This research project conducted a formative evaluation that assessed the internal structure of the Safe Horizon Family Courts program to identify the core components, understand and improve program processes, and address barriers to effective service delivery.
Safe Horizon offers a continuum of care for survivors of violence, crime, and abuse through their servicers in family courts in New York City. For just over 40 years, Safe Horizon’s services have included orientation, assessment, crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, supportive counseling, childcare, and access to resources for healing and justice. It leverages an array of additional, complementary interventions offered through its organization, including emergency and transitional shelter, community-based services, legal representation, mental health treatment, and emergency financial assistance. This report’s introduction provides an overview of the evaluation of the Safe Horizon Family Court, followed by a description of the evaluation’s methodology, including data sources and analysis. A program overview is provided, including the guiding principles, types of services provided, and program goals. An evaluability assessment focuses on organizational culture, capacity, staff, and partners, followed by a determination of the program’s evaluation readiness. The concluding chapter outlines planned research and next steps in programming. 5 tables