DV/CPS Annotated Bibliography

This page provides citations and abstracts of related references, both journal articles and books. Please select one of the document types below to browse these resources. Where available, web site and email addresses are provided.

Articles

Books

Articles

Addressing the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children.
Matthews, M.
Copyright July-August 1998
Youth Law News, 19(4):1-9.

This article reviews federal and state laws and policies that affect children exposed to domestic violence. The discussion focuses on the benefits and failures of current policies for protecting children from harm. The federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 established treatment and counseling programs to address the effects of domestic violence on children and recent state laws permit victims of domestic violence to combine custody, visitation, and child support motions in restraining order actions. Additional acts waived fees or permitted the appointment of pro bono attorneys for victims of domestic violence who wish to obtain restraining orders. As recommended by the American Bar Association, several states have specified presumptions against granting custody rights to spouse abusers. Although most states direct courts to consider domestic violence in custody and visitation decisions, fathers' rights advocates have persuaded states to encourage joint custody arrangements. Special provisions have been enacted in some states to make exceptions for cases involving spouse abuse. However, some of these arrangements such as supervised visitation and mediation of child custody disputes may be difficult for low-income families. Recent child welfare laws have also created problems for battered women, assigning timelines for permanency planning and authorizing criminal charges for failing to protect a child from abuse. The timelines do not coincide with the amount of time needed by a battered mother to recover emotionally and physically from her abuse, find employment, and set-up a home. Failure to protect laws do not recognize the limited choices of low-income women and the reasons why they feel they must cope with the violence in order for their children to have a home. New limits on welfare assistance also limit the options of low- income women, especially immigrants.

Are Battered Women Responsible for Protection of Their Children in Domestic Violence Cases?
Wilson, C.
Copyright April 1998
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 13(2):289-293.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
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This paper focuses on the role of the battered mother in protecting her children against child abuse. Many child protective services (CPS) workers are now trained on the interrelationship between domestic violence and child abuse. They are becoming aware of how the dynamics of one affects the other. The author reviews the potential conflict between CPS and domestic violence professionals. If despite the best intentions of the mother, CPS workers judge she cannot succeed in changing the situation in the immediate future, and she proves she lacks the capacity to protect after all available support has been provided, difficult decisions must be made. For while the mother may wish the abuse to stop, unless she, with the assistance offered, can reasonably ensure that the danger is under control, CPS and the courts cannot allow her to make independent decisions. Where domestic violence professionals may respect her rights of self-determination, the CPS professional must not allow that freedom of choice to endanger the child. The article ends by discussing the issue of responsibility when those in the criminal justice system must decide if the mother bears any responsibility for child abuse perpetrated by her partner. 8 references.

Child Abuse and Domestic Violence in Massachusetts: Can Practice Be Integrated in a Public Child Welfare Setting?
Whitney, P.; Davis, L.
Copyright May 1999
Child Maltreatment, 4(2):158-166.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-9774, (805) 499-0871 Fax
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

Massachusetts was the first public child welfare agency in the country to develop an internal domestic violence program to better identify and serve families where partner abuse and child abuse overlap. This article chronicles the development of the program, from the hiring of battered women's advocates to the implementation of statewide domestic violence protocols for investigators and social workers. Issues of case identification, risk assessment, and safety planning are discussed in detail. Challenges faced by battered women's advocates in child welfare settings are presented as well as future directions for the program. 5 references. (Author abstract)

Child Protection and Battered Women's Services: From Conflict to Collaboration.
Beeman, S. K.; Hagemeister, A. K.; Edleson, J. L.
Copyright May 1999
Child Maltreatment, 4(2):116-126.

Reprints available from:
Sandra K. Beeman
Jeffrey L. Edleson
Minnesota Univ. School of Social Work
386 McNeal Hall
1985 Buford Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55108-6142

This article reports the results of an effort to systematically probe the practices and views of child protection workers and domestic violence workers to pinpoint ways in which current practices might evolve toward greater cooperation. Six focus group interviews involving 23 child protection workers and battered women's advocates were conducted. Key questions addressed the current practice of each profession when responding to cases that involve both child abuse and spouse abuse; elements of successful intervention strategies; barriers to collaboration with other agencies; and goals for collaborations in the future. The focus group discussions revealed that child protection workers are child-oriented, while battered women advocates are woman-centered. The goals are often adversarial, as child protection workers hold mothers accountable for placing their children in dangerous situations or failing to protect their children from the offender. Lack of communication with other systems and cultural bias were also identified as barriers to interagency collaboration. Focus group participants were able to describe cases in which both systems had cooperated successfully. These situations featured information sharing, existing relationships between individual workers in each agency, and high motivation of the mother. Future attempts for collaboration should encourage the development of common goals, involvement of the police and the courts in the service system, and holding male abusers accountable for the abuse. 9 references. (Author abstract modified)

Children at the Crossroads.
Young, N. K.; Gardner, S. L.
Copyright Winter 1998
Public Welfare, 56(1):3-10, 40.

