Family violence services advocate Family violence services advocate/youth worker Child and family services intake/investigator and family services case worker Tribal public health nurse Tribal law enforcement/domestic violence detective Representatives from survivors’ group of battered women involved with CPS Practice assessment coordinator Advocacy organization A legal advocate Advocacy organization A child advocate Advocacy organization B support group facilitator Representatives from organizations working on behalf of culturally distinct or communities overrepresented in CPS CPS supervisor CPS case worker CPS case worker Representative from batterer intervention program Police officer assigned to domestic violence response unit representing battered women in CPS cases assessment coordinator
Defining Safety What definition of safety governs your work as a CPS caseworker? What definition of safety governs your work as an advocate for battered women? Does it look like any of these? Where is the common ground in the definitions? Where do they diverge? Safety for Children Safety for Victims of Battering Safety for Mothers and Children Children are safe when: They are not exposed to any dangers (whether present danger threats or impending danger threats) OR If exposed to dangers, parent or caregiver demonstrates sufficient parental protective capacity (i.e., the way a parent thinks, feels, and acts that make her/him protective) to shield the child from danger Women are safe when: The risk of physical violence and other harm caused by an abusive partner is reduced or eliminated AND needs for income, housing, and health care have been met. Mothers and children together are safe when: They are free from physical, sexual, and emotional harm, coercion, and threats in ways that strengthen and support the mother-child bond. Immediate safety in relation to a specific assault or threat Ongoing safety over time (including post-separation)
Hold batterer responsible for stopping the abuse [5] Use culturally relevant practices Language and communication Respect and accessibility [6] Other observations PART 2: What is required of victim parent? Of batterer? Victim parent Batterer Case file opened under offending adult’s name? Yes No Each adult has a separate, individualized service plan? Drug/alcohol screening Drug/alcohol treatment Psychological testing Parenting class See a therapist Take child to therapist Attend family therapy Take child to medical appointments Get an for protection Supervised visitation Attend group at domestic violence program management counseling
Linking battered mothers with community-based advocacy Coordination with community systems (e.g., courts, police, probation, and Indian Child Welfare Act) Section 2: Recommendations Area(s) of recommended change (check all that apply): [A] Accurate assessment of the presence, dynamics, and impact of battering [B] Safety of children and mothers together as the primary strategy in domestic violence [C] Individualized assessments and service plans for the battered mother and for the batterer that reflect each person’s needs for safety, well-being, and stability [D] Focus on batterer’s actions and responsibility for ending the violence and abuse [E] Culturally relevant and respectful engagement and practices [F] Services that fit people’s identified needs for help and circumstances related to transportation, income, language access, and employment [G] Linking battered mothers with community-based advocacy [H] Coordination with community systems (e.g., courts, police, probation, and Indian Child Welfare Act) [1] Rules/regulations/ laws/policies [2] Administrative practices [3] Resources [4] Linkages