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).

2. RAU will place the domestic violence initial assessment and checklist forms in the file.

3. RAU will assign report to the Unit.

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4. 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.

5. When a CPI other than the “expert” is assigned, that CPI will consult with the CPIS and subject matter expert.

6. The CPI will immediately request 911 call outs and criminal record checks on all subjects.

7. The CPI will immediately contact the Reporter and sources on report, particularly when Law Enforcement, State Attorney, Domestic Violence Advocate, or INVEST is involved.

8. The CPI will immediately review all DCF prior information in FSFN.

9. 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).

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. The CPI will consult with their CPIS, Domestic Violence Subject Matter Expert, and Domestic Violence Advocate to determine if a staffing with the Integrated Practice Team (ITP) is warranted.

13. 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.

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14. 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.

15. 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)

Local Domestic Violence Shelters Servicing Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties:

Duval- Hubbard HouseHotline number: (904) 354-3114PO Box 4909Jacksonville, FL 32201FAX: (904) 354-1342

Clay- Quigley House, Inc.Hotline numbers: (904) 284-0061 or TDD (904) 284-0424PO Box 142Orange Park, FL 32067-0142FAX: (904) 284-5407

Nassau- Micah’s Place Hotline number: (904) 225-9979PO Box 16287Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 FAX: (904) 491-6362

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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.

2. Provide Training to respective Unit CPI staff at monthly unit meetings or as needed.

3. Investigate high risk domestic violence cases as current work load allows (in consultation with the CPIS).

4. 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.

5. Assist CPIs in identifying family strengths.

6. Assist CPIs in identifying family stressors.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Work closely with the Domestic Violence Advocate on all DV cases.

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Attachment 1

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTIAL ASSESSMENTFor use during protective investigations when family violence is suspected

Case#: Case Name:

1. What is the relationship between the family and the alleged perpetrator?

2. Is the alleged Perpetrator in the home? Yes NoIf yes, explain

3. Has the alleged Perpetrator pushed, hit, or harmed persons in the home in any way in the past? Yes NoIf 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 NoIf yes, explain

6. Have the subjects in the report ever been a party to Prior /injunctions or other protective orders? Yes NoHas Law Enforcement ever been involved at present or in the past? Yes NoHave there ever been any 911 calls in regards to family disputes /conflicts? Yes NoIf yes, explain

7. Were drugs or Alcohol involved in the current or prior incidents? Yes NoIf yes, explain

8. Were any of the adults ever exposed to family/domestic violence as children? Yes NoIf yes, explain

9. How were the adults disciplined as children?

10. What forms of discipline do the adults use?

CPI: Date:

CPIS: Date:

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Attachment 2

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHECKLISTFor 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?

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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 9-1-12. 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

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□ 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

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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 ________________________________________________________________________

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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?

Yes NoThe parents/legal custodian are willing for services to be provided and

will cooperate with 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.

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________________________________________________________________________ C. SAFETY PLAN

1. Describe the specific safety actions to be taken. For each action include the person responsible for the action, when the action will occur, duration, frequency and the person responsible for monitoring the safety plan.

2. Describe how these specific action provide protection from immediate danger of serious harm, for each child, thus decreasing child vulnerability and increasing protective capacities.

3. 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.

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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 Member Date Signed

_____________________________________________ __________________________SIGNATURE – Family Member Date Signed

_____________________________________________ __________________________SIGNATURE – Other Date Signed

_____________________________________________ __________________________SIGNATURE – Worker Date Signed

_____________________________________________ __________________________SIGNATURE – Supervisor Date Signed

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Attachment 5

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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 OutreachSurvivor 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 outreach@hubbardhouse.org 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:

Attachment 6(11 pages)

Domestic Violence Response ProtocolUpdated: 12/31/08 14

December 2006

An Interagency Agreement betweenThe Florida Department of Children and Families

andHubbard House, 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 the Jacksonville Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Hubbard House. It is meant to serve as a practical guide for s DCF staff 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 the child to control the adult victim. Relationships involving domestic violence may differ in terms of the severity of abuse used by the domestic violence perpetrator, but control over the adult victim is the primary goal of the perpetrator.

I. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIESA. Identifying Domestic Violence

i. Screening and routine inquiry

DCF staff should screen for domestic violence in all cases by routinely inquiring with the 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.

DCF staff should routinely ask screening questions of the suspected adult victim out of the suspected perpetrator’s presence. If the suspected perpetrator will not allow time alone with the adult victim, DCF staff will attempt to set up time alone

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with the victim (i.e. tell the perpetrator that it is routine in all cases to have time alone with each family member.)

DCF staff 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 to disclose his own abusive conduct (See Appendix A for suggested questions). Do not confront the domestic violence perpetrator with information provided by the victim.

ii. Recognizing indicators of domestic violence

It is not uncommon for domestic violence to begin or to escalate in severity during a child protection intervention. DCF staff 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; one parent’s hesitancy to speak up in the presence of the other parent; 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 DCF staff should periodically explore with family members whether domestic violence has occurred.

iii. Using other sources of information to identify domestic violence

If the DCF staff has reason to suspect domestic violence in the family, but family members’ self-reports say it is not occurring, then the DCF staff should use other sources in addition to the family’s self-report 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 DCF staff should conduct an assessment of the danger posed to the child and the adult victim by the domestic violence, (See Appendix B).

iv. When domestic violence is disclosed by the adult victim

If the adult victim discloses the domestic violence, the DCF staff should attempt to build an alliance with the adult victim by letting her/him know they does not deserve the abuse, that the DCF staff believes that both the adult victim and the children are endangered by the violence, and that the DCF staff will help the victim protect themselves and the children.

DCF staff should explain to the victim that they will also be interviewing the domestic violence perpetrator, and should reassure her/him that no information,

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which they have shared with them 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.

v. DCF staff’s Safety

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

If the DCF staff 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. DCF staff should call the police if a physical assault occurs in their presence.

B. Assessing Domestic Violence

Once domestic violence has been identified, DCF staff should conduct an assessment of factors affecting the child’s and the adult victim’s safety, including (see Appendix B for assessment tools):

The nature of the domestic violence perpetrator’s assaultive and coercive conduct

The danger posed to the child and the parent 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 had used in the past to successfully protect the

children (i.e. protective factors) that can be reinforced to help her/him protect her/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. Protocol with Hubbard House, Inc.

i. Verifying that a person is at Hubbard House and arranging a meeting:

In the event that there is a report of alleged abuse regarding a resident of Hubbard House, regardless of where the report is generated, the following procedures should be used to protect the safety and confidentiality of clients.

Note: If a staff member of Hubbard House generates the report, the DCF staff may contact that person for additional information regarding the report. Hubbard House staff can discuss the report with the DCF staff but cannot arrange a meeting. The protocol listed below will still need to be utilized.

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a) The Child Protective Investigator (DCF staff) will call (904) 354-0076 Ext. 450 and leave a message. DO NOT call the Hubbard House Hotline number at this time. The following information should be left on the message:

1. Name2. Pager Number, cell, or office3. Name of Adult4. Name(s) of Child or Children

b) After a message is left, it will page the Hubbard House on-call staff, who will use this information to verify that you work for the Department of Children & Families and verify that the person(s) under investigation are at Hubbard House. (Note: You may contact the hotline, 354-3114 or 1-800-500-1119, only if an hour has expired from the time you left the message and no one has returned your call. If this occurs, you would only leave your name and pager number for the hotline staff to give to the on-call person to contact you. If another hour passes and you don’t get a response from the on-call Hubbard House staff then re-contact the hotline. The hotline staff cannot make any arrangements or provide any information regarding clients in shelter). DCF staff’s are encouraged to contact the Hubbard House Shelter Coordinator (354-0076 ext. 324) for any on-going concerns with utilizing this protocol.

c) In order to verify residency at Hubbard House, the following steps should be taken by the Hubbard House On-Call staff:

1. The Hubbard House staff will document the information left on the message and will look it up in the DCF staff Listing (provided by DCF), which is located at the Hotline.

