Interagency Agreement s1

DISTRICT I

INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT

Between FamilesFirst Network and FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Inc. FAMILIESFIRST NETWORK DISTRICT I DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTOCOL 2003

AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN FAMILIESFIRST NETWORK AND FAVORHOUSE OF NW FLORIDA, INC. (A COMPREHENSIVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER)

INTENT OF THE PLAN

Studies tell us that between 40 and 50 percent of families where child abuse is reported, domestic violence is also occurring, and that domestic violence not only jeopardizes the safety of the adult victim, but also the children.

The intent of this protocol is to promote the safety and well being of both children and their abused parents in these families. It outlines practices that are being used by FamiliesFirst Network (“FFN”), District I, Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, and FavorHouse, as participants. It is meant to serve as a practical guide for Family Services Counselors and Domestic Violence Advocates, and to provide them with specific tools and checklists for screening and assessing domestic violence, and intervening effectively where domestic violence is present.

DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is the establishment of control and fear in an intimate relationship through the use of violence and other forms of abuse. In addition to physical violence, the domestic violence perpetrator may also use emotional abuse, sexual abuse, economic oppression, isolation, threats, intimidation, and maltreatment of a child or children to control the adult victim. The relationships involved and the type or severity of abuse may differ, but control over the adult victim is the primary goal of the perpetrator.

INTER-AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

All Domestic Violence Center communications with FFN regarding mutual clients are determined by the client, as outlined in sections 90.5036 ad 39.908, Florida Statutes. The center also fully recognizes their responsibility as a mandated reporter in the case of child abuse or neglect that they witness or reasonably suspect, and agrees to report such cases to the Department hotline. Both parties to this agreement acknowledge that working together to assist the client provides the greatest opportunity for success in resolving the issues that generated the report.

1 CONFIDENTIALITY

Pursuant to s.90.5036, F.S., domestic violence advocates cannot discuss information regarding their clients unless they have a written waiver of confidentiality from the client. The waiver will specifically address the nature and breadth of the communications the client is allowing. However, in cases where the client is the alleged perpetrator of abuse or neglect of a child, it is understood by the center that information or conversation between the advocate and the client regarding the child abuse is not privileged. Further, the center will ensure that any of their clients who may be the subject of a report will be fully informed of any attempts by FFN to contact them or seek information, and the nature of that request for information.

FFN agrees to respect the client’s confidentiality, and understands that all clients of the center have the same confidentiality and privilege. If a reported incident happened at the center, and the family services counselor determines that it is essential to interview other residents/clients of the center, FFN recognizes that appropriate waivers are required, and that the residents/clients can choose not to speak with representatives of FFN. At the same time, the center agrees to inform the residents/clients of FFN’s request to speak with them, the importance of the request, and further agrees to encourage them to participate in the interview.

FFN agrees not to identify the location of the domestic violence victim in any of their written files that are disclosed to the alleged perpetrator. Instead the written record may read, “The subject is in a safe location.” Information concerning reports of child abuse or neglect is confidential and may not be released by FFN without proper consents. The name of the reporter may only be released as provided by statute.

I. FAMILIESFIRST NETWORK

A. 1. Screening and routine inquiry

Family Services Counselors should screen for domestic violence in all cases by routinely inquiring of a suspected adult victim, out of the presence of the suspected domestic violence perpetrator, as to whether domestic violence has occurred. Appendix A can be used as a guide for asking family members about domestic violence.

Counselors should routinely ask screening questions of the suspected adult victim out of the suspected perpetrator’s presence. If the suspected perpetrator will not allow the counselor to have time alone with the adult victim, the counselor will attempt to set up time alone with the victim (i.e. tell the perpetrator that it is routine in all cases to have time alone with each family member).

2 Family Services Counselors should interview every family member alone, beginning with the suspected adult victim, then the child, and finally, the domestic violence perpetrator.

The suspected domestic violence perpetrator should be interviewed in a way that encourages him (or her) to disclose his (her) own abusive conduct. (See Appendix A for suggested questions). Do not confront the domestic violence perpetrator with information provided by the victim.

2. Recognizing indicators of domestic violence.

It is not uncommon for domestic violence to begin or to escalate in severity during a child protection intervention. Family Services Counselors should be familiar with indicators of domestic violence and be aware of them during their work with the family. Some indicators may include: threatening behavior; physical damage to the surroundings, such as holes in the wall, etc; behavior of one parent indicating fear of the other parent; children’s fear of one parent; suicide attempts; depression; and excessive jealousy, possessiveness, or other controlling behavior by one parent over the other.

If indicators of domestic violence are present, the counselor should periodically explore with family members whether domestic violence has occurred.

3. Using other sources of information to identify domestic violence

If the counselor has reason to suspect domestic violence in the family, but family members’ self-reports say it is not occurring, then the counselor should use other sources in addition to the family’s self-report, to determine if domestic violence is present. These could include:

 Reports from other agencies  Criminal records check on the suspected perpetrator  Interviews with neighbors, teachers, extended family members

If domestic violence is identified, the counselor should conduct an assessment of the danger posed to the child and the adult victim by the domestic violence. (See Section B).

3 4. When domestic violence is disclosed by the adult victim

If the adult victim discloses domestic violence, the counselor should attempt to build an alliance with the adult victim by letting her (him) know she (he) does not deserve the abuse, that the counselor believes that both the adult victim and the children are endangered by the violence, and that the counselor will help the victim protect herself (himself) and the children.

