PROTOCOL FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE THREATENS CHILD

INVESTIGATIONS IN DUVAL COUNTY

Introduction

In 2008, the Department of Children and Families funded the “Domestic Violence Subject Matter Experts Initiative” to increase its capacity to address domestic violence. The Initiative trained 16 Child Protective Investigators to become domestic violence Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for their respective units. In addition, 10 CBC Case Managers in the VPS-FAST program were trained. The goal of the Initiative is to support and promote safety, permanency and well-being of children by improving casework practice, elevating staff competencies and addressing practice, policy and resource challenges.

The Safe and Together consultation model, developed specifically for domestic violence cases involving children by David Mandel and Associates, LLC is used by the Subject Matter Experts to address the entire family. The SMEs help their colleagues identify the impact of the domestic violence on the children and develop plans that a) intervene with the domestic violence perpetrator, b) create the most effective partnership possible with the protective parent, c) meet the needs of the children in the home and d) are sensitive to the role of mental health issues,substance abuse and culture.

The Protocol

The following protocol should be used on all reports with allegations of family violence threatens child. All investigations shall be screened for family violence/domestic violence factors and tools provided used as appropriate. In addition, the Child Protective Investigators/Supervisors will explicitly comply with the existing Hubbard House Protocol (Attachment 6) when families are residing in the shelter.

This protocol is specific to those cases where domestic violence/coercive behaviors are occurring between intimate partners and/or when children are affected by family violence.

Given the high rate of co-occurrence of domestic violence with physical maltreatment and other child protection issues, domestic violence should be screened for in all investigations. Unidentified domestic violence can be a direct safety concern and/or impede the resolution of other issues in a family (eg: medical neglect).

  1. Report is received in the Report Assignment Unit (RAU) alleging family violence threatens child(ren).
  1. RAU will place the domestic violence initial assessment and checklist forms in the file.
  1. RAU will assign report to the Unit.
  1. Unit Supervisor reviews the report and assigns investigation to the domestic violence subject matter expert when situation is deemed to be serious; OR assigns to other CPI in the Unit.
  1. When a CPI other than the “expert” is assigned, that CPI will consult with the CPIS and subject matter expert.
  1. The CPI will immediately request 911 call outs and criminal record checks on all subjects.
  1. The CPI will immediately contact the Reporter and sources on report, particularly when Law Enforcement, State Attorney, Domestic Violence Advocate, or INVEST is involved.
  1. The CPI will immediately review all DCF prior information in FSFN.
  1. The CPI, CPIS and DV Subject Matter Expert (when applicable) will determine if the case is such that an immediate staffing with the Domestic Violence Advocate is warranted and will ensure such staffing/consultation occurs (this could include the DV Advocate going with the CPI to commence the investigation).
  1. The CPI will commence the investigation and complete the Initial Domestic Violence Assessment (Attachment 1), Domestic Violence Checklist (Attachment 2) and Safety Assessment on the family. It is important to note that in limited cases, an immediate Child Legal Services staffing may occur to ensure the safety of the children.
  1. The CPI will implement Safety Plans (Attachment 3 and 4)when applicable to include the children (when age appropriate), the adult victim and the perpetrator.
  1. The CPI will consult with their CPIS, Domestic Violence Subject Matter Expert, and Domestic Violence Advocate to determine if a staffing withthe Integrated Practice Team (ITP) is warranted.
  1. If an ITP staffing is warranted, it will be coordinated by the CPI through the Family Advocate and will involve some or all of the following participants: CPI, CPIS, Program Administrator, Domestic Violence Advocate, Substance Abuse (FIS) staff, Mental Health staff, Master Level Social Worker, CLS and any other agencies as appropriate. An Action Plan will be developed at the conclusion of this meeting and will be clearly documented in FSFN and monitored by the Family Advocate.

** Some cases will warrant immediate intervention with the above parties while others can be scheduled during the course of the investigation.