2. If the DCF staff is listed and the information is correct the Hubbard House staff will proceed to the next step.

3. If name is not found in the listing the Hubbard House staff:a. Will then call the DCF after hours phone number at

807-7215 and speak to the on-call supervisor.b. Will give the supervisor the name of the DCF staff

and ask the supervisor to verify the DCF staff’s employment status with DCF.

c. Once Hubbard House staff has verified that the DCF staff works for DCF, they can proceed to the next step.

d. After verification, Hubbard House staff will arrange a meeting with DCF staff, Hubbard House staff, resident, and children. Hubbard House on-call staff will contact DCF staff within an hour of message being left in order to notify DCF staff of scheduled meeting time. In the event it is determined the child is at immediate risk due to the adult victim, the DCF staff and Hubbard House staff will make every reasonable effort to contact the adult victim before removal.

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e. As soon as feasible (but not to exceed 24 hours of Hubbard House receiving message), a meeting time will be arranged. Hubbard House staff, DCF staff and resident are expected to wait an hour from scheduled time of meeting. After waiting an hour past scheduled time of meeting and DCF staff, Hubbard House staff, or resident do not come to the meeting, then the other parties are free to leave and rescheduling will be at the convenience of the parties who were left waiting.

f. Only the on-call Hubbard House staff or designated Hubbard House staff will sit in on the meeting with the DCF staff and resident with the resident’s consent. Only the designated Hubbard House staff will sit in on the meeting with the DCF staff and the child or children.

g. Hubbard House staff and DCF will obtain release of information from client in order to facilitate future contact with DCF staff during the investigation.

ii. Accessing Hubbard House residents following initial investigation

It is understood that there will be times when DCF, community based care agencies or other staff/agencies/contracted personnel involved with the family (when a DCF case is open) will need to meet with the family for follow-up and/or on going service. The following guidelines are to be followed:

a) There will be NO random, unannounced visits.b) You must have a signed release of information on file in the resident’s

case records.c) If you have made an appointment with a Hubbard House resident

directly to meet at Hubbard House:1. Ask resident to inform Hubbard House staff and make sure

there is a release in case record.2. Call Hubbard House Hotline (904) 354-3114 to inform them of

the appointment and to verify that there is a release of information on file.

3. DCF staff will leave court hearing information, i.e. date, time, and location, with Hubbard House staff to relay to the adult victim upon their return to the emergency shelter.

iii. Referring a client to Hubbard House CARE Groups

Hubbard House C.A.R.E. groups (Coordinating Advocacy and Relationship Education) are education/advocacy-based programs for adult victims of intimate abuse. The program includes both groups for referrals and an outreach advocate assisting investigators at the scene of a child abuse call that is the result of domestic violence (availability permitting).

The goal of the groups is to educate clients about domestic violence while providing support and advocacy. Attached are the referral forms used to refer clients to the C.A.R.E. program. The referral should include a narrative briefly

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explaining the violence and if possible include police reports or other relative information. You may fax or email referrals.

Once Hubbard House has received a referral they will attempt to contact the client. Then will assess the client to determine eligibility for groups. If a client is ineligible for group that information will be passed on to the referring source. If the client is eligible they will be given a schedule and information about attendance and location. Once a client successfully completes all groups a notice will be sent back to the referring source. Please note that once a person has successfully completed the C.A.R.E. group that they are not eligible to return. However, other voluntary services/support groups are available.

