1. Domestic Violence Part II: Planning for a Safe Conference June Fisher, LSW jfisher@temple.edu

2. “FGDM meetings can be a useful tool for families facing both child abuse and domestic violence by fostering the formalization of community and social supports.” “The presence of domestic violence necessitates that thorough assessment and preparation processes be implemented in order to ensure the safety of child and adult survivors.”

3. “Once the security of all victims is assured, the worker, the coordinator, and the participating family can then embark upon a process that can likely result in a safer, healthier and stronger family”. Source: Pennsylvania Family Group Decision Making Toolkit: A Resource to Guide and Support Best Practice Implementation. Fall 2008.

4. Learning Outcomes Review the critical areas and tasks related to assessing and planning (during all phases of coordinating and facilitating) an emotionally and physically safe Family Group Conference (FGC) Prevention Referrals Coordinating/Planning the FGC The FGC Follow-up

5. Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Safety Planning: The Critical Components 1. Prevention 2. Referral (Stage 1 of the FGDM Process) 3. Preparation (Stage 2 of the FGDM Process) 4. The Family Group Conference (Stage 3 of the FGDM Process) 5. Follow-up (Stage 4 of the FGDM Process – VITALLY IMPORTANT)

6. Prevention: Leadership Team “Recognize that historically, child welfare workers and advocates for domestic violence survivors represent organizations with different philosophies and approaches, and may not agree on the goals of the FTC or on the best strategies for ensuring safety.” Source: https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf

7. Identifies need and secures funding Develops collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and referral sources Develops protocols for safely planning and the FGDM process Insures all referral sources, coordinators and facilitators are educated re: DV and FGDM

8. Prevention: Referral Source Knowledge about the FGDM purpose, values, benefits and referral process Knowledge re: DV Skilled in recognizing the signs of DV Skilled in safely presenting the FGDM process to a victim/family experiencing DV

9. Prevention: Coordinator Usage of a DV Assessment Tool: Jacquelyn C. Campbell’s, Ph.D., R.N. DANGER ASSESSMENT The Pennsylvania Enhancing Assessments Toolkit (section IX Domestic Violence, page 90) o Women Abuse Screening Tool o HITS -A domestic violence screening tool for use in the community o Women’s Exposure to Battery o Child Exposure to Domestic Violence Source: http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Resources/PA%20Enhancing%20Assessments%20 Toolkit.pdf

10. Prevention: Community Partners/Stakeholders Systems collaboration Preventing DV Recognizing DV Coordinating services Encourage referrals for Family Group Conferencing

11. The Referral (Stage 1 of the FGDM Process)  Family  Referral Source  Coordinator

12. Referral: Family  The family is the expert, knows their family the best and MUST be heard during all points in the planning process  Must be clearly asked if ”What do you need to feel safe”  As needed, utilize safe methods to interview the victim separate from the perpetrator

13. Referral: Referral Source Informs the coordinator of any legal actions (PFA, Custody, Criminal) “Case consultation by the Domestic Violence Unit is a necessary component to identify specific strategies to achieve child safety in cases where domestic violence is present…

14. Social workers and supervisors are expected to utilize case consultation provided by the Domestic Violence Unit. “The goal of consultation is to maximize resources, improve consistency of response and achieve outcomes of safety, permanency and well-being”. Source: https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf

15. Referral: Coordinator Exploring the Use of FGDM when DV is present Source: Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center (2008) http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20Families%2 0Experiencing%20DV/Hndts/HO4_ExploringTheUseOfFGDMWhenDVIsPresent.pdf http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20Families%2 0Experiencing%20DV/Hndts/HO4_ExploringTheUseOfFGDMWhenDVIsPresent.pdf

16. Preparation: Family  The VICTIM leads, all else follows  Assessment of Understanding and support  Confidentiality maintained  Transparency with SAFETY as a priority  Final check-in prior to the conference

17. “Preparation for the FTC should include conversations with all participants to understand expectations and concerns better and to prepare each participant to support the goals of the meeting”. Source: https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdfhttps://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf

18. Preparation: Referral Source  Possesses basic knowledge re: Dynamics of DV and both DV and child welfare safety planning  Consulted during key decision making points throughout the process  Must recognize the safety planning recommendations of the coordinator  Provides new information to the coordinator

19. Preparation Planning ALL participants are routinely asked, “do you have any concerns re: having an emotionally and physically safe conference”? If DV exist or is suspected: Caseworkers have or receive information on the signs of DV, recognizing safety concerns and services available through the county DV services. Protocol is used to select facilitators for a FGC that involves an individual/family who has experienced DV.

