NCJ Number
230499
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 530-536
Date Published
May 2010
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines the need to develop more collaborative approaches in effective child welfare practices as it relates to battered women and their children.
Abstract
In agreement with Douglas and Walsh's argument for the need for greater understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence by child protection workers, the author argues for the need to move past the critiques of child welfare to new, collaborative approaches to cross-system dialogue and improved practice, and move towards an integration of domestic violence expertise and knowledge into the mission and task of child welfare workers. To reach this objective, child welfare workers will need to utilize the knowledge of advocates, batterer intervention providers, and domestic violence researchers in their daily practice. This objective is discussed through the utilization of the Safe and Together model, focusing on how it is in the children's best interest to remain safe and together with the domestic violence survivor. It is in the child welfare's interest to partner with the parent who is most committed to the safety and well-being of the child. This approach compliments the perspective of Douglas and Walsh and frames the issue of domestic violence and the importance of a partnership with the adult survivor from the perspective of child welfare's mission. 1 reference