Family Services Counselors should explain to the victim that they will also be interviewing the domestic violence perpetrator, and should reassure her (him) that no information shared by the adult victim about the domestic violence, will be shared with the perpetrator. Explore with the victim the possible consequences of such interviews with the perpetrator, and plan for the victim’s and the children’s safety in the event of retaliation by the perpetrator. If the Family Services Counselor determines it is not safe for the adult victim and children to remain in the home, do not force or coerce, but strongly encourage the adult victim to contact the Domestic Violence Shelter immediately at phone # 434-6600 (FavorHouse Crisis Line). The Family Services Counselor will follow required FFN protocol to ensure the safety of the child.

5. Counselor’s safety

Domestic violence perpetrators can be dangerous to those outside the family, especially to people who are trying to help the victim. Family Services Counselors should always be mindful of their own safety and take extra precautions in domestic violence cases. Family Services counselors should never minimize their fears or have a confrontation with the domestic violence perpetrator.

If the counselor feels in danger from the perpetrator, try to exit calmly and then consult with a supervisor. Inform the adult victim of the domestic violence perpetrator’s escalation of hostility, and the potential risk posed to her (him). Family Services Counselors should call the police if a physical assault occurs in their presence.

B. ASSESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Once domestic violence has been identified, counselors should conduct an assessment of the child’s and the adult victim’s safety, including (see Appendices B1-B8 for assessment tools):

4  The nature of the domestic violence perpetrator’s assaultive and coercive conduct  The danger posed to the child and the mother from the domestic violence perpetrator  The physical, emotional, and developmental impact of the domestic violence on the children  The impact of domestic violence on the adult victim  Strategies that the adult victim has used in the past to successfully protect the children (i.e. protective factors) that can be reinforced to help her (him) protect herself (himself) and the children in the future.  Additional risk factors, such as substance abuse, etc.

As discussed above, interviews with the adult victim or the children about domestic violence should be conducted out of the presence of the domestic violence perpetrator.

C. VERIFYING THAT A WOMAN IS AT FAVORHOUSE

In the event that there is a report of alleged child abuse committed by a resident of FavorHouse, the following procedures should be used to protect the safety and confidentiality of clients.

1. The FFN case file will be flagged to clearly identify that any location information is confidential and must not be released.

2. The Family Services Counselor (FSC) will call the FavorHouse Crisis Line (434-6600) to verify that the subject and/or children are present at FavorHouse, and to make an appointment to talk with the family.

3. In order to verify residency at FavorHouse, the following steps should be taken by the FavorHouse advocate and the FSC:

A. The FavorHouse advocate will ask the FSC for his/her name, and will look it up in FamiliesFirst Network District I Staff Directory. Undated copies of this Directory will be provided to FavorHouse on a routine basis by the District I FamiliesFirst Network Office.

B. If the FSC is listed, the advocate will ask the FSC for his/her SS#, (last 4 digits only), unit, and supervisor’s name. If the FSC can provide this information, the advocate will know that the person is an authorized employee of FamiliesFirst Network.

5 C. If the name is not found in the listing, the advocate will take the Family Services Counselor’s name and phone number, the supervisor’s name, and indicate that they will have to verify their identity and call them back:

i. The advocate will then call FFN and speak to a supervisor.

ii. The advocate will give the supervisor the name of the FSC and ask the supervisor to verify the counselor’s unit, supervisor’s name, and SS# (if known).

iii. Once the advocate has verified that the FSC works for FFN, they can proceed to the next step.

4. If the person does not live at FavorHouse, the advocate will (after verification) let the FSC know “they may need to try and locate the person elsewhere.” They will not advise FFN whether or not the person was a former resident.

5. If the person is at FavorHouse, and it is during business hours, the advocate will inform FSC that she will contact the shelter supervisor, or designated staff.

6. FavorHouse will arrange a meeting with FSC, FavorHouse Staff and the resident.

7. If contact is made after hours, verification of the identity of the FSC will be from their social security numbers (only the last four digits).

Supervisors need to ensure that FavorHouse receives the names and other needed information on all new CPI’s and Family Services Counselors prior to Phase II status.

D. INTERVENTION AND SAFETY PLANNING

1. Guiding Principles for Interventions with Families who are Experiencing Domestic Violence.

Interventions with family members should attempt to meet three goals. These are:

a. to protect the children;

6 b. to help the abused parent protect herself (himself) and the children, using non coercive, supportive, and empowering interventions whenever possible; and

c. to hold the domestic violence perpetrator, not the adult victim, responsible for stopping the abusive behavior.

The goal of intervention should be to keep children safe by joining with the non-abusive parent in safety planning, and by holding the domestic violence perpetrator, not the adult victim, responsible for stopping the violence.

Efforts should be made to intervene in a manner that meets all of the above goals. However, where no intervention exists that will meet all goals simultaneously, goal number one should take precedence over the other goals. Once the safety of the child has been addressed, future interventions can continue to focus on all three goals.

2. Safety Planning

Once domestic violence is identified, a safety plan should be developed for each of the children ad the adult victim, Safety plans should be developed with the party concerned, (e.g. the adult victim’s plan will be developed with the victim). Development of the child’s safety plan should involve both the child and the non- abusive parent. (See Appendices C1-C4 for safety planning guides that can be used with adult victims and with their children).

3. Interventions with the adult victim

Interventions that meet any of the following four objectives can be used with the adult victim at any stage of an intervention. These are:

 Validating the victim’s experiences  Building on the victim’s strengths  Helping the victim to regain control over her (his) own life;  Helping the victim to explore her (his) options (See Appendices D1-D4 for a list of interventions that meet these objectives)

7 Adult victims should not be mandated to participate in support groups for victims. Instead, the counselor could choose to encourage the victim to participate in an assessment with FavorHouse staff, and follow the recommendations set by the FavorHouse advocates. Then if the adult victim does not follow the recommendations (which may or may not include participation in the victim’s educational class), that information could be factored into the Family Services Counselor’s assessment of child safety.