20. Preparation: Coordinator and Teaming to Identify Non- Negotiables “The history of domestic violence must be taken into account in planning or making recommendations about visiting, to ensure that such arrangements do not endanger the child or the non-abusive parent. Children's visits with an abusive parent should be planned with the non-abusive parent to minimize risk”. Source: https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdfhttps://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf

21. A MUST USE Assessment Tool Assessing for the Presence of Domestic Violence Decision Making Points Victim Question Child Questions Batterer Questions Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center (2008) http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20F amilies%20Experiencing%20DV/Hndts/HO5_AssessingThePresenceOfDV.pdf

22. PREPARATION QUESTIONS Handout # 11 Questions to ask when deciding to have a Family Group Conference Handout # 12, Preparation Questions. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 310: FGDM: Strategies to Empower Families Experiencing Domestic Violence http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategie s%20to%20Empower%20Families%20Experiencing%20DV/Hndt s/HO12_PreparationQuestions.pdf

23. “The FTC must be structured to address safety issues and to best accomplish the goals of the meeting.” The facilitator may also want to include in the meeting someone who has worked with abusers, for example staff from a batterers intervention program.

24. Separate FTCs can be held for the survivor and the abuser. “It is critical that participants in the meeting understand that the intended outcome of FTCs is always to increase safety and decrease risk for the mother and the children”. Source: http://www.childwelfaregroup.org/documents/FTCinDVCasesFVPF.pdf

25. Safety Planning  Attempt to connect the victim with the local DV experts  If needed, review the PCADV Safety Planning tool with the victim  As appropriate, share the DV Safety Plan and/or the Child Welfare Safety Plan

26. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) There is no right or wrong way to do a safety plan. Check off and fill in the things that work for you. Make it your plan. Review it often. Make changes as you need to. There is help for you to develop a safety plan. You can ask your social worker, family violence worker or some other person in the community to work with you on the plan. The Safety Plan

27. Safety Plans can help you be as safe as you can be from future abuse. They are used by people who: o Want to leave, but it is not safe o Are not sure about leaving, but need help in case the abuser gets violent o Have left and the threat of violence is still there Safety Plans Can Help You: o Get help in an emergency o Get away safely o Keep children safe o Safely get your clothes, pets, or other personal items Source: padv.org http://padv.org/get-help/safety-planning/#.VtxblcdExPM

28. Preparation: Service Providers “Advocates for domestic violence survivors, batterer intervention program staff, and other community partners who participate regularly in FTCs should be trained in Family Team Conferencing, so that they thoroughly understand the meeting process and participant roles”. Source: https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdfhttps://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf

29.  Consult/collaborate with all involved service systems (with releases of information)  Educate  Risks associated with DV,  DV’s impact on the entire family  Benefits of FGDM when a family is at risk of or experiencing DV  Other supportive services for families at risk of or experiencing DV  Cultural sensitivity and myths re: culture and DV  Make additional referrals as needed  Share available resources (formal and informal)

30. Stage 3 - The FGC: Family  The Victim leads the process  Receives a Safety Planning check-in  Is empowered to use their safety signal  Can request the conference is stopped

31. Domestic Violence and Child Safety, Well-Being and Permanence “All abusive partners or young people should receive individual service plans, referral to batterer intervention programs, when appropriate, and monitoring of the progress of their plans”. Source: https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdfhttps://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf

32. The FGC: Referral Source  Double checks their role re: During/Post Safety Plan  Present throughout the conference  Serves as a support to the facilitators & participants  Shares the family strengths  Shares concerns without blaming/shaming the victim/batterer/family  Maintains awareness of family dynamics  Looks for the “911” signal

33. The FGC: Coordinator  Double checks ALL components of the During/Post Safety Plan  Reminds support people of their important role  Recommended to be Present throughout the conference  Serves as a support to the facilitators & participants  Connects with family as needed  Maintains awareness of family dynamics  Looks for the “911” signal

34. The FGC: Facilitator (s)  Knowledgeable and Skilled re: DV  Double checks ALL components of the During/Post Safety Plan  Clearly reviews FGC Guidelines and refers to them as often as needed  Recognizes the need for a breaks  Assess the need to stop a conference  Maintains awareness of family dynamics  Looks for the “911” signal

35. The FGC: Coordinator  Double checks ALL components of the During/Post Safety Plan  Reminds support people of their important role  Recommended to be Present throughout the conference  Serves as a support to the facilitators & participants  Connects with family as needed  Maintains awareness of family dynamics  Looks for the “911” signal

