How long a women really needs shelter varies from woman to woman. On the other hand, a quicker turnover in residents means more women can be sheltered in crisis and the chance of dependency relationships forming between program and residents is lessened. The best programs are those that attempt to resolve this question. Usually, this entails a combination of temporary shelter and transitional housing or of shelters and safe home networks. The reality is that few programs can initially offer this range of options.
Some programs require advocates to have educational degrees as a basis for employment.
It has not been shown, however, that a degree enhances the effectiveness of those who work with battered women and their children. The experience of some battered women indicates that some professional training actually places barriers to effective advocacy for battered women and their children. The formation of a governing board is critical when starting a program for battered women and their children. The composition of a board should reflect the ethnic composition of the community being served. Ideally, representation on the board should be balanced between the professional community and the grassroots activist community.