4. Interventions with the perpetrator

Case Plans should always include ways to hold the domestic violence perpetrator accountable for stopping the violence. Examples of such strategies that can be included in the case plan are:

 Ensuring that case files always document the domestic violence perpetrator’s abusive conduct, and include strategies for holding the perpetrator accountable for stopping the violence.  Requiring successful completion of a Certified 26 week Batterer’s Intervention Treatment Program.  Asking the judge to order the domestic violence perpetrator into treatment, and/or to stay away from the adult victim, in cases that are brought to the court.

In cases where the domestic violence perpetrator fails to follow through with a certified treatment program or other requirements, the adult victim should not be held responsible for the domestic violence perpetrator’s failure.

5. Referrals

Family Services Counselors should set realistic expectations for clients regarding referrals to FavorHouse. Family Services Counselors can check with the local domestic violence center to ensure that their understanding of services offered by the center is up to date.

a. Referral and follow-up with domestic violence victims referred to FavorHouse.

The form included as Appendix F1 will be used for referral and follow-up for women to FavorHouse.

8 b. Referral and follow-up with domestic violence perpetrators referred to FavorHouse.

Use Appendix F1 for referral of domestic violence perpetrators to FavorHouse.

When Family Services Counselors complete the referral form F1 to refer a domestic violence victim or perpetrator to FavorHouse, they should make sure a Release of Information Form is attached, and the following information is included:

 What is the history of the violence?  What are the counselor’s concerns for the adult and child victims’ safety?  Does the client have a history of assaultive or threatening behavior toward people in addition to the victim?  Is the perpetrator court ordered to attend? If so, attach a copy of the court order.  When does the Family Services Counselor need a report back from the program regarding the perpetrator’s progress?  In addition to copies of any court orders, the Family Services Counselor should also attach a copy of the Case Plan.

E. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONSULTANTS

District I has organized a team of individuals from FavorHouse, Shelter House, Family Safety, and FamiliesFirst Network, to act as domestic violence consultants. (See Appendix E for a list of the consultants).

The role of the domestic violence team is to serve as a resource for Family Services Counselors with cases involving domestic violence that present a high level of danger, and that the counselors do not feel comfortable handling alone. The team will be available for consultation, and also to address other issues, such as resolving conflicts or case management problems between the domestic violence centers and the Family Services Counselors.

Consultants will have current knowledge on the resources available in the community for domestic violence victims, perpetrators, and their children. They will also work hand in hand with the staff of FavorHouse. The domestic violence team will meet as needed to staff cases of concern.

F. TRAINING

9 a. For all new and current FFN staff

Training on domestic violence will be offered by the Professional Development Centre, for all new and current FFN counselors. The training will be based on their domestic violence curriculum, and will include Phase I, (for new employees), and Phase II (for new and current employees). Slots for the child welfare training will be offered to the domestic violence advocates. These may include classes on maltreatments and the overview of the child protection system. Cross-training will be encouraged on an ongoing basis.

b. On-going training

Training will include a review of the Inter Agency Domestic Violence Working Agreement for all current and new FFN counselors and supervisors.

An on-going training program will be provided for Family Services Counselors and supervisors. This may include:

 Participation in the Professional Development Centre’s domestic violence training.  Going to court with victims of domestic violence to observe protection order hearings and child custody hearings.  Participate in other domestic violence related training or conferences when possible.

II. FAVORHOUSE

FavorHouse staff will provide case consultation on cases involving domestic violence that present complex issues and/or high levels of danger.

FavorHouse Staff will also help resolve policy and procedural questions as they arise through participation in the case consultation.

III. THE ROLE OF OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND AGENCIES, SCHOOLS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

FamiliesFirst Network and FavorHouse recognize the importance of assisting other agencies working with families to develop policies and practices that protect children and the abused parent, and that hold the domestic violence perpetrator responsible for stopping the abusive behavior. FamiliesFirst Network and FavorHouse will work together to maintain effective communication and encourage other agencies to join in the community effort.

10 IV. EFFECTIVE DATE

This agreement shall begin on the date the agreement is signed by both parties. This agreement may be amended by either party, by giving thirty (30) calendar days notice in writing, and submitting the proposed changes. The changes will go into effect when they have been mutually agreed upon and signed by both parties.

V. ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS INCLUDED

This agreement and its appendices as referenced, Appendix A through F, contain all terms and conditions fully understood and agreed upon by the parties. If either party feels the agreement is not being complied with, the signatories of this agreement accept the responsibility for resolving the disputed issues.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this agreement to be executed by their undersigned officials as duly authorized.

FAVORHOUSE OF NW FAMILIESFIRST NETWORK FLORIDA, INC.

Signed by: ______Signed by: ______

Name: Nancy A. Newland Name: Gary Bembry Title: Board President Title: CEO Lakeview Center Baptist Health Care Date: May 1, 2003 Date: May 1, 2003

Signed by: ______Signed by: ______

Name: Sue Hand Name: Ann Bernard Title: Executive Director Title: Director, FamiliesFirst Network, Lakeview Center Baptist Health Care Date: May 1, 2003 Date: May 1, 2003

11 DISTRICT I DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTOCOL

APPENDIX A

Domestic Violence: Sample Initial Interview Comments and Questions a. All families disagree and have conflicts. I am interested in how your family resolves conflict. I am interested in how you and your partner communicate when upset. b. What happens when you or your partner disagree, and your partner wants to get his/her way? c. Have you ever been hurt or injured during an argument? Has your partner ever used physical force against you or anyone else, or broken or destroyed property during an argument? Have you ever felt threatened or intimidated by your partner? How? d. If your partner uses physical force against a person or property, tell me about one time that happened. Tell me about the worst or most violent episode. What was the most recent episode? Are you afraid of being harmed or injured? e. Have you ever used physical force against your partner? If so, tell me about the worst episode. What was the most recent episode? Is your partner afraid of you? f. Have the children ever been hurt or injured in any of these episodes? Have the children been present? Are the children afraid of your partner? Afraid of you? g. How frequently do the violent episodes occur? Have there been any changes in the frequency or severity of the abuse in the last month or the last year? Is any of the abuse (physical, sexual, psychological) getting worse or happening more often? Have the police or any other agency been involved?

