The purpose of the Children’s Justice Act (CJA) Grant is to improve the investigation, prosecution and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child victim. The grant is intended to improve state processes for responding to child abuse and neglect. Funding for CJA comes from the Crime Victims Fund. To learn more, please see the CJA 101 Factsheet» .

More Information about CJA Task Force

CJA Task Force Membership

• Prosecuting Attorney: Stacy Neil, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office
• Court Appointed Special Advocate: Stephanie Brown, Oregon CASA Network
• Parent and/or Representative of Parent Group: Patty Terzian, Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center
• Criminal Court Judge: Hon. Andrew R Erwin, Washington County Circuit Court
• Defense Attorney: Emily Cohen
• Lived Experience Expert: Vacant
• Civil Court Judge: Vacant
• Person with Experience Working with Children with Disabilities: Vacant
• Person with Experience with Homeless Children: Vacant
• Child Protective Services: Kristen Khamnohack , DHS Child Welfare
• Health Professional: Vacant
• Health Professional: Natalya Miller, Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County
• Child Advocate/Attorney for Children: Hannah Vaughn, Child Advocacy and Protection Division, Oregon Dept. of Justice
• Law Enforcement: Amy Ford, Hermiston Police Department
• Mental Health Professional: Damon Holland, Community Counseling Solutions
• Additional Member/CAMI AC Member: Patricia Perlow, Kids FIRST
• Additional Member/CAMI AC Member: Tina Morgan, Independent Consultant
• Additional Member/CAMI AC Member: April Aamodt, Gilliam County Victim Assistance Program