  1. The CPI will ensure engagement in service provision prior to closure of the investigation. If there are concerns for non-compliance which result in child safety concerns, the CPI will restaff the case with their CPIS and CLS attorney.
  1. If the CPI obtains legal sufficiency to remove the children and/or file a dependency petition, all documentation will be provided to the Community Based Care provider to ensure consistency in services.

ATTACHMENTS:

D/V Initial Assessment Form (Attachment 1)

D/V Checklist (Attachment 2)

My Safety Plan (Attachment 3)

FSFN Safety Plan (Attachment 4)

Referral form for Hubbard House(Attachment 5)

Hubbard House Protocol Without Attachments (Attachment 6)

LocalDomesticViolenceSheltersServicingDuval, ClayandNassauCounties:

Duval- Hubbard House

Hotline number: (904) 354-3114

PO Box 4909

Jacksonville, FL32201

FAX: (904) 354-1342

Clay- Quigley House, Inc.

Hotline numbers: (904) 284-0061 or TDD (904) 284-0424

PO Box 142

Orange Park, FL32067-0142

FAX: (904) 284-5407

Nassau- Micah’s Place

Hotline number: (904) 225-9979

PO Box 16287

Fernandina Beach, FL32035

FAX: (904) 491-6362

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

OF THE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

  1. Attend domestic violence trainings as available to include participation in consultation meetings with David Mandel.
  1. Provide Training to respective Unit CPI staff at monthly unit meetings or as needed.
  1. Investigate high risk domestic violence cases as current work load allows (in consultation with the CPIS).
  1. Provides consultation to CPIs to include review of safety assessments, documentation, CLS staffing forms, safety plans, and assist staff in assessing impact of domestic violence on the children through better interviewing skills and assessment.
  1. Assist CPIs in identifying family strengths.
  1. Assist CPIs in identifying family stressors.
  1. Attend meetings with domestic violence providers, law enforcement, SAO advocates, INVEST staff, and others as appropriate, to learn about all resources available and share said information with their Unit.
  1. Attend bi-monthly domestic violence expert meetings to discuss progress, needs of the group, share best practice, etc. The meetings shall be coordinated by the domestic violence subject matter experts.
  1. Work closely with the Domestic Violence Advocate on all DV cases.

Attachment 1

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTIAL ASSESSMENT

For use during protective investigations when family violence is suspected

Case#:Case Name:

  1. What is the relationship between the family and the alleged perpetrator?
  1. Is the alleged Perpetrator in the home? Yes No

If yes, explain

3. Has the alleged Perpetrator pushed, hit, or harmed persons in the home in any way in the past? Yes No

If yes, explain

4. Where were the child (ren) during the alleged incident(s)?

5. Has the alleged perpetrator ever threatened to harm the child (ren) or take them away? Yes No

If yes, explain

6. Have the subjects in the report ever been a party to Prior /injunctions or other protective orders? Yes No

Has Law Enforcement ever been involved at present or in the past? Yes No

Have there ever been any 911 calls in regards to family disputes /conflicts? Yes No

If yes, explain

7. Were drugs or Alcohol involved in the current or prior incidents? Yes No

If yes, explain

8. Were any of the adults ever exposed to family/domestic violence as children? Yes No

If yes, explain

9. How were the adults disciplined as children?

10. What forms of discipline do the adults use?

CPI:Date:

CPIS:Date:

Attachment 2

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHECKLIST

For use during protective investigations when family violence is suspected

Case#:Case Name:

Were the parents/participants interviewed separately and out of earshot of each other and children over the age of 3?

Did the CPI ask questions about specific controlling and abusive behaviors versus “domestic violence”?

Did the CPI pull 911 call outs, criminal checks, DCF priors, and search civil records for past or present injunctions?

Did the CPI present the case in a way that indicates they are looking for a pattern of coercive control, over time and across the perpetrator’s relationship?

Did the CPI indentify the differing roles of the perpetrator and the survivor, instead of lumping both parents together as being equally responsible for the violence?

Did the CPI consider who is afraid and/or who has more control over resources?

Did the CPI use the framework of coercive control, or history of coercive control that is significantly different to determine who the primary aggressor is?