Ganley, A., Schechter, S. Domestic Violence: A National Curriculum for Children’s Protective Services. Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1996.

APPENDIX A

Routine Screening for Domestic Violence: Sample Questions

A. WHEN POSSIBLE, ASK THE REFERRING AGENCY OR INDIVIDUAL ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1. In addition to the information provided about the child, has anyone else in the family been hurt or assaulted? If so, describe the assault or harm (what and when). If so, who is the victim? Who is the perpetrator?

2. Has anyone in the family made threats to hurt or kill another family member or himself? If so, describe what happened. Do you know who is the intended victim? Do you know who is the perpetrator?

3. Do you know if weapons have been used to threaten or to harm a family member? If so, what kind of weapons? Are the weapons still present?

4. Have the police ever been called to the house to stop assaults against adults or children? Have arrests ever been made?

5. Has anyone ever threatened to run off with the children?

6. Has any family member stalked another family member? Has anyone taken a family member hostage?

7. Do you know who is protecting the child right now?

B. TIPS WHEN ASKING ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1. Convey that these are routine questions asked in every case.

2. Ask in a calm and matter-of-fact manner.

3. When responses are vague or confusing, briefly ask further questions for clarification. Use simple, concrete questions.

4. Always thank the person for the information.

Ganley, A. Schechter, S. Domestic Violence: A National Curriculum for Children’s Protective Services. Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1996.

13 3. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSAULTS

1. Has your partner threatened violence against you, the children, others or self? (Have you….?)

2. Has your partner used violence against the children, family, friends, or others? (Have you….?)

3. Has your partner attacked property or pets, stalked, harassed, or intimidated you in any other way? Has your partner threatened to harm you? How does your partner frighten you? (Have you….?)

4. Has your partner humiliated you? In what ways does your partner hurt you emotionally? What names or put-downs does your partner use against you? (Have you…..?)

5. Does your partner attempt to isolate you? Attempt to control your time, your activities, your friends? Does he follow you, listen to phone calls, open mail? (Do you…?)

4. ECONOMIC COERCION

1. Who makes the financial decisions? How are finances handled?

2. Has your partner tried to control you through money? If so, how? (Have you…..?)

5. USE OF CHILDREN TO CONTROL PARTNER

1. Has your partner threatened or used violence against the children? Sexual abuse against the children?

2. Does your partner use the children against you?

3. Does your partner sabotage your parenting? Obstruct visitations?

4. Has your partner taken or threatened to take the children?

14 5. Has your partner threatened to harm the children? Interfered with your care for the children?

6. Has your partner made the children watch or participate in your being abused? Made the children spy on you?

7. Has your partner ever threatened to report you to Child Protective Services? Have you reported your partner to CPS?

8. Have you done any of the above?

APPENDIX B1

Interview Questions for Assessing Domestic Violence Perpetrator’s Pattern of Assaultive and Coercive Behaviors

For each question listed below, if the adult victim (or domestic violence perpetrator) answers yes, encourage a description of exactly what happened. Monitor responses as they unfold and adjust your inquiries accordingly; you do not have to ask every suggested question. For example, sometimes in telling a story of an episode, the victim or perpetrator will supply many illustrations of domestic violence tactics inventoried below.

1. Physical Assaults

a. Has your partner used physical force against you? (Have you against your partner?)

b. Has your partner pushed, shoved, grabbed, shaken you? (Have you……your partner?)

c. Has your partner restrained you, blocked your way, pinned you down? (Have you……your partner?)

d. Has your partner hit you? Open hand? Closed hand? Struck you with an object? (Have you…..?)

e. Has your partner choked you? Used weapons against you? (Have you…..?)

2. Sexual Assaults

a. Has your partner pressured you for sex when you did not want it? If so, describe how. (Have you…..?)

b. Has your partner manipulated or coerced you into sex at a time or in a way that you did not want? If so, how? (Have you…..?)

c. Has your partner physically forced you to have sex at a time and in a way that you did not want? Has your partner injured you sexually? Forced you to have unsafe sex? Prevented you from using birth control? (Have you..?)

APPENDIX B2

Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment: Factors to Consider

1. Domestic violence perpetrator’s access to the victim.

2. Pattern of the perpetrator’s abuse

a. Frequency / severity of the abuse is current, concurrent, past relationships.

b. Use and presence of weapons

c. Threats to kill

d. Hostage taking, stalking

e. Past criminal record.

3. Perpetrator’s state of mind

a. Obsession with victim jealousy

b. Ignoring negative consequences of his violence

c. Depression / desperation

4. Individual factors that reduce behavioral controls of either victim or perpetrator

a. Substance abuse

b. Certain medications

c. Psychosis, other major mental illness

d. Brain damage

5. Suicidality of victim, children or perpetrator

17 6. Adult Victim’s use of physical force

7. Children’s use of violence

8. Situational factors:

a. Separation violence / victim autonomy

b. Presence of other major stresses

9. Past failure of systems to respond appropriately

APPENDIX B3

Criteria to Consider in Determining High Risk to Children in Children’s Protective Services Domestic Violence Cases

In determining high risk and the need for immediate response, workers should consider the following as additional risk factors where domestic violence is present.