Hubbard House must have a signed consent form to discuss a client’s case with DCF or any outside agency.

iv. Accessing Hubbard House Outreach Team

Hubbard House Outreach Team will respond on calls taken from the abuse registry hotline under the following conditions:

a) The calls need to be a direct result of domestic violence.b) The caller has to be designated as immediate or 24 hour time frame to

respond.c) These calls cannot be calls where the adult is living at the Hubbard

House shelter.d) Hubbard House staff will go out on calls (availability permitting)

where the perpetrator has been arrested; police officers will remain on the scene, or the meeting is at a safe location (DCF building).

e) DCF staff may call (904) 354-0046 ext. 451 and leave a message. The message will detail specific information to leave so Hubbard House staff can contact DCF in a timely manner.

f) Hubbard House will provide 24-hour, 7-days per week on-call consulting for all child abuse registry hotline calls designate immediate that are domestic violence related. Refer to step (e) on how to access this service.

g) DO NOT call the Hubbard House Hotline number for this service.

v. Family Team Conferences and Hubbard House Participation

1. Referrals must be received at least three business days prior to the initial scheduled Family Team Conference. Hubbard House will not be able to contact any referrals sent without the proper (three business days) notification.

2. Hubbard House staff will contact referral in order to schedule a face-to-face meeting prior to the Family Team Conference.

3. The Following services will be provided at this meeting with Hubbard House staff:

a. Intake and assessment for services.b. Lethality/Risk Assessmentc. Safety Planningd. Provide appropriate I &R’se. Develop Service Plan Appropriate

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f. Review and revise list of individuals invited to Family Team Conference for safety issues.

g. Obtain appropriate releases for Family Team Conferenceh. Other services as indicated

4. Hubbard House staff will contact person coordinating Family Team Conference to indicate any changes which client wants participating in Family Team Conference. Changes will usually be made when there is a risk identified by client and Hubbard House staff.

5. Upon request of client and completion of steps 1-4, Hubbard House staff will participate in Family Team Conference.

6. At the Family Team Conference, Hubbard House staff and client will re-assess risk and safety issues prior to and following the Family Team Conference.

7. At the Family Team Conference, if there are any persons present client did not want at the meeting or did not agree to, then Hubbard House staff will advocate with and on behalf of the client for the meeting to be cancelled, for client not to participate or restricting those persons from participating in the Family Team Conference. Paramount concern will be for the safety of the victim of domestic violence.

8. Hubbard House advocate will follow-up with services with client as recommended and agreed upon by client at Family Team Conference.

vi. Service-Referral Follow-up

1. Hubbard House must have a current signed “Release of Information” from client in order to provide any feedback to Department of Children and Families regarding status of participation in program(s).

2. DCF staff must request in writing for any status report regarding clients. This request must detail for which service they are specifically requesting a status report. There must be a current “Release of Information” on file before any feedback is provided.

3. Upon receiving written request with current Release of Information on record, Hubbard House will provide status report within three (3) business days (See Appendix G).

4. Please note that all Hubbard House clients have the right to revoke any Release of Information at anytime, for any reason.

D. Intervention and Safety Planning

i. Guiding Principles for Interventions with Families Experiencing Domestic Violence

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

a) to protect the children;b) to help the abused parent protect her/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.

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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 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.

ii. Safety Planning

Once domestic violence is identified, a safety plan should be developed for each of the children and 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 “C” Appendices for safety planning guides that can be used with adult victims and with their children).

iii. 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; and Helping the victim to explore her/his options.

(See Appendix D for a list of interventions that meet these objectives).

Adult victims should not be mandated to participate in support groups for victims. Instead, the DCF staff could choose to encourage the victim to participate in an assessment with Hubbard House staff, and follow the recommendations set by the Hubbard House advocates. Then if the adult victim does not follow the recommendations (which may or may not include participation in a support group), that information could be factored into the s DCF staff’s assessment of child safety.

iv. 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 include:

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.

Requires successful completion of a 26-week batterer’s treatment program, such as First Step at Hubbard House.

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Asking the judge to order the domestic violence perpetrator into treatment, and/or to stay away from the adult victim, in case they are brought to the court.

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

v. Using community support agreements

In appropriate cases, community support agreements should be used, either as part of a safety plan, or as support for one of the family members. The community support training packet includes information on domestic violence, and how to use agreements in domestic violence cases (See Appendix E, Community Support Agreement Info).

vi. Referrals

DCF staff should set realistic expectations for clients regarding referrals to Hubbard House.

a) Referral and follow-up with domestic violence victims referred to Hubbard House and children referred to the HARK Program

HARK is a program designed to educate children and youth (3-17 years old) about domestic violence, explains how to break the cycle of future occurrences, and provide counseling to children who have witnessed/experienced domestic violence.

