Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Creating a Coordinated Response in Elementary Schools

Introductions Trainers’ Names and affiliations

Training Purpose School’s interest in this issue

How to Access the Coordinated Action Plan Location of Coordinated Action Plan in school CAP Coordinator’s name and contact information

How Domestic Violence Impacts Children Children who are exposed to domestic violence at home may have serious difficulties at school

Local Statistics Include statistics from your city or region, such as: – Number of individuals served by domestic violence programs – Number of people who died as a result of domestic violence – Hotline calls received by local domestic violence programs

What We Can Do As a School Make sure we all know our roles in helping children and families get the help they need Work with community partners to get additional sources of support for our students Be trained to better respond to students exposed to domestic violence

Roles of Staff All of us: – Recognize warning signs – Provide a safe space for children to tell their stories – Refer appropriately to trained professionals in the school

Roles of Staff CAP Coordinator Accept referrals from other school staff Assess student needs Make appropriate referrals to outside agencies Keep records of referrals Provide ongoing support for students Serve as the lead staff member for school staff to come to with domestic violence-related concerns about students

Roles of Staff School Resource Officer File police reports for relevant incidents Work collaboratively with other school security personnel and community police Help plan school-wide prevention or safety activities Document signs of abuse Help plan school-wide prevention or safety activities Work collaboratively with school social worker School Nurse

Warning Signs of DV Exposure Coming to school more tired than usual Expressing excess worry about possible danger New disciplinary or aggression problems, such as bullying or outbursts of anger Seems to dread going home Stereotyped beliefs about gender (usually males as perpetrators and females as victims)

Warning Signs of DV Exposure Physical complaints (constant stomachaches or headaches) Problems with attendance, especially new problems Unexplained changes in behavior, grades, demeanor, or physical appearance Unexplained bruises or injuries

Making a Referral Insert staff roles flow chart

Creating an Individual Action Plan Insert image of Individual Action Plan

CAP Coordinator Insert contact information for CAP Coordinator