1. Domestic violence related injuries to an adult or child.

2. Severe or frequent domestic violence assaults, or escalation of severity and frequency.

3. Display or use of weapons during domestic violence assault.

4. Perpetrator’s threats to kill or seriously harm himself or others.

5. Perpetrator’s stalking of adult victim and / or children.

6. Menacing conduct of domestic violence perpetrator and risk to child of being assaulted or snatched.

7. Substance abuse problem in the family.

8. Non-abusive parent forced to flee and leave children with the perpetrator. Or non- abusing parent and children have fled, without a place to go.

9. Adult victim unable to care for child due to the trauma or a recent assault, or to the trauma from a series of multiple incidents.

10. Risk increases when the perpetrator has ongoing access to adult victim and / or children.

19 DISTRICT I DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTOCOL APPENDIX B4

Interview Questions for Assessing the Impact of the Domestic Violence on the Children

1. Injuries or health impact to children? What kinds of health issues does your child have? Medical problems due to the domestic violence? Injuries or other health effects? Bruises, broken bones, black eyes, burns, pain, unconsciousness due to hitting or choking? Injuries from weapons? Has your child’s health changed in recent months?

2. Psychological and emotional impact? Have there been any emotional changes? Withdrawal, depression, increased irritability, anxiety, nightmares? Are you aware of any suicidal thoughts or acts by the child?

3. Behavioral problems? Have your children had behavior problems in family, school, and peer relationships? Have your children used physical force or threats of physical force against you or others? Are the children dealing with anger in ways that disturb you? Problems with eating, sleeping, running away, alcohol or drug abuse, cutting themselves, harming animals, destroying toys?

4. Social problems? Have your children suffered social disruption due to the domestic violence: moves, changing schools, isolation from friends, loss of family members, etc? Social relationships with family, peers, other adults? Problems with learning?

5. How does the domestic violence impact the adult victim’s parenting of the children? Is the domestic violence interfering with your ability to take care of the child, to consider the child’s best interest, to keep the child safe? Do you feel supported in parenting the child? By the perpetrator? By others?

6. How does the domestic violence impact the parenting of the domestic violence perpetrator? Is the perpetrator able to take care of the child, to consider the child’s best interest, to keep the child safe? Does the perpetrator support the parenting of the adult victim? Does the perpetrator undermine the parenting of the victim or expect the victim to be the sole parent? Does the perpetrator use the children to control the adult victim? Does the perpetrator use physical force against the children?

APPENDIX B5

Interview Questions for Assessing the Impact of Domestic Violence on the Adult Victim

When a victim or perpetrator acknowledges domestic violence, ask for elaboration as follows:

1. What kinds of injuries or health problems have you (has your partner) had due to the domestic violence?

a. Loss of appetite or excessive eating? Sleep disturbances? Increased use of alcohol or drugs? Headaches, pain?

b. Increased illnesses or medical problems?

2. What kind of psychological and emotional problems are you (is your partner) having?

a. Difficulties concentrating, depression, anxiety, fears, feelings of being numb, nightmares? Are you (is your partner) taking any medications for these problems?

b. Have you (has your partner) tried to hurt or thought about hurting yourself (herself)? Do you (does your partner) have a plan? Do you (does your partner) have a sense of failure?

c. Have you (your partner) thought of hurting or harming your partner (you)? Do you (your partner) have a plan? Do you (your partner) have thoughts of hurting someone else?

d. Are you having trouble caring for the children?

3. In what ways does your partner control you? (Do you control your partner in any of the following ways?)

a. Do you have to get your partner’s permission (or does your partner have to get your permission) for any of the following:

 What you wear?  What time you go to bed? Your daily schedule?  Who you see? What appointments you have?  Your discipline of the children? Where you work?  How you spend your money?

21  How much time you spend with him?  Talking with Children’s Protective Services?

b. What would happen if you (she) did something he (you) opposed? What would happen if Children’s Protective Services wanted you (her) to do something he (you) opposed?

APPENDIX B6

Information to Consider in Assessing Protective Factors

Gather information about protective factors from all sources, including adult victims, perpetrators, and others with knowledge of family and community.

1. Victim resources to include factors such as the victim’s

a. resistance to the perpetrator’s or community’s victim-blaming. b. belief in herself and/or her children. c. willingness to seek help d. use of available money, time, and material goods. e. work skills f. parenting skills g. ability to plan for the children’s safety. h. knowledge of the abuser and the situation. i. health and physical strength. j. use of safety strategies for herself and the children.

2. Children’s resources include such factors as the children’s

a. age and developmental stage. b. positive relationships with adult victim, siblings, other family members, and neighbors. c. actions during violence. d. help-seeking behavior. e. instructions from the adult victim or perpetrator about what to do. f. ability to carry out safety plan.

3. Community resources for victim safety and perpetrator accountability include

a. victim advocacy/support services b. effective criminal justice response to domestic violence (police, prosecutors, courts, and corrections). c. effective civil or family court response to domestic violence d. welfare and social services e. effective health care f. safe housing

23 g. community of faith. h. family/friends of the victim and/or perpetrator. i. rehabilitation programs for domestic violence perpetrators. j. accessible substance abuse treatment.

4. A perpetrator’s resources to stop the abuse include

a. halting abuse of the victim or children during the Children’s Protective Services process. b. acknowledgement of abusive behavior as a problem. c. acknowledgement of responsibility for stopping the abuse. d. cooperation with current efforts to address abusive behavior. e. awareness of the negative consequences of abusive behaviors on the victim, children, and the abuser’s physical well-being, self-image, legal status, social relationships, and employment. f. cooperation during the interviews g. commitment to victim safety h. demonstration of ability to comply with court orders. i. successfully stopping abuse in the past. j. respect for limits set by victim and/or other agencies. k. support for parenting efforts of the adult victim. l. consideration of children’s best interests over parental rights.

