CEDAR CITY — The Iron County Children’s Justice Center, which recently marked its 20th anniversary, is looking for a new director.
Stephanie Ward, who had directed the center since its inception in June of 2002, is no longer employed there as of the end of last week, Cedar City News has learned.
Details about the reasons for Ward’s leaving haven’t been publicly disclosed. Iron County spokesman Trajan Evans said the county doesn’t typically comment on personnel departures. He did, however, say that the job has already been posted and the hiring process is ongoing.
When Cedar City News reached Ward on Thursday and asked her for input, she replied, “At this time, I am unable to comment.”
In the meantime, ICCJC employee Stephanie Rainey is now working as the center’s interim director until a new director is hired.
The full-time director position, which has an advertised salary of $55,177, was posted on Iron County’s website on Monday. The deadline for application submissions is Sept. 14.
Evans, who is also a deputy Iron County Attorney, released a written statement to Cedar City News on Tuesday that highlighted the center’s recent milestone.
“As Iron County celebrates 20 years of the Children’s Justice Center, the County appreciates all of those who have dedicated their time and effort in the furtherance of justice for child victims of physical and sexual abuse,” the statement said.
“As we celebrate this milestone and those who have been a part of it, we look forward to the future of the Iron County Children’s Justice Center and remain committed to protecting the best interests of children and the community and to supporting the professionals who investigate and prosecute these cases.”
Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson said the work ICCJC staff does to support victims of child abuse is extremely valuable.
“There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes,” Dotson told Cedar City News. “Forensic interviewers are conducted by law enforcement agencies, DCFS and CPS. Children’s Justice Center staff record and transcribe those interviews. Victim advocates work with the child and their families to help connect them with services. We have contracted therapists and nurses who treat victims and help them heal. Prosecutors work with and help train forensic interviewing techniques and do peer reviews. We have had great community volunteers who help raise funds and support the CJC to ensure it’s a safe and comfortable place for child victims to tell their story.”
Dotson added that the Utah Attorney General’s office also helps provide resources and support to the Iron County CJC and other Children’s Justice Centers around the state.
Dotson said he and his staff are currently working to shift oversight of the ICCJC back so that it is once again directly under the purview of the Iron County Attorney’s Office.
Although the center gets funding from the state Attorney General’s Office and from grants and other resources, it also relies on private donations from the community, said Jennifer Davis, who is the board president of Friends of the Iron County Children’s Justice Center — a nonprofit organization that raises money on behalf of the ICCJC.
The first of two upcoming fundraising events benefiting the Iron County Children’s Justice will be the annual golf tournament that will take place at Cedar Ridge Golf Course on Sept. 9. The other is the popular “Dancing With the Stars” competition, scheduled for Nov. 15.
“We also have our 5K Fun Run in the spring,” Davis added. “Those are our three main fundraisers each year, but we’re always looking for donations.”
To learn more about Iron County Children’s Justice Center, visit its website or its Facebook page.
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