1. the Safe and Together™ model:
Making good decisions for children impacted by domestic and family violence
David Mandel, MA, LPC
April 2014
3rd Annual NW AZ Infant/Toddler Mental Health Symposium
International Center for Innovation in Domestic Violence Practice (ICIDVP)

2. Materials related to today’s training including Power Point available at:
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

3. International Center for Innovation in Domestic Violence Practice (ICIDVP) Mission
The ICIDVP’s mission is to research, incubate, develop, and implement innovative ideas and sustainable practices to reduce and end domestic violence and child maltreatment.
ICIDVP is committed to advancing domestic violence practice at the individual, organizational and community level through partnerships with researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.  
We are committed to helping our clients, who are individual practitioners, community agencies and collaborations, and government organizations, achieve their mission to improve the lives of children and families.
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

4. ICIDVP Practice Innovations
Safe and Together Model Suite of Tools and Interventions
Continuum of Domestic Violence Practice (CODVP)
SafeEngagement/FathersPlus for home visitors, fatherhood programs and others
Perpetrator Accountability and Change (PAC)
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

5. Continuum of Domestic Violence Practice (CODVP)
Domestic Violence Destructive
Domestic Violence Incapable
Domestic Violence Blindness
Domestic Violence Pre-Competence
Domestic Violence Competence
Domestic Violence Proficiency
Domestic Violence Informed Child Welfare System
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

6. * not the adult survivor or her behavior
When Domestic Violence is the Concern……
The domestic violence perpetrator and his behavior* are the foundational source of the risk and safety concerns for children.
* not the adult survivor or her behavior
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

7. Perpetrator Pattern Based Definition of Domestic Violence
Looks at the perpetrator’s behavior, not the relationship, as the source of the domestic violence
Highlights the choice(s) to be violent, abusive and controlling
Beyond current relationship
Child safety and well is not automatically resolved by ending of the relationship or change in the living arrangement
Risk and safety assessment needs to include perpetrator’s behavior in other relationships, other settings
More than adult on adult behavior
Includes the direct and indirect involvement of children in the pattern of behavior
Requires conscious look at gender based expectations about parenting
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

8. Domestic violence perpetrators, in the context of the child welfare system, are parents and/or caregivers who engage in a pattern of coercive control against one or more intimate partners. This pattern of behavior may continue after the end of a relationship, or when the couple no longer lives together. The perpetrator’s actions often directly involve, target and impact any children in the family.
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

9. Multiple pathways to harm
Perpetrator’s Pattern
Coercive control toward adult survivor
Actions taken to harm children
Children’s Trauma
Victim of physical abuse
Seeing, hearing or learning about the violence
Effect on partner’s parenting
Depression/PTSD/anxiety/substance abuse
Loss of authority
Energy goes to addressing perpetrator instead of children
Interference with day to day routine and basic care
Effects on family ecology
Loss of income
Housing instability
Loss of contact with extended family
Educational and social disruptions
Harm to child
Behavioral, Emotional, Social, Educational
Developmental
Physical Injury
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

10. Safe and Together™ Model Suite of Tools and Interventions
Keynotes and conference presentations
Training and coaching packages
Practice, documentation, supervision and assessment tools
Data, research and policy consultation
Cross system collaboration packages
Service delivery design
Safe and Together model online learning courses 
Safe and Together model institutes and certification
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

11. Practice Tools for Domestic Violence Informed Child Welfare System
Mapping Adult Survivor’s Protective Capacity
Mapping Perpetrator’s Pattern
Domestic Violence Case Planning Guide
Supervisor Matrix
Pivoting
Pathways and Planning
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

12. Safe and Together™ model: Better Outcomes for Families and Systems
Foundation
Model Characteristics
Principles
Critical Components
Practice Tools
Mapping
Pivoting
Case Planning Guide
Supervisor Matrix
Pathways and Planning
Domestic Violence Informed Child Welfare System
Improved Competencies
Improved Cross System Collaboration
Better Outcomes for Families: Safety, Well Being & Permanency
Better Assessment
Better Partnerships
Better Case Plans
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

13. Model Characteristics
Child centered approach to domestic violence
Fact based
Gender responsive
Strengths based
Integrative
& Inter-disciplinary
“Beyond Services”
“Removal is an option of last resort” approach
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

