BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Family Justice Center is getting a new partner organization after the removal of The Open Door Network by the Kern County District Attorney and now there is new scrutiny on the partnership.
On Friday, 17 News began to learn of new details and connections between that new partner — Bakersfield Recovery Services — and the Kern County DA’s office.
On its website, Bakersfield Recovery Services describes itself as a substance abuse treatment facility. That has not been the role of the Family Justice Center, which had concentrated on helping victims of domestic violence.
On Friday afternoon, 17 News got answers to questions about the new partnership and about any connections between Bakersfield Recovery Services and DA Cynthia Zimmer.
The Open Door Network, the county’s most prominent domestic violence victims support nonprofit organization, fully moved out of the Family Justice Center a week ago. Bakersfield Recovery Services is taking that spot.
A spokesperson for the DA’s office said Bakersfield Recovery Services staff has “specifically trained and has knowledge in the handling of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault cases.”
The DA’s office also said the Family Justice Center will benefit from Bakersfield Recovery Services’ expertise in substance use disorder treatment — an area often closely connected to experiences of violence and abuse. None of those areas of expertise were listed on the BRS website, however.
There are connections between BRS and DA Cynthia Zimmer.
Bakersfield Recovery is part of a network of caregivers which all share the same CEO, COO and CFO. Another part of that network, with the same executives, is the psychiatric wellness center. The Psychiatric Wellness Center provides mental health services including treatments for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
One of their most recent clients was Zack Scrivner — Zimmer’s nephew.
The Psychiatric Wellness Center CEO made contributions to Zimmer’s re-election campaign in 2022. The contributions were made in two $1,000 payments on Nov. 21, 2021.
The Board of Supervisors is set to consider approval of the Bakersfield Recovery Services as the main partner for the Family Justice Center at Tuesday’s meeting.
17 News asked multiple questions about the new partnership with Bakersfield Recovery Services to the District Attorney’s Office. You can read responses provided to 17 News from DA’s office spokesperson Daniela Gonzaga below:
17 News: Why was the Bakersfield Recovery Center selected as the new partner for the Kern County Family Justice Center? Will the DA’s office be releasing an official announcement of the partnership [Friday]?
DA: The Kern County Family Justice Center has been operating since 2018, working closely with survivors of interpersonal violence who each have a unique story and set of needs. Over time, we have continued to grow and evolve in response to the community we serve, regularly assessing how to better provide safe, accessible, and effective services.
We are proud to announce a new partnership with Bakersfield Recovery Services, a partnership that will expand survivors’ access to behavioral health and integrated care. Through this partnership, we will strengthen support in areas including restraining orders, crisis intervention, counseling services, shelter and housing support, and other case management needs. This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward for the Family Justice Center and the thousands of clients we serve, reinforcing our commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.
17 News: Does the Bakersfield Recovery Center have the adequate services to help victims of domestic violence? Will they need additional partnerships if not?
DA: The Kern County Family Justice Center offers a wide range of services to support victims and survivors. Clients can expect assistance through Bakersfield Recovery Services from staff who is specifically trained and has knowledge in the handling of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault cases. Assistance through Bakersfield Recovery Services includes support with restraining orders, crisis intervention, counseling services, shelter and housing support, and other case management services. These offerings complement the work of our 21 other community partners whose services may overlap, ensuring clients have the autonomy to choose the support that best meets their needs. The Family Justice Center also benefits from Bakersfield Recovery Services’ expertise in substance use disorder treatment, an area often closely connected to experiences of violence and abuse. That’s the strength of a Family Justice Center, bringing together community partners with diverse services to provide comprehensive, wraparound support all under one roof.
17 News: Does the Recovery Center have a battered woman’s shelter?
DA: Bakersfield Recovery Services will be providing shelter for men, women, and families who have experienced domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault.
17 News: Has the DA’s office collaborated with the Bakersfield Recovery Center in the past? Is there a history between the two departments?
DA: The partnership with Bakersfield Recovery Services is a new collaboration for the Kern County Family Justice Center, and we look forward to working together to strengthen our efforts to prevent and address violence in our community.
17 News: Were other agencies considered in this process?
DA: The Kern County District Attorney’s Office considered other alternatives capable of meeting the evolving needs of victims and survivors in our community. This process was guided by a narrow and rigorous set of criteria required for partnership, ensuring that only organizations meeting specific standards were considered. In addition, we evaluated candidates based on the range of services, operating capacity, and ability to provide high-quality care.
After careful consideration, we are confident in the decision to partner with Bakersfield Recovery Services to strengthen our collective efforts to break cycles of violence in the community. They not only met the required criteria for partnership but also distinguished themselves through their commitment to trauma-informed care, making them well-positioned to support survivors on their path toward healing.
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