Did the CPI identify specific actions the perpetrator has taken to harm the children?

Did the CPI describe the survivor’s prior safety planning efforts and other strengths?

Did the CPI present an assessment of how the survivor has attempted to maintain routine and provide nurturance despite the perpetrators coercive control?

Did the CPI balance the survivor’s efforts to protect with the Departments safety assessment?

Did the CPI fully assess effects of violence to children by looking at their behavior, school performance, mental health, eating, sleeping, cognition and other factors?

Did the CPI interview the perpetrator?

Did the CPI communicate with law enforcement, the courts, and probation?

Did the CPI complete referrals/safety plans to reflect behavioral changes, such as agreements to stop certain behavior as well as batterers intervention or coordination with the courts?

Did the CPI complete referrals/safety plans to address substance abuse and mental health issues without ignoring dynamics of coercive control, such as perpetrator trying to sabotage survivors treatment?

Did the CPI identify an understanding of cultural and socio-economic factors that might increase the perpetrators control over the family?

Attachment 3

(3 pages)

MY SAFETY PLAN

Safety Plan for Staying

□ Call a domestic violence program to help me make my safety plan.

Phone number: ______

□ Keep important numbers and change for phone calls with me at all times.

□ Get a post office box so my partner will not see my mail coming to the house.

Only go to it during busy times of the day when it is safest.

Where to go: ______

□ Open a checking account in my name at: ______

□ Make an escape plan from home and practice it with my children. When I think the

abuse is about to happen, try to stay away from rooms that I cannot get out of, such as

a bathroom. Also, try to stay out of rooms that have things he could use to hurt me,

such as the kitchen or the garage.

□ Teach my children:

  1. When and how to call 9-1-1
  2. Where to go to be safe and to get help when abuse is about to or is happening

□ Let someone know the abuse is about to happen. Call: ______

Or ______

Safety as I Prepare to Leave

□ Keep important numbers by the telephone and teach the children when and how to use them

□ Tell my neighbors about the violence and instruct them to contact the police if they see or hear

anything suspicious

□ Make a list of safe places to go in case of an emergency: family, shelter, police department, friends

□ Remember my list of important things when leaving the house

□ Try to put money aside for phone calls, open separate savings account (in a different bank if you

have a joint account)

□ Create a code word for the children or my friends so they can call for help

□ Keep copies of important documents of keys in safe place outside the home

□ What is the best time of day for me to leave: ______

Where can I stay ______

□ How will I get there: ______

□ How do I get the children: ______

□ Who will help me: ______

□ What will I do if my partner surprises me: ______

______

Put together and hide an escape bag. This bag should have items that you need the most or hard to replace. Hide this bag with someone you trust who will not tell your partner. Make sure you can get to it safely if you have to leave home in a hurry. You can give it to a co-worker, person from church, or a friend that your partner does not know.

Items to Remember:

□ Identification

□ Mine and my children’s birth certificates

□ Social Security cards

□ School and medical records

□ Money, bankbooks, credit cards

□ Keys to house/car/office

□ Driver’s license and registration

□ Medications

□ Children’s favorite toy and/or blankets

□ Welfare (public assistance) documents

□ Passport(s), green cards, work permit

□ Divorce papers

□ Lease/rental agreement, house deed

□ Insurance papers

□ Address book/picture of abuser

□ Items of sentimental value, jewelry

If your partner notices these missing items, he may think that you are trying to trick him. He may think you are leaving without him knowing it. This may put you in more danger. You may want to make copies of the original documents and keep the copies only.

Safety Plan for When the Relationship is Over

□ Plan to change the locks, install a security system, or an outdoor lighting system. Install smoke

detectors.

□ Inform people my partner no longer lives here and to notify me or the police if he is seen in the area.

□ Tell people who take care of my children who has permission to pick them up. Supply them with

copies of any court papers ordering the abuser to stay away.

□ Avoid locations where I may run into my batterer: bank, stores, and restaurants.