14. Interest of Child Welfare Interest of Adult Domestic Violence Survivor
The abuse to stop & the children to be okay
CPS needs a DV understanding because CPS’ mission is unique and without its own understanding of domestic violence, decisions are less likely to be made in line with CPS needs and meeting the goals of safety and well being for children
Child welfare is unique in its role (protecting children), in its activities (going into homes that no one else goes into without a bullet proof vest), in its liability (CPS often gets the most public scrutiny in tragedies).and these things impact case practice
There is an incredibly strong alignment between CPS work and the work of a domestic violence survivor: she wants her kids to be safe and is taking steps to keep her kids safe. We want her kids safe and are taking steps to keep her kids safe. This is the basis of partnership between CPS and survivors that can improve outcomes for families
Double standards in child welfare include having different expectations of fathers and mothers. Trainer can ask the group: “when CPS is looking for information about the children, such as their doctors, their school records, their likes or dislikes, who is CPS most likely to ask?” (mother is the answer). This benefits male DV perpetrators by ensuring that they will be less likely to receive services, keep CPS’ focus on their behaviors or be asked to change their behaviors. This can also lead to perpetrators using CPS to be abusive (by making referrals to CPS or by evading CPS and keeping the focus on the mother).
Trainer should tell a story about how perpetrators have manipulated the CPS system and benefitted from CPS double standards around gender
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

15. Safe and Together™ Principles1
Keeping child Safe and Together™ with non-offending parent
Safety Healing from trauma Stability and nurturance 2
Partnering with non-offending parent as default position
Efficient Effective Child-centered 3
Intervening with perpetrator to reduce risk and harm to child
Engagement Accountability Courts
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

16. Safe and Together™ Critical Components
Perpetrator’s pattern of coercive control
Actions taken by the perpetrator to harm the child
Full spectrum of the non-offending parent’s efforts to promote the safety and well being of the child
Adverse impact of the perpetrator’s behavior on the child
Role of substance abuse, mental health, culture and other socio-economic factors
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

17. Patterns of Coercive Control & Actions Taken by the Perpetrator to Harm the Children (1st and 2nd Critical Components): Neglected Connections
Coercive control patterns
Comprehensive: beyond physical violence
What is the impact of the coercive control directed towards the adult survivor on the children?
“As her world get smaller, the children’s world….”
Choices to abuse and control adult partner should be view as parenting choices
Actions taken by the perpetrator to harm the children
Using children as a weapon against the children's other parent
Undermining the other person's parenting efforts
Accidentally physical harm to children as a result of the violence towards non-offending parent
Physical/sexual/emotional abuse or neglect
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

18. Safe and Together Practice Tools
Mapping Perpetrator’s Pattern
Assessment
Interviewing
Case Planning
Pivoting
Keeping the focus on the source of the safety and risk
Strengthening partnership with adult domestic violence survivor
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

19. Setting high standards for perpetrators as parent
Setting child centered expectations for perpetrator as part of case plans
Stop identified abusive, controlling behaviors
Parenting specific expectations
Support for other parent’s parenting
Compliance with court orders including child support/custody
Support for children’s basic needs
Support for recommended children’s therapeutic needs (when necessary)
Engage in treatment/intervention specifically designed to address identified pattern
Engage in other treatment/services (when necessary)
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

20. Child Welfare Perpetrator Checklist
Has the perpetrator been interviewed?
Can we describe the perpetrator’s pattern of coercive control and actions taken to harm the children?
Can we describe the non-offending parents efforts to protect the children?
Does the case plan involve specific steps and expectations for the perpetrator?
Do these specific steps address the perpetrator’s pattern of coercive control?
Is there coordination between criminal court, CPS and/or other systems regarding the perpetrator?
Is the perpetrator being referred to appropriate resources, e.g. evaluation and treatment?
Is court/CP agency outlining the changes they expect the perpetrator to make?
Is the perpetrator being held equally accountable as parent or parental figure for the safety and well-being of their children?
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

21. Case Planning Interviewing, Collaterals, Case Record Reassess
Safety Threats (Described Behaviorally)
Behavioral Description of what has to change in order for children to be safe/reduce risk
Interventions
Are They Working ?
What are the batterers’ specific behaviors (control, violence, threats, verbal, harming the children
Cease violence, cease threats, not interfere with children’s needs or mother’s access to services or providing for children
CPS behavioral expectations of perpetrators, hold them accountable, support survivors
Other BIP, DV services, parenting, etc.
Assess perpetrators’ compliance, ability to admit behaviors, ability to see harm to children, are kids safer? Is the risk reduced?
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

