Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Field Activity De-brief Domestic Violence and Child Welfare

Why it’s confusing GOT HIT HIT Victim Advocacy Programs Batterer Intervention Programs People who need help & resources, but are not being battered Victim Defendant People who are SURVIVING Classic Victim Legal Definition Legal System Other Systems People who HIT a family or HH member People who GOT HIT by a family or HH member People who are BATTERING System Manipulator Classic Perpetrator Why it’s confusing

It feels like this GOT GOT HIT HIT ?? They all need help and resources tailored to their situation and circumstances SURVIVING HIT GOT BATTERING Classic Perpetrator Victim Defendant System Manipulator Classic Victim and for the people involved in the relationship, and for their friends and families… GOT HIT SURVIVING BATTERING It feels like this ?? DV is a complex problem with no single solution. Everyone has a role to play in ending abuse AND in helping people learn healthy relationship skills. By Mette Earlywine/WSCADV with thanks to the NW Network

Overview of CA’s DV specific policies Universal & periodic screening Specialized DV assessment Appropriate findings Assessment based case dispositions Reasonable efforts Assessment based case plans Engagement and accountability with the perpetrator Follow along in your Guide

Universal & periodic screening Access/review existing documentation DSHS files Police calls to address, criminal history & incident reports Screen each parent, caregiver, youth, collateral, extended family member Present screening as routine Identify the victim and the abuser See Page 29 - 30

Safety considerations Interview people separately and privately Discuss limits of confidentiality Explain CPS/CFWS process DO NOT confront the perpetrator with the victim’s statements DO NOT try to force a disclosure from the perpetrator We don’t need “proof” Warn in a “duty to warn” situation

Accurately identifying the victim Who is afraid? Who is controlled? Who experiences repeated negative consequences? Who acts to protect the children when incidents happen? Page 30

Specialized DV Assessment Guides what information to gather (not a form or tool in FamLink) Informs conclusions about the impact of DV on the family Critical in determining if DV makes a child unsafe Documented in a case note specifically presenting information and conclusions Summarized on p. 34 Section 4, p. 33 - 53

Specialized DV Assessment Pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors Impact on adult victim Impact on the children Protective factors Lethality Indicators Field Activity Review: What victims advocacy agencies and batterer’s treatment agencies serve your area?

Activity: Do a DV assessment for your character Pattern of behavior (tactics) p. 39-41 Impact on adult victim p. 41-42 Impact on children p. 43-44 Lethality indicators p. 45-46 Protective factors p. 47-50

Activity What might be included in a safety plan? What types of interventions might benefit this family Abuser Victim Children

Appropriate findings DV is not ca/n in our state RCW 26.50.100 Founded allegations related to DV Consider whose behavior caused harm Generally, finding is only against that person Regarding “failure to protect” or “willingness to protect” Consider what’s reasonable in the context of the DV Consider any actions intended to prevent, reduce, or address the impact on the child Page 59 - 60

Assessment based Case dispositions Address adult victim safety Provide resources Close case or Voluntary Services Partner w/ adult victim to ensure child safety Create a case plan w/ DV in mind Ensure child safety Child safe Child unsafe because of DV Child unsafe because of CA/N, co-ocurring DV Page 56 - 58

Reasonable efforts To prevent or eliminate the need for removal (Required unless child is currently unsafe) To offer services and supports to address safety issues so that the child can return to a parent Periodic universal screening & specialized assessment Supporting/increasing adult victim safety Requesting protective orders (CFWS) Advocating for victim in other legal proceedings Holding DV perpetrators accountable for their behavior Case plans that reduce the impacts of DV

Assessment based case plans Include DV safety planning – p. 62-66 Make perpetrator accountable to actions Reduce perpetrator’s ability to use abusive/ controlling tactics Support child wellbeing & relationship w/ adult victim Realistic and achievable in the family context Connect victims to advocacy w/o making this mandatory Safe visitation p. 79-80 Section 6 p. 67-71

Engagement w/ the Abuser Plan for discussions/ meetings Notify the victim Note their importance in child’s life Link their behavior to impact on children Hold solely accountable for behavior Document and speak in ways that affirm accountability of perpetrator Monitor compliance carefully and frequently Require active support of victim’s parenting Identify attempts to sabotage victim’s success State Certified DV Perpetrator’s Treatment Page 72-78

Summary Periodic universal screening identifies DV Specialized DV assessment to understand impact of DV Perpetrators are accountable for their actions Appropriate findings, documentation, communication Case plans minimize abuse, power and control Engagement w/ perpetrator acknowledges their accountability Reasonable efforts required Engagement with DV victim as partner in creating safety Collaboration not coercion Discussions regarding options vs. ultimatums Support services increase victim options TANF, child care, concrete needs Local Victim Advocacy and Perpetrator treatment agencies want to partner with YOU!