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The focus of community collaboration is the promotion of a comprehensive, coordinated community response to address domestic violence and alleviate the consequences associated with violence. Community collaboration is a vital part of providing comprehensive, family-centered services to families and is consistent with System of Care principles. Utilizing a domestic violence consultant, whether a county DSS staff member, or a staff member of the local domestic violence agency, is crucial. Local domestic violence agencies are a resource for non-offending parents, children and CPS social workers. Establishing, regular, on-going contact and educating each other regarding domestic violence and child maltreatment issues is ideal.
The DSS should create MOU’s (Memoranda of Understanding) when appropriate between and/or among any of the following community agencies:
One of the seven strategies of the Multiple Response System (MRS) is the coordination between law enforcement agencies and child protective services for investigative assessments. This is crucial in domestic violence cases, as legal accountability plays a vital role in ensuring the adult victim’s and children’s safety, as well as assist in criminal prosecution when needed. It is important to communicate with a domestic violence perpetrator’s probation officer in regards to any current abuse. Another strategy of the MRS System and System of Care are collaboration between the Work First and child welfare programs. With some families, Work First may already be providing or can assist in referring a family for domestic violence services. Working closely with Work First to create plans together is not only good family-centered practice; it leads to better outcomes for the family, child welfare and Work First.
In regards to collaboration with other community partners, it is important to reach out and make connections with other agencies to access safe shelter and advocacy services. School social workers and teachers have valuable information regarding the impact of the violence on the child’s day to day functioning. Establishing a relationship with legal services offices, pro bono projects and law school clinics serves to assist adult victims obtain legal assistance.
Community collaboration is an ongoing process and requires time and attention that sometimes seems difficult to spare. Domestic violence is an issue which impacts the safety and well-being of children, and it is worth the time and attention it takes to develop a community response, including formal and informal partners, to improve capacity to respond to victims of family violence.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office.
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