It's a vacant lot with slightly churned earth on a side street in West Jordan. But in a few months, that land will be the foundation on which children in the southern part of the county will start to rebuild broken lives.
Officials and lawmakers Wednesday broke ground for Utah's sixth Children's Justice Center, which will be located at 2200 W. 8280 South.Children's Justice Centers are homey places where children who have been sexually or physically abused can tell their stories. To avoid re-traumatizing the child with repeated interviews, the police, Child and Family Services workers and others involved share the information from that taped interview.
Although work will begin soon, the center's advisory board is still trying to raise money to fund the project, according to Grethe Peterson, a member of that board.
"Of all the problems we see in the AG's office - and we have so many - the one that breaks your heart in two is a child who has been intentionally hurt," said Attorney General Jan Graham.
Calling it a "betrayal and abandonment" by people children are supposed to be able to trust, Graham said the challenge is "to get past the shock and deep sorrow you feel in your soul to ensure that child both justice and healing. That is a moral command to do that."
"I hope this facility isn't used," said West Jordan Mayor Max Hogan. "But unfortunately, that isn't the way it happens."
Salt Lake District Attorney Neal Gunnarson believes the new facility will be part of the long-term solution for "the walking wounded, the adults who were molested as children. They still carry the scars, still fight the battle. This will serve as a place of healing for a child who's been abused."
Without the healing process, he said, the children will grow up with shame and a sense of self-blame that will never be resolved. The center will help children learn that it's not their fault someone abuses them.
"This is one of the greatest concepts ever."
Salt Lake County Commissioner Mary Callaghan hailed the new center as an example of the strength of public and private partnerships. "Others call us for information on how to do this in their communities."
Jazz player Karl Malone and his wife, Kay, have been among the most supportive of the center. The reason, Kay Malone said, is simple. "We have decided to retire here. Utah is family and we want to bring our children up here.
"Everything is for children."