#### ![](media/image1.png){width="0.8166666666666667in" height="1.0in"}**Domestic Violence: A Collaborative Delivery Model Curriculum**

##  Product Fact Sheet

Development and creation of this new domestic violence curriculum was
completed by the joint efforts of Glenwood Research and the University
of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service. The project was
funded by Head Start, through its Small Business Innovation Research
program.

**TRAIN THE TRAINER MODEL**

This curriculum is designed for use by teams of trainers, who then
deliver it to Head Start staff.

**PROJECT GOALS**

The goals for this Domestic Violence curriculum are to:

-   Deliver a family-focused, interactive and integrated training
    approach that capitalizes on the expertise and experience of both
    the participants and the facilitator-instructors

-   Sensitize those who work with children and/or families to the
    causes, dynamics and consequences of domestic violence and other
    abuse issues on the child and family

-   Promote communication and collaboration between Head Start and other
    area service providers to result in improved local practice around
    domestic violence.

**CROSS DISCIPLINARY**

To accomplish these goals, the curriculum consists of three integral
components: 1). a written curriculum;

2). a cross-disciplinary delivery methodology; and 3). a participant
evaluation component. Cross-disciplinary delivery methodology means -
the curriculum is designed for presentation by a team of professionals
from multi-disciplines including Head Start, Domestic Violence, Child
Protective Services, and Substance Abuse recruited from local
organizations. The curriculum is a 'train-the-trainer' model.

The curriculum utilizes a cross-disciplinary delivery method because
research demonstrates that **families affected by domestic violence are
likely to be also experiencing one or more related social problems such
as child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, and mental health issues.**
In order to be effective in helping families, Head Start staff needs to
understand the inter-related nature of domestic violence.

**TRAINING PARTICIPANTS**

The curriculum was designed with Head Start Staff in mind, specifically
Head Start Family Service Workers. However, all Head Start Staff can
benefit from the training. Parents of Head Start children and the Head
Start Mental Health Consultant are also encouraged to attend the
training.

**CURRICULUM CONTENT & ORGANIZATION**

+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| 1.  Welcome, Introductions,    | 6.  Guidelines for Talking About    |
|     and Domestic Violence      |     Domestic Violence               |
|                                |                                     |
| 2.  Domestic Violence          | 7.  Role of Head Start Workers and  |
|                                |     Safety Planning                 |
| 3.  Domestic Violence In the   |                                     |
|     Family                     | 8.  Observation, Documentation and  |
|                                |     Self-Care                       |
| 4.  Substance Abuse            |                                     |
|                                | 9.  Action Planning                 |
| 5.  Child Abuse and Neglect    |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

**Head Start Family Workers and other staff will find this material will
provide them with:**

-   A better understanding of the causes, characteristics and impacts of
    domestic violence on adults and children

-   Improved understanding of the connections between domestic violence
    and other issues families face, i.e., substance abuse and child
    abuse and neglect

-   Preparation to assist their families in obtaining needed services,
    and increasing opportunities for safety

-   Ways to actively engage in local collaborative efforts aimed at
    prevention and intervention of domestic violence.

**[Developer Information]{.underline}**

**Joint Development by**

Glenwood Research

Portland & Casco, Maine

&

University of Southern Maine; Muskie School of Public Service

Portland, Maine

Principal Investigator: Dr. Erin Oldham

207-847-0539; <eoldham@maine.rr.com>

Co-Principal Investigator : Peter Gartland

207-627-3145; <peterg@maine.rr.com>

Muskie School of Public Service / University of Southern Maine
curriculum developers:

##### 

> Maureen Baker, Coordinator, Cross Disciplinary Projects, Institute for
> Public Sector Innovation
>
> 207-
>
> Tracy Cooley, Policy Associate, Institute for Child and Family Policy

##### 

##### Melody Fitch, Project Specialist, Institute for Public Sector Innovation

##### 

**Project Advisory Board**

Phase I & Phase II

Jane Adams Anne Goldstein

Sue Harlor Marcia Lovell

Grace Mattern John Pride, HSB

Karen Pucciarelli Susan Schechter\*

Maureen Sheeran RuthAnne Spence

Roy Walker Jackie Warrilow

\* Deceased

**CURRENT STATUS** --

The final Product is available. For information, contact:

Glenwood Research 207-627-3145; or the University of Southern Maine 207-
228-8352

(Please see back for trainer and participant comments)

**COMMENTS FROM TRAINERS**

**When asked what the highlights of the training were, trainers said:**

> At the end of the training, participants realized they were learning
> things they could use in their work. Participants demonstrated a level
> of confidence in dealing with domestic violence that they did not have
> at the beginning of the training. (Tonya -- CT.)
>
> The reactions from the participants -- they found it helpful and
> useful to them. It is important to be able to reach providers who work
> most closely with families. (Beth -- OK)

**When asked what portions of the curriculum worked well for them,
trainer responses included:**

> "I cannot pick out specific sessions, but I really liked the parts
> that incorporated interactive exercises and small group work. It
> worked so well to give them time to practice what they learned."
> (Cindy --OK)
>
> "The curriculum worked to allow participants to build relationships
> with each other." (Ellen -- CT)
>
> "The flexibility of the curriculum worked well for me. We were able to
> adjust delivery of some material due to time restraints, or to meet
> participant requests. The curriculum format allows flexibility at the
> trainer's discretion." (Tonya -- CT)

**When asked if they would want to train on the curriculum again,
trainers responded:**

> "We already have another training planned and have begun also planning
> to deliver it at least once a year (and hopefully twice) from now on."
> (Beth -- OK)
>
> "Yes, definitely would deliver again. We are talking about integrating
> this training into required annual Head Start training. We saw such an
> impact on participants, we decided, as a group of trainers; we have to
> deliver this again." (Tonya -- CT)

**CURRICULUM IMPACT ON TRAINING PARTICIPANTS**

Evaluations completed on Head Start staff training participants in five
states demonstrated:

-   Improved staff understanding of collaborative professions

-   Increased likelihood of future collaborations (including those with
    mental health providers)

-   Improved participant confidence working with families experiencing
    domestic violence

-   Improved the way participants will work with children from families
    experiencing domestic violence

-   Participant enthusiasm -- the curriculum scored of **9.2** out of a
    possible **10** on its overall rating

**PARTICIPANT COMMENTS**

-   I have a better understanding of what domestic violence is.

-   The information was excellent, and the opportunity to share and
    network with others doing the same work around these issues was so
    important.

-   I will be more sensitive to victims of domestic violence.

-   All of the information was very informative, and will be helpful in
    my interactions with the families and staff.

-   I learned additional techniques to address families who may be
    afflicted with domestic violence issues.

-   I learned a lot of new information, and refreshed a lot I had
    forgotten.

-   The self-care information really helped me.

-   The training enhanced my knowledge and skills on domestic violence,
    substance abuse and child abuse. I was able to use this to help
    families. Thanks.

> **For additional information, please contact:**
>
> Glenwood Research 207-627-3145; or the University of Southern Maine
> 207-228-8352