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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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?

10. Activity: Do a DV assessment for your character
Pattern of behavior (tactics) p
Impact on adult victim p
Impact on children p
Lethality indicators p
Protective factors p

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

12. Appropriate findings DV is not ca/n in our state
RCW
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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Assessment based case plans
Include DV safety planning – p
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
Section 6 p

16. 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

17. 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!