36. Follow-up (Stage 4 of the FGDM Process) VITALLY IMPORTANT The risk of death or injury to a victim is greatest when leaving an abusive situation Source: http://www.dcadv.org/domestic-violence-facts-and-faqs

37. Follow-up: Coordinator  Double checks ALL components of the Post Safety Plan  Contacts the victim within 24 hours, sooner if indicated on the safety plan or if new information is presented at the FGC  Works with the team to adjust safety plan as needed based on dynamics of the FGC  Reports lessons learned to the local and statewide planning teams

38. Follow-up: Referral Source  Completes any steps in the DV/Child Welfare Safety Plans  Case management: continues or refers for monitoring the implementation of the FGC Plan  Informs all team members of new safety concerns

39. Next Steps PA’s Leadership Team 5 Year (2008) Strategic Planning Pennsylvania Statewide Support System Statewide Implementation Team Meetings “Statewide meetings are where I come to get my battery charged” -FGDM Coordinator Support Practice Expansion: DV and Victim Advocacy Ensure Cross System Collaboration Connect with Legal Community (Domestic Relations Protection from Abuse Court) Source: Pennsylvania Family Group Decision Making Toolkit: A Resource to Guide and Support Best Support Practice Implementation (page 27)

40. Areas for Growth Implementation process Cross Systems Implementation: Adding DV programs and legal system Statewide Partnership: increase with DV organizations and legal system Maintain Strategic Connections to state and local DV organizations Part of county, regional and statewide planning committees Consultation prior to ALL conferences that may have components of DV Representative of PCADV or a local DV on the PA FGDM Leadership Team

41. Areas for Growth Incorporating Assessing Safety into the evaluation process The Coordinator asked me about my personal safety and any family/conference safety concerns The Facilitator addressed emotional and physical safety during the ground rules County to County Mentoring and Sharing Monthly or Quarterly conference calls to review strengths, techniques and concerns re: planning for safe FGC’s All participants or as needed, participants sign a Safe Conference Commitment form

42. Sources and Resources Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence: http://www.dcadv.org/domestic-violence-facts-and-faqshttp://www.dcadv.org/domestic-violence-facts-and-faqs Handout # 11, Questions to ask when decising to have a family group conference. http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20Families%20Experiencin g%20DV/Hndts/HO11_%20QuestionsToUseWhenDecidingToHoldAFGDMConference.pdf Handout # 12, Preparation Questions. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 310: FGDM: Strategies to Empower Families Experiencing Domestic Violence http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20Families%20Experiencin g%20DV/Hndts/HO12_PreparationQuestions.pdf http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20Families%20Experiencin g%20DV/Hndts/HO12_PreparationQuestions.pdf FAMILY GROUP DECISION MAKING PRACTICE GUIDANCE FOR PLANNING, IMPLEMENTING, TRAINING, AND EVALUATING. Appendix A: Situations Involving Domestic Violence https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf https://www.uvm.edu/~socwork/msw/pdfs/FGC%20Appendix%20A.pdf FGDM: Strategies to Empower Families Experiencing Domestic Violence, 310. Handout 4: Exploring the Use of FGDM when DV is present. Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center (2008) http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/310%20FGDM_Strategies%20to%20Empower%20Families%20Experiencin g%20DV/Hndts/HO4_ExploringTheUseOfFGDMWhenDVIsPresent.pdf LUCY SALCIDO CARTER, M.A., J.D., FAMILY TEAM CONFERENCES IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES GUIDELINES FOR PRACTICE http://www.childwelfaregroup.org/documents/FTCinDVCasesFVPF.pdf Safety Planning, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) http://padv.org/get-help/safety- planning/#.VtxblcdExPMhttp://padv.org/get-help/safety- planning/#.VtxblcdExPM Pennsylvania Family Group Decision Making Toolkit: A Resource to Guide and Support Best Practice Implementation. Fall 2008. http://www.pacwcbt.pitt.edu/Organizational%20Effectiveness/FGDM%20Evaluation%20PDFs/FGDM%20Toolkit.p df http://www.pacwcbt.pitt.edu/Organizational%20Effectiveness/FGDM%20Evaluation%20PDFs/FGDM%20Toolkit.p df The Pennsylvania Enhancing Assessments Toolkit. Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center, (2011) http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Resources/PA%20Enhancing%20Assessments%20Toolkit.pdf