Domestic Violence : Community Partnerships and Principles

by Child Welfare Information Gateway

(Page 3 of 4)

Domestic violence and child maltreatment are not issues limited to CPS and domestic violence programs. Many of the families who become involved in the child protection system often face additional challenges such as substance abuse, poverty, or mental illness. As a result, a number of communities find that a comprehensive, coordinated approach is needed to meet the diverse and multiple needs of these families adequately. Other key members involved in responding to these families include the following:

• Health care providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, and public health agencies);
• Criminal justice personnel (e.g., legal aids, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and judges);
• Mental health care providers (e.g., therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists);
• Educators (e.g., teachers, guidance counselors, and Head Start personnel);
• Substance abuse programs;
• Housing programs;
• Economic support programs;
• Daycare and family support providers;
• Faith-based programs and clergy;
• Neighborhood groups and community residents;
• Survivors of domestic abuse and child maltreatment.

A lack of interagency cooperation frequently stems from the different and, at times, conflicting philosophies, mission, and goals of each system. Regrettably, these discrepancies can lead to systemic barriers that can make collaboration difficult and frustrating. Community partnerships can be created if they are based upon a set of general principles that include the following:

Finding common ground. As a starting point, partnership members need to begin talking to one another. Asking questions about one another will help clarify misconceptions and confusion about each system. It will help participants find similarities and areas of agreement related to the safety and well-being of families and individuals in their communities. Perhaps one of the most important benefits from establishing common ground is that it often helps to develop trust among partners, which can be instrumental in a partnership's success and longevity.

Developing a shared mission. Open and respectful discussion can move participants toward identifying common values, beliefs, and goals. Through informal or formal meetings, partners can work toward developing a collective vision for ending domestic violence in their communities. Once a unified mission is established, this mission will provide the foundation and focus in mobilizing the efforts of all those involved.

Developing leadership. As in any successful initiative, leadership is essential for capacity building and sustainability. Participants need to identify persons among themselves or within the community who are influential, impassioned, and committed to leading the charge of the collective group.

Taking action. With a common vision as the focus and leadership in place, community members can move towards identifying gaps in services, needed resources, and strategies for crafting a comprehensive response for families in need. Examples of these approaches might include legislative or policy changes, demonstration projects, or multidisciplinary boards that address co-occurring domestic violence and child maltreatment issues.

Promising Initiatives, Models, and Programs

The above principles of collaboration merely serve as a beginning for groups seeking to improve outcomes for adult and child victims of violence. Institutional and societal changes can only begin when CPS, domestic violence programs, and an expansive network of providers integrate their expertise, resources, and services to eliminate domestic violence in their communities. A number of innovative approaches for addressing overlapping child abuse and domestic violence problems are emerging at the national, State, and local level. For example, CPS agencies are developing agency protocols and specialized units that integrate domestic violence knowledge into existing child welfare practice. In turn, domestic violence organizations are incorporating children's programs into shelter-based services. Other professional groups, such as hospital personnel and law enforcement officers, are including procedures to identify and respond to victims and their children. Child advocates, service providers, and an array of social service providers are forming interagency collaborations to develop comprehensive solutions that provide safety and stability for families.

Model Initiatives

The following are descriptions of nationally recognized pilot initiatives and programs that have been replicated in States and local communities throughout the country. Currently, conclusive data regarding the effectiveness of these programs is not available. The "Greenbook Project," a Federal demonstration project funded by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice, is the first, multisite evaluation project that is anticipated to provide outcome data on the effectiveness of systems collaboration between child protective services, domestic violence, and the courts in addressing overlapping domestic violence and child abuse. While these examples provide a model for best practice, they are constantly being refined and expanded as emerging information and other creative solutions develop.

Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) and Domestic Violence Protocol - Massachusetts Department of Social Services

The Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) was the first CPS agency to hire a service provider to provide education and consultation to CPS staff. This practice integration model has expanded into the establishment of an internal Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) consisting of specialized service providers staffed throughout local area offices. The DVU provides case consultation, direct advocacy, liaison and referral information, and other assistance to CPS staff. In addition, the Massachusetts DSS Domestic Violence Protocol was the first protocol in the country for CPS caseworkers and has been replicated by numerous State and county child welfare agencies. This protocol provides guidance to caseworkers regarding procedures for assessing risk, interviewing, intervention strategies, and service planning.

About the Author

www.childwelfare.gov
Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.