Ganley, A. Schechter, S. Domestic Violence: A National Curriculum for Children’s Protective Services. Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1996.

APPENDIX B7

These questions are directed primarily to the adult victim, although modified versions can be posed to the perpetrator or the children.

1. Does the extended family know about the violence? Who knows? What has been the response? Do you feel safe in talking with them about the problem?

2. Is there anyone outside the family (friends, co-workers, clergy) who knows about the violence? How have they responded? Have you felt supported? Do you feel it is safe to talk with them?

3. Have the police been called? Who called them? What was their response? Did that help you?

4. Have you gone to court for a protection order? To press charges? To get a divorce? What was the experience like for you?

5. Have you ever left home to protect yourself or the children? What happened? Was this helpful to you? Were you able to take the children?

6. Have you ever gone to a counselor or to medical personnel for help with this issue? What happened?

7. Have you ever used a battered women’s services program? What happened?

8. Has your partner ever gone to counseling or to a program for the domestic violence? What happened?

APPENDIX B8

Questions and Strategies for Interviewing Children

1. Assessing the Pattern of Domestic Violence Perpetrator’s Abusive Conduct

What happens when parents (the adults) fight? Does anyone hit, shove, push? Does anyone yell? Does anyone throw things or damage property? Has anyone used a gun or a knife? Tell me about the last big fight between them? Have you ever been made to take sides?

2. Assessing the Impact of the Domestic Violence on the Adult Victim

Has anyone been hurt or injured? Is your parent afraid? How do your parents act after a bad fight? Have you seen the police or anyone come over because of their fights? Have you seen injuries or damaged property?

3. Assessing the Impact of the Domestic Violence on the Children

Have you been hurt by any of their fights? What do your brothers or sisters do during a fight? Are you ever afraid when your parents fight? How do you feel during the fight? After the fight? Do you worry about the violence? Do you talk to anyone about the fights? Do you feel safe at home? Have you ever felt like hurting yourself or someone else?

4. Assessing the Children’s Protective Factors

Where do you go during their fights? Have you tried to stop a fight? What happened? In an emergency for your parent or yourself, what would you do? Whom would you call? Have you ever called for help? What happened?

5. Assessing Lethality: Child’s Knowledge of the Danger

Has anyone needed to go to a doctor after a fight? Do the adults use guns or knives? Do you know where the gun is? Has anyone threatened to hurt someone? What did the person say?

APPENDIX C1

Safety Planning Tool to use with Adult Victims

A. Ask some of the Following Questions as you discuss Safety:

1. In what way can I (and others) help you?

2. What do you feel you need to be safe?

3. What particular concerns do you have about your children’s safety?

4. What have you tried in the past to protect yourself and your children (e.g. left for a few days, sought help from family, friends, a shelter, fought back, got an order for protection)? Did any of these strategies help? Will any of them help you now?

5. Who in your support system will help you? How can they help? Can we involve them?

B. If the Client has separated from the Domestic Violence Perpetrator, evaluate the following options with her:

1. Changing locks on doors and windows.

2. Installing a better security system – window bars, locks, better lighting, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

3. Teaching the children to call the police or family and friends if they are snatched.

4. Talking to schools and childcare providers about who has permission to pick up the children, and developing other special provisions to protect the children.

5. Finding a lawyer knowledgeable about family violence to explore custody, visitation, and divorce provisions that protect the children and the adult victim.

27 6. In rural areas where only the mailbox may be visible from the street, covering the box with bright colored paper so that police can more easily locate the home.

7. Obtaining an Order of Protection.

8. Telling neighbors that her partner is gone, and asking them to inform her if he returns to the area.

9. Figuring out what she can do (or is willing to do) if/when her partner returns.

C. If the Client is leaving the Domestic Violence Perpetrator, Review the following with her:

1. How and when can she most safely leave? Does she have transportation? Money? A place to go?

2. Is the place she is fleeing to safe?

3. Is she comfortable calling the police if she needs them?

4. Who will she tell or not tell about leaving?

5. Who in her support network does she trust to protect her?

6. What can she and others do so that her partner will not find her?

7. How will she travel safely to and from work or school or to pick up the children?

8. What community/shelter/legal resources will help her feel safe? Write down their addresses and phone numbers. Help her call them. Encourage her to use them.

9. What custody and visitation provisions would keep her and the children safe?

10. Would an Order of Protection be a viable option?

28 D. If your Client is staying with the Domestic Violence Perpetrator, Review the following with her:

1. In an emergency what works best to keep her and the children safe?

2. Who can she call in a crisis?

3. Would she call the police if the violence starts again? Is there a phone in the house, or can she work out a signal with the children or the neighbors to call the police or get help?

4. If she needs to flee temporarily, where can she go? Help her think of several places where she can go in a crisis. Write down the addresses and phone numbers.

5. Would a Protection Order help her?

6. If she needs to flee, where are the escape routes from the house?

7. Identify dangerous locations in the house, and advise her to try not to be trapped in them.

8. If there are weapons in the house, explore ways to have them removed.

9. Advise her to make an extra set of car keys and to hide some money in case of emergency.

10. Remind her that in the middle of a violent assault, it is always best for her to trust her judgement about what is best – sometimes it is best to flee, sometimes to placate the assailant, anything that works to protect herself and the children.

Gander, A., Schechter, S. Domestic Violence: A National Curriculum for Children’s Protective Services. Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1996.

