Welcome to Jessie’s Place!

In 2005, Jessica Lunsford, at nine years old, was abducted from her home right here in Citrus County (Homosassa, FL). She was held captive, assaulted, and murdered by a convicted sex offender living in her own neighborhood.

Jessie’s tragic death drew nationwide attention and sympathy; changing our community forever. Because of this tragic event, those dedicated, local advocates had an idea to utilize the nationally proven model of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach in responding to cases of child maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and trauma.

Impassioned and generous local volunteers along with community members worked tirelessly to put this into practical application for every reporting of child trauma or maltreatment, and “Jessie’s Place” became a reality when their doors opened for the first time in the summer of 2008.

This facility works to honor Jessie by protecting all children of Citrus County from violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.