NCJ Number
195446
Date Published
November 2001
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This document provides child protection staff with an overview of best practices information from the Minnesota Department of Human Services regarding effective interventions addressing both child maltreatment and domestic violence.
Abstract
Citing the co-occurrence of child maltreatment and domestic violence, these guidelines were developed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services as a tool for child protective workers in developing intervention and treatment plans which would appropriately address both issues. The guidelines begin with an introductory definition and a presentation of research findings regarding domestic violence prevalence and long-term effects. The following goals are set out for practitioners: 1) to ensure the safety of all family members; 2) to provide abused parents with assistance and supportive interventions to help secure the long-term safety of the abused parent and their children; 3) to hold the abusive partner only responsible for the cessation of abusive behavior; 4) to provide the tools to allow children involved in interventions to have stable relationships with parents or caretakers; and 5) to decrease the over-all incidence of the co-occurrence of child maltreatment with domestic violence. Tools and information to allow practitioners to meet these goals are presented and include intervention screening guidelines, a model screening tool, model assessment tools, a lethality assessment tool, safety plan development guidelines, and guidelines for closing cases after interventions have been completed. 13 references, 2 charts, photographs