29 11. Advise the client to have the following available in case she must flee:

 Birth certificates

 Social Security Cards

 Marriage and driver’s licenses

 Car Title

 Bank account number, credit and ATM cards, savings passbooks.

 Lease/rental agreements, house deed, mortgage papers.

 Insurance information and forms

 School and health records

 Welfare and immigration documents

 Medications and prescriptions

 Divorce papers or other court documents

 Phone Numbers and addresses for family, friends, and community agencies.

 Clothing and comfort items for her and the children.

 Keys

APPENDIX C2

Safety Planning with Adults for their Children

WITH THE ADULT VICTIM

The worker should pose some of the following questions:

1. In what way can we help you to protect your children? What can we do?

2. What have you tried in the past to protect your children?

3. What do you need now to protect your children?

4. Do you feel that a shelter or a protection order would be helpful to your children?

5. If yes, do you want to use these options now?

6. If no, what other ideas do you have about ways to keep your children safe (e.g. their temporarily staying with relatives or friends)?

WITH THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERPETRATOR

1. What do you intend to do to stop your violent behavior?

2. What actions will you take respecting no-contact orders, removing weapons from your home, car, and environment; not using alcohol and drugs; leaving the house (like using time-out); going to counseling to insure that the abuse stops, and your family is safe?

APPENDIX C3

The worker should explore the following issues with the adult victim and the children, when appropriate:

 How the children can find a safe adult and ask for help whenever they experience violence at home.

 How the children can escape from the house if an assault is in progress. If they cannot escape, what room in the house is the safest for them?

 How the children can avoid getting in the middle of an assault.

 Where they can go in an emergency (ask the children to explain what they will do, step by step)

 How to call the police (practice what to say).

 How to call supportive family members, friends, or community agencies for help (practice what to say).

FAMILY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Purpose and Instructions

The “Family Needs Assessment” has been developed to help professionals and para-professionals working with at risk families to better evaluate family functioning. This document is designed to help identify core factors that contribute to the abuse and neglect of children. To assess safety, you must also seek solutions to resolve or reduce the risk to the child and the family. The items listed are not all inclusive and are only meant to jog your memory, and to make very minimal suggestions to resolve identified problems. Your role as a helping agent for the family, is to do a thorough assessment of the family situation, and with input from the family, make referrals that will be beneficial to them.

Place a check mark next to the appropriate items at the top of the page, and answer yes, no, or not applicable, to the questions at the bottom of the page. Once the form is completed, it should be signed and placed in your case file, for review by your supervisor.

This form will assist your supervisor to better assess your ability to determine root causes for the problem, make appropriate referrals, engage families to accept services, and to seek assistance on cases when you are in doubt. This form is for the benefit of you and your supervisor, and is not designed to be distributed to the family. The “Family Needs Assessment” should help you to make sure you have done all you can to be of assistance to the family in each case.

33 FAMILY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

BARRIERS TO FAMILY SAFETY PUBLIC SOLUTIONS

___ Inadequate parenting skills ___ Parenting classes ___ Family communication problems ___ Counseling services ___ Poor impulse control ___ Anger control classes ___ Lack of employment ___ Employment services, WAGES ___ No income ___ Juvenile Justice Program ___ Law violations by family members ___ Favor House ___ Substance abuse ___ Batterer’s Intervention ___ Domestic violence ___ ADM Providers ___ Mental Health problems ___ HUD ___ No family support system ___ Title XX Daycare ___ Inadequate housing ___ Purchase bus tokens ___ Lack of child care ___ Salvation Army / Waterfront Mission ___ Lack of transportation ___ County Health Department / WIC ___ No food ___ Substance Abuse Therapy ___ No clothes ___ Food Stamps, Medicaid ___ Lack of education ___ Churches ___ Low self-esteem ___ Big Brother / Big Sister ___ Health problems ___ AA/NA ___ Isolation ___ Thrift Shops ___ Unaware of community resources ___ Title IV-A/EA Funds ___ Lack of recreation ___ Healthy Families ___ Lack of essential furniture ___ Crisis Line ___ Runaway, truant, ungovernable ___ Legal Aid service ___ Not interested in any services ___ YWCA ___ Other ______Other ______

Did you give the family your card (including age appropriate children) with instructions to call you if they have any problems? Yes ____ No ____

Did you contact the reporter and ask them to call again if they suspect a child is at risk? Yes ____ No ____ N/A____

Do you feel uncomfortable about your decisions in this case, and want to have a staffing? Yes ____ No ____ (All cases checked yes will be staffed with your supervisor, and with the District I Domestic Violence Team, if requested)

Signature: ______Date: ______

APPENDIX D1

Validating the Adult Victim’s Experiences

A. Avoid stigmatizing her with a label of “battered,” but be concerned about the harm that is done to her.

 Put effective labels on the experiences. “It sounds painful and scary.”  Raise your concerns about danger to her.  Explain the concept of coercive control, and help her see what the domestic violence perpetrator is doing to hurt her.

B. Interview her in the language in which she communicates most comfortably. If she prefers talking to a practitioner from her ethnic or racial group, offer her this option if you can, making sure the practitioner or interpreter understands and respects the need for confidentiality.

C. Support the client for telling her story.

D. Empathize with her and validate her feelings. Because the domestic violence perpetrator blames her for the violence, and because society frequently does nothing to stop the assaults, many adult victims feel crazy and self-doubting.

E. Take a stand against the violence, and articulate a clear set of beliefs about violence to the adult victim (e.g. “You never deserve abuse.” “You are not responsible for the violence, no matter what you do, even if you strike back, drink, or take drugs. The perpetrator is responsible for the violence.”) Make statements like the following; “Abuse is wrong, staying with your partner may not always be the best for you or the children. You deserve more.”