22. Sample of service agreement/ petition specific steps
No further intimidating behavior towards any member of household. This includes verbal threats, defined or undefined, destruction of property, throwing objects, punching walls, etc.
The perpetrator will not deny partner access to phone, vehicle or other forms of communication and transportation.
The perpetrator will support all reasonable efforts to provide his child(ren) with appropriate services including childcare, healthcare (e.g. well-baby visits).
The perpetrator will not interfere with the other parent’s efforts to seek out services for themselves and the children.
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

23. Evaluating Change Is his behavior different?
Specifically related to his pattern of coercive control
Is he able to focus on the needs of his children versus his own needs?
Is able to support the children’s relationship with their mother?
Does he identify his abusive behavior as being wrong?
Can he describe the impact of his abusive behavior on his children?
Best source of information: whoever has the information. Pros and cons of information from his family v. information from providers. Tension about information related
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

24. Safe and Together Model: Application
Differential Response States & Efforts
Ohio: Certified Safe and Together model trainings (statewide DR add on)
Connecticut: Safe and Together mode consultants (statewide)
Colorado: Statewide training, policy technical assistance (statewide)
New York: Hotline training, support for co-located DV advocates, statewide training, region specific training (statewide)
Oregon: support for co-located advocates; other training (statewide)
Non-Differential Response States & Efforts
Florida: Subject Matter Experts, co-located advocates (statewide)
Kansas City, MO & Lincoln NB: Support for local domestic violence collaboratives
New Jersey: support for co-located domestic violence advocates
Other states: Wisconsin, Louisiana, Vermont, Tennessee, Maine
Other countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, Singapore, Australia
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

25. Safe and Together Data Connecticut
High utilization rate of domestic violence consultants-involved with 3000 unique cases/year (15,000 over five years)
Supervisor training (88 supervisors trained, 41% responded to the survey).
66% identified specific positive changes in their supervisory practice;
62% indicated positive change in their workers’ practice as a result of the training and
50% of the respondents indicated positive changes in outcomes for families.
MDT pilot
“100% of respondents indicated that their agency has benefitted from the teaming of serious domestic violence cases.
“100% of respondents indicated that increased skills and awareness regarding domestic violence positively impacted how they handled sexual and physical abuse cases.”
“Over 81% of respondents identified that they felt that teaming domestic violence cases resulted in increased safety for families.”
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

26. Safe and Together Data
Colorado: A series of three-day Safe and Together model trainings for a diverse audience that included child welfare staff and domestic violence advocates.
Of the 125 people who responded to a survey a few months after the training, 89% rated their experience of the training positive, very positive or excellent and 82% said that the training impacted their practice.
Ohio
Positive preliminary data from the evaluation of work by DMA staff and Safe and Together certified trainers.
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

27. (c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

28. Closed Investigations for FY 11/12:
172 verified maltreatments of FVTC
11 children had repeat maltrx within the FY (meaning they had 2 separate reports with verified FVTC
The 11 children were part of 5 families/5 reports of repeat maltrx
Closed Investigations for FY 12/13:
274 verified maltreatments of FVTC
6 kids had repeat maltrx within the FY (meaning they had 2 separate reports with verified FVTC)
The 6 children were part of 4 families/reports of repeat maltrx
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

29. Correlation between model implementation and keeping children in homes
In Jacksonville Florida, the child welfare department was able to track the number of filings and removals for cases where domestic violence was identified. The data indicated a significant drop in neglect petitions (approximately 70% decrease) and removals during a period (approximately 50% decrease) correlated with significant Safe and Together model training.
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

30. REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE AT http://www.endingviolence.com
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
2014 2nd National Safe and Together Model Symposium 
October 22-24, 2014 
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Marriott Waterfront
Building on successful 1st National Safe and Together Symposium, our 2014 event will have  the following enhanced features:
Full day pre-Symposium workshops- October 22, 2014
Presentations by Safe and Together sites and partners
A wider focus including workshops on fathers,  domestic violence informed child welfare systems, implementation fidelity and other topics
REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE AT

31. Materials related to today’s training including Power Point available at:
(c) 2013 David Mandel Associates LLC Do not reproduce or distribute without permission

32. For more information David Mandel & Associates LLC 860-319-0966 (USA)
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For more information
International Center for Innovation in Domestic Violence Practice (ICIDVP)