NCJ Number
183322
Journal
Domestic Violence and Children Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 84-96
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes the roles of child protective services (CPS) and domestic violence services in responding to child abuse and domestic violence, explains why these two systems have not worked together in the past, presents survey findings regarding responses, describes emerging collaborative strategies, and recommends improvements.
Abstract
Studies estimate that domestic violence between adults is present in at least one-third of the families involved in child protective services. However, CPS has not until recently directly addressed domestic violence in its handling of child abuse and neglect cases. Similarly, domestic violence programs have historically emphasized services for battered women, with limited understanding of the child safety goals of CPS. Nevertheless, collaborative efforts between CPS and domestic violence service programs are emerging, based on a common goal of safety from violence for all family members. Innovative strategies include the use of domestic violence specialists in a variety of child protection settings for case consultation and for support to the battered women, direct referrals of battered women from domestic violence programs to family preservation services, and cross-training. A survey of state CPS administrators and domestic violence coalition directors revealed that collaboration remains limited despite mutual interest in greater collaboration. New forums such as CPS citizen review panels and community-based CPS partnerships hold promise for further collaboration. Supportive agency leadership, greater trust and understanding across systems, recognition of common goals, and a willingness to change policies and practice are crucial to successful strategies. Photographs and 42 reference notes (Author abstract modified)