F. Universalize. Make statements to your client like, “I’ve talked to many women in circumstances like yours” or “Many women who are beaten feel the way you do.”

G. Offer information and data (e.g. violence tends to increase in severity and frequency over time). Refer women to resource guides such as “Getting Free: A Handbook for Women in Abusive Relationships” by Ginny NiCarthy, or “When Love Goes Wrong; What to do When You Can’t Do Anything Right” by Ann Jones and Susan Schechter.

35 H. Urge the adult victim to join groups so that she can receive support and validation.

I. Anyone who is abused looks for answers to the question, “Why is he doing this to me?” Take the time to go through her explanation to this question. Help her develop explanations that make it clear the perpetrator is responsible. Help her understand that she is not the cause of domestic violence and untangle confusing information.

APPENDIX D2

Building on the Adult Victim’s Strengths

Acknowledge a woman’s strengths, such as the specific ways she has protected herself or her children, methods she has used to escape the abuse or maintain her sanity, the courage she has demonstrated by telling you about the violence, or by reaching out to resources and support systems for help, including her family and cultural support systems.

Do not ask questions that are victim-blaming, such as:

 How can you stay in a situation that is hurting your children so much?  What keeps you with a person like that?  Do you get something out of the violence?  What did you do that caused him to hit you?  What could you have done to de-escalate the situation?  Is there any way in which you participate in the escalation of the violence?  What is it about your culture that makes women “take it” from men?

Adult victims are not passive recipients of abuse. Rather, they constantly try to stop the violence and protect their children and themselves. Their thoughtfulness is often invisible to the outsider because frequently, in the face of erratic and irrational assault, it is best to proceed very cautiously. Even talking to the Children’s Protective Services caseworker may set off another round of attacks.

Good assessment in CPS cases involves continually identifying ways that an adult victim has attempted to protect the children, whether or not she was successful in the eyes of the worker. By working with the adult victim to build on these experiences, the worker can help her protect the children successfully.

APPENDIX D3

Help the Adult Victim to Regain Control Over Her Own Life

Victims of domestic violence are adults who are making difficult choices during crises. Because the domestic violence perpetrator strips away the victim’s sense of control and dignity, the worker’s goal must be to restore her control. To do this, keep in mind the points below:

 Allow adult victims to make decisions for themselves. Do not bully or mandate conditions for your help, such as, “You must prosecute your partner, you should leave him.” Rather, explore options and consequences of the adult victim’s choices. If the worker thinks the victim’s choice of staying with her partner endangers a child, tell the woman this directly. If the worker believes a child must be removed to protect the child, say this directly and try to help the mother make choices that are fair for her and her children (i.e. placement of the children with family and friends).

 Allow adult victims to talk about their ambivalence (the good and bad feelings) toward their perpetrator. We only resolve problems when we can acknowledge their complexity.

 Accept that each adult victim must find solutions with which she can live. For example, some find divorce unacceptable. Some African-American, Latina, and Native women may feel conflicted about using a criminal justice system they feel is racist. For immigrant women, leaving the perpetrator and moving to a new community or a shelter where no one speaks their language or understands their culture, may not be an acceptable option.

 Accept that an adult victim’s opinions and solutions may change over time. When victims get new information about domestic violence and help with planning their safety, they may change their minds about staying with the perpetrator, or using the court for protection.

 Always ask questions like, “In what ways can I or others be helpful to you? What do you want to do?” Listen carefully to her requests and try to respond to them.

APPENDIX D4

Explore the Adult Victim’s Options

Children’s Protective Services workers must ensure that battered women are fully informed of shelter, legal, housing, health care, and welfare options. As the worker explores and builds options with the adult victim, it is important to keep the following tasks in mind:

 Always ask the woman what she tried in the past and what worked for her. Explore the consequences of her choices.

 Help her prioritize, what is important for her safety now?

 Remember that, in a crisis, we all forget. Write things down in a language she understands. Break tasks into manageable pieces.

 Help the woman mobilize her support system. Sometimes the domestic violence perpetrator tears the adult victim away from family and friends. Rebuilding those connections, if they are good and safe, is crucial to her well being, and may also open new options for her and her children. If her former support system is not available, help her build a new one.

39 APPENDIX E

DISTRICT I DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TEAM

Marsha Travis FavorHouse of NW Florida, Inc. 2001 West Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Ph# (850) 434-1177 Fax# (850) 434-9987

Ann E. Farrar Dept. of Children & Families District I Family Safety 160 Governmental Center, Suite 607 Pensacola, FL 32501-5734 Ph# (850) 595-8239 Fax# (850) 595-8242

Jeanna Olson Dept. of Children & Families District I Family Safety 160 Governmental Center, Suite 607 Pensacola, FL 32501-5734 Ph# (850) 595-8245 Fax# (850) 595-8242

Annette Zeeb Dept. of Children & Families District I Contracted Services 160 Governmental Center, Suite 410 Pensacola, FL 32501-5734 Ph# (850) 595-8101 Fax# (850) 595-8116

Kathy Winters FamiliesFirst Network 3300 N. Pace Blvd., Suite E Pensacola, FL 32505 Ph# (850) 595-8229 Fax# (850) 595-8242

40 APPENDIX F1 FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview Center

REFERRAL FORM Date: ______

Referral To:

Address:

From: (Name of person making referral) Title Phone Pager#

Agency:

Address:

CLIENT AND FAMILY INFORMATION Client’s Name DOB SS# Medicaid #

Address Phone

Reason for Referral/Notes to Referral Agency

Signature: ______

Response to Referral Originator

Signature: ______

PLEASE ATTACH RELEASE OF INFORMATION Updated 02/26/03