The forms included in Appendix F will be used for referral and follow-up for adult survivors and children to Hubbard House.

b) Referral and follow-up with domestic violence perpetrators referred to Hubbard House

DCF staff should complete the referral form included in Appendix F when referring a domestic violence perpetrator to Hubbard House, and should make sure the following information is included:

What is the history of the violence? What are the DCF staff’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? When does the DCF staff need a report back from the

program regarding the perpetrator’s progress?

E. Domestic Violence Consultants

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Designated member(s) of DCF will be appointed as the domestic violence consultant(s).

The role of the domestic violence consultants are to serve as a resource for other DCF staff or cases involving domestic violence that present a high level of danger or when DCF staff does not feel comfortable handling alone.

Consultants are available for consultation to both DCF staff on their team, as well as to DCF staff on other teams. DCF staff should bring cases involving domestic violence to the attention of a domestic violence consultant, and discuss safety planning and other possible interventions.

Consultants will keep current on the resources available in the community for domestic violence victims, perpetrators, and their children. They will also work hand-in-hand with staff from Hubbard House.

Once a month, the domestic violence consultants will meet with Hubbard House staff for case consultation meetings. (See next section).

F. Multi-Disciplinary Case Consultation

Case consultation meetings between Hubbard House, DCF, and CBC’s (Community Business Care) are encouraged. The purpose of these meeting is to discuss cases involving domestic violence that are particularly complicated, or that bring up issues that should be resolved collaboratively between DCF, Hubbard House, or the CBC’s. Practice issues that need problem solving will be identified at these meetings and a plan action to solve them will be developed.

G. Training

For all new and current DCF staff on domestic violence Training on domestic violence will be offered through DCF for all new and

current DCF staff. The training will be based on their domestic violence curriculum. Hubbard House staff is available to assist with this training.

Training will also include a review of this interagency agreement. Designated Hubbard House management will assist with this review. Shadowing for new staff with their job coach should include observing a domestic violence case.

On-going training for the domestic violence consultantsa) An on-going training program will be provided for the DCF domestic

violence consultants. The program will include: Participation in the DCF domestic violence training A two-week period of shadowing domestic violence staff at

Hubbard House and sitting in on groups for women, children, and men (this shadowing should be scheduled with Hubbard House at least two weeks in advance).

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Observing other services available in the community for battered women, domestic violence perpetrators and children who witness domestic violence

Going to court with victims of domestic violence at protection order hearings and child custody hearings

II. HUBBARD HOUSE

Hubbard House staff will provide case consultation on cases involving domestic violence that present complex issues and/or high levels of danger. This will be done at the monthly case consultation meetings.

Hubbard House staff is also available to the domestic violence consultants for one-on-one case consultation on difficult cases according to their specialty at Hubbard House. (For example, the Hubbard House staff who specializes in legal assistance would be the domestic violence consultant for complex legal issues in domestic violence cases).

Hubbard House staff also helps resolve policy and procedural questions as they arise through participation in the case consultation meeting.

III. THE ROLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN (NPPC), FULL SERVICE SCHOOLS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND COMMUNITY BASED CARE AGENCIES

DCF and Hubbard House 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. Both agencies will work together to encourage other agencies to join in this protocol and collaboration.

IV. EFFECTIVE DATE

This agreement shall begin on one month from the date, which the agreement has been signed by both parties, and be in effect for two years. This agreement maybe amended by either party by giving a thirty (30) calendar days notice in writing and submitting proposed changes that will be mutually agreed upon by both parties.

V. ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS INCLUDED

This agreement and its appendixes as referenced (Appendix A through G), contain all terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties.

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

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HUBBARD HOUSE, INC. STATE OF FLORIDADEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Signed By _________________________ Signed By _____________________________

Name: ____________________________ Name: ________________________________

Title: _____________________________ Title: _________________________________

Date: _____________________________ Date: _________________________________

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