Article Source: San Mateo County - CA

Supervisors Approve Targeted Positions Focused on Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking and Survivor Support
February 13, 2026


Redwood City — San Mateo County Supervisors this week approved funding to support eight new public safety positions focused on domestic violence, human trafficking and survivor support.

The $831,829 investment will strengthen the County’s human trafficking initiative, provide staffing for the new Family Justice Center and add two criminalists to meet growing demand for forensic testing, including DNA analysis.

“Survivors of all backgrounds need more critical support in San Mateo County,” Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo said. “Staffing the Family Justice Center moves us one step closer to opening the doors to a clear path towards safety, healing and a life free of abuse.”

Now under development, the Family Justice Center is designed to deliver a coordinated, survivor-centered response to domestic violence and other forms of abuse by bringing law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates and service providers together in one location.

By offering services in a single, safe setting, the center will reduce the number of times survivors must recount traumatic experiences and limit the number of offices they must visit to seek justice and assistance. The center will include both public agencies and private partners co-locating services.

To combat human trafficking, the Board approved new positions to expand public education and prevention while strengthening coordination among public agencies and community-based organizations that support survivors.

The Sheriff’s Office will add one criminalist to the Forensic Biology DNA Unit and one to the Controlled Substances Unit to help reduce case backlogs and keep pace with rising caseloads and ongoing demand.

Officials said the eight positions respond to immediate demands in critical areas.

The Board’s 5-0 approval came at its regular meeting Tuesday, following an update from staff on the County’s FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget, which highlights continued uncertainty around state and federal funding.

County staff will continue tracking economic conditions and funding changes as they prepare the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.

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