□ Obtain a protective order from ______court; keep it with me at all times,

put additional copy in a safe place or with someone, and notify the police of violations.

□ Make a plan to contact someone for support, such as a friend or family member. Call a hotline

and/or attend a support group if I feel down or ready to return to a potentially abusive situation.

Important Phone Numbers:

Police ______

Local Battered Women’s Program ______

Local Child Protection Agency ______

Friends ______

Other ______

Attachment 4

(3 pages)

FSFN SAFETY PLAN

Case Name / Case Number
Effective Date / Worker Name

A. SAFETY FACTOR DESCRIPTION

Describe safety concerns that would pose immediate or serious harm or threats of harm. Consider factors that pertain to child vulnerabilities, protective capacities, and signs of immediate or emerging danger.

______

B. CONSIDERATIONS

Can in-services work for this family?

YesNo

The parents/legal custodian are willing for services to be provided and will cooperatewith service providers.

The home environment is calm and stable enough for services to be provided and for the service providers to be in the home safely.

Safety actions that control all of the conditions affecting safety can be immediately put in place.

Parent/Legal Custodian resides in the home.

______

C. SAFETY PLAN

  1. Describe the specific safety actions to be taken. For each action include the person responsible for the action, when theaction will occur, duration, frequency and the person responsible for monitoring the safety plan.
  1. Describe how these specific action provide protection from immediate danger of serious harm, for each child, thus decreasing child vulnerability and increasing protective capacities.
  1. Can available resources keep the child (ren) safe in his/her home?

Yes No

All needed services exist.

Needed services/providers are currently available at the level/time required.

Safety Plan Actions

______

D. SAFETY RESOURCES______

Indicate the safety resources(s), the frequency and the amount of time or time period the service is needed to control conditions affecting safety (e.g., 3 x wk./ 2 hrs., or every afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00, one time only, etc.),and the person and/or agency who will provide the service. If a service is needed, but a provider is not available, indicate such in the Other Provider section for that service.

Service Category / Service Type / Frequency
Begin Date / Provider / Other Provider

E. SIGNATURES______

______

SIGNATURE – Family MemberDate Signed

______

SIGNATURE – Family MemberDate Signed

______

SIGNATURE – OtherDate Signed

______

SIGNATURE – WorkerDate Signed

______

SIGNATURE – SupervisorDate Signed

Attachment 5

Updated: 12/31/081

Referring Agency: / Contact Person: / Supervisor:
Location or Unit: / Phone #: / Fax#: / Date:

Hubbard House, Inc. Received By: ______

Domestic Violence Services Referral Date: ______

One Referral Per Family

Client/Case Number (this is used to provide a status report via fax and/or email):
The child(ren) have been detained. / Family referred to Prevention Services.
Survivor’s Data / Last: / First: / Middle:
Street: / Apt #:
City: / State: / Zip:
Primary Phone #: / Alternate Phone #: / DOB:
Safe / Unsafe / Times: / Safe / Unsafe / Times:
Perpetrator’s Data / Last: / First: / Middle:
Relationship: / Partner
Ex-Partner / Is the perpetrator in
the home now? / Yes / No / Unknown
*Children’s Data
*Add extra sheet if necessary. / Last: / First: / Middle:
DOB: / Gender: / Female / Male
Last: / First: / Middle:
DOB: / Gender: / Female / Male
Last: / First: / Middle:
DOB: / Gender: / Female / Male
HH
Outreach
Survivor Services / Adult Survivors
CARE Program
(Assessments, counseling,
classes/group support & case management
for adult survivors of domestic violence)
Court Advocacy
(Assistance with Injunctions for Protection) / Children
HARK Program
(Assessments, counseling,
classes/group & case management
for children ages 3 – 17 in violent homes)
Reasons for Referral / Description of Violent Incident:
Please Fax or e-mail All Referrals to 354-1342 or
Hubbard House Info Only: / Date & Time of 1st call:
Date & Time of 2nd call:
Date of 1st letter & status report:
Date & Time of 3rd call:
Date of 2nd letter & status report:

Updated: 12/31/081