will be as well. We will listen to you, believe you, and explain the resources that are available.

Scott County Shelter Society

• 24/7 DV Crisis Line: 423-569-3333

• SAI Sexual Assault Helpline: 423-539-6499

What is an Order of Protection?

An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal document signed by the court that forbids an abuser from contacting you or coming around you for any reason.

It is a civil procedure which means you don't need to involve law enforcement in order to get an OP.

The OP does not go on an abuser's criminal record as long as they abide by the Order. Violating the order can result in criminal charges against the abuser for behavior that wouldn't normally be considered criminal, like calling or texting you.

A judge can grant an OP for up to 1 year. You can request an extension of your OP before the end of that year.

Who can file for an Order of Protection?

• parties who are dating, have dated, or have had sex

• parties who are married, have been married, or share children together

• parties who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption

• parties who have lived together

• a person who has been sexually assaulted by the Respondent of the OP

• a person who has been stalked by the Respondent of the OP

Under an OP

An abuser can be ordered not to:

• threaten, frighten, or abuse you, your children, or your pets

• come around you or your children whether you are at home, at work, at school, at the grocery store, at church, or anywhere else

• own or possess firearms

• contact you and/or your children by any means including phone calls, texts, social media messages (including likes and dislikes), letters, emails, or through other people

• interfere with your utilities or phone

You can also request:

• temporary custody of your children

• for the abuser to immediately move out of the home you share

• for the abuser to pay child support, alimony, and/or part or all of the household bills

• for your cell phone lines to be separated

How to file an OP

1. At the Family Justice Center, staff will talk to you in a private room. They will ask you demographic and contact information about yourself and the person you want the OP against (Respondent).

2. You will write a summary of the abuse, why you are afraid, and why you need the OP.

3. FJC staff will swear you in and ask you a few questions. FJC staff will present your petition to the Judge or Magistrate who will decide whether or not to grant you the temporary OP.

4. If the Judge or Magistrate grants your temporary OP (this is called an "ex parte"), they will sign it, and FJC staff will give you a copy, and send a copy to the Sheriff's Office.

5. The Sheriff's Office will attempt to serve the OP on the Respondent and put them on notice of what they can and cannot do under the Order.

6. Once the FJC is notified that the Sheriff's Office has served the OP on the Respondent, they will call you to let you know that the Order is officially in effect. They will also remind you of your court date to go in front of a judge to request a permanent (1 year) OP.

7. On the day of court, you will go to the Scott County Justice Center (535 Scott High Drive in Huntsville) to meet with your advocate. They will answer any non-legal questions you have, go with you to court, stay with you during the hearing, and, if needed, help you leave the courthouse safely.

If your OP is violated

If you are in immediate danger or you are afraid for your life, call 911.

If you are not in immediate danger and want to file charges or make a report, you can call the Scott County Sheriff's Office non-emergency (Dispatch) number at 423-663-2245 or Oneida Police Department at 423-569-4255.

If you are unsure about what to do or have any questions, you can call the Family Justice Center to discuss your options.

Tips for Court Date

• Safety plan for court day with your advocate from the Scott County Shelter Society or the SAI Sexual Assault Program.

• Bring all necessary evidence or witnesses with you

• If you must bring your child(ren) with you, please make accommodations for someone to sit with them during your hearing or speak to your advocate about assistance.

• Cell phones are not permitted in the courtroom unless it is being used as evidence.

• Dress appropriate for court. If you would like an outfit for court, please contact FJC staff for an opportunity to pick something from the Dress for Success Boutique. This service is at no cost to you.

• Stay calm, no matter what the respondent says.