Reprints available from:
American Public Human Services Association
810 First St., NE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20002-4267
(202) 682-0100
http://www.aphsa.org/

This article examines the need to integrate child welfare, welfare, and alcohol and drug systems in plans for welfare reform. Although data on overlapping problems is limited, several studies have estimated the high level of alcohol and other drug-related problems among people who receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and child welfare services. Poverty among the families of foster children has also been documented, with an estimated 25 to 80 percent of foster children eligible for cash assistance. However, differences in purpose, time tables, staff education and training, definitions of clients, and funding streams make it difficult for the three systems to work together. Changes are necessary in agency procedures, information systems and evaluation methods, budget and finance, and staff development to facilitate a more integrated service structure for families with multiple problems. The article reviews eight working models of service integration and proposes a framework for a linked child welfare- TANF-alcohol and drug system. The new systems will include community-based aftercare, family support, mental health, job training, and literacy training, as well as domestic violence services. 11 references and 2 tables.

Children and Domestic Violence: A Training Imperative.
Hendry, E. B.
Copyright March-April 1998
Child Abuse Review, 7(2):129-134.

A growing awareness of the effects of domestic violence on children prompted the British Department of Health to commission the development of training materials for social services professionals. The training materials are intended to promote a comprehensive response to the joint problems of domestic violence and child maltreatment. Training content will be informed by both research and practice experience and address the learning needs of front-line and policy staff. Philosophically, the training will focus on child welfare and the importance of protecting the mother as a way of protecting the child. Other issues to be addressed during the development of the training include: target groups (interagency versus single discipline); levels of training required; cost effectiveness; program modifications; and evaluation strategies. 3 references.

Co-occurring Spouse and Child Abuse: Implications for CPS Practice.
Appel, A. E.; Holden, G. W.
Copyright Spring 1998
APSAC Advisor, 11(1):11-14.

Reprints available from:
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
407 S. Dearborn Dt., Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 554-0166
http://www.apsac.org/

More effective intervention and prevention programs can be developed with a better understanding of the extent and nature of the co-occurrence of child and spousal abuse. This article presents information based on the domestic violence and child abuse literature with the goal of enhancing the CPS worker's understanding of rates of co-occurring spouse and child abuse, models of co-occurrence, treatment issues, and targets for intervention. Rates of co-occurring physical child abuse and spouse abuse, based on a review of the research on domestic violence and child abuse, range from 6 percent to 59.4 percent. Co-occurrence research can be limited because of the methodological limits. Models of co-occurrence include the uni-directional and bi-directional models. Treatment issues include identifying and assessing co-occurrence and recognizing that exposure to spouse abuse is emotional abuse. Targets for intervention should include the marital relationship and the parent-child relationships in a collaboration with agencies and workers trained in domestic violence issues. 2 figures, numerous references.

Domestic Violence: Ending the Cycle of Abuse.
Clinicians Publishing Group, New York, NY.
Copyright 1998
Clinician Reviews, 8(1):55-57, 61-62, 67-68, 71.

Reprints available from:
Medscape, Inc.
134 W. 29th St., 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001-5399
(212) 760-3100
http://www.medscape.com/

This article makes the case for using an interdisciplinary approach as a solution to the complex problem of family and spouse abuse. A recognition of associated health, social, and legal issues is essential to stem the tide of violence. An understanding of the intricacies of the domestic violence cycle is necessary before practitioners can help their abused patients seek and obtain help. Family and spouse abuse is a major cause of injury, disability, homicide, homelessness, addiction, attempted suicide, and child abuse. While an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to meet the challenge, each component--medical, legal, and sociological--offers its own focuses, definitions, and measures of success. Furthermore, authorities in each area are separated by varying professional goals and jurisdictions. Although an interdisciplinary approach can diminish the differences, the solutions offered must recognize and appreciate the complexities of the problem. 7 tables and 6 references.

Family Life Under the Eye of the Court.
Small, M.; Kimbrough, R.
Copyright 1998
Family Futures, 2(3):6-10.

Reprints available from:
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
10 Industrial Dr.
Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262
(800) 926-6579 or (201) 236-9500, (201) 236-0072 Fax
orders@erlbaum.com
http://www.erlbaum.com/

This article describes how the courts became an integral part of a system intended to resolve family problems. Demographic trends such as geographic mobility and changing family structures have resulted in increased isolation and fewer social supports for families. The lack of social support, as well as inadequate resources for formal services, have led to higher stress and more problems among families. Policies regarding the management of cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, and divorce have also required the attention of the court system. The article asserts that the overloaded system is not responsive to the needs of families because judges are not trained to make decisions about counseling and family services, and because the system does not facilitate service coordination to address multiple problems. Models such as alternative dispute resolution and an ecological approach to decisionmaking have improved outcomes. Alternative dispute resolution encourages the involvement and commitment of individual family members to develop solutions to their problems. Examples include mediation and family group conferencing. The ecological model proposes that court decisions consider all factors that influence the behavior of family members, such as friends, neighborhood characteristics, schools, churches, and employers. Emphasis is placed on coordinating community resources to support all aspects of family life. 6 references and 2 figures.

Family Violence: Implications for the Pediatrician.
Knapp, J. F.; Dowd, M. D.
Copyright September 1998
Pediatrics in Review, 19(9):316-321.

This article identifies key skills for pediatricians in the recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of victims of family violence. Emphasis is placed on primary prevention as the highest priority in attempting to eliminate family violence, through recognition of maternal circumstances that may indicate domestic violence, effects of domestic violence on children and common characteristics of violent children and adolescents. Types of family violence are defined, with emphasis on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of violence toward children and mothers. Pediatricians are identified as playing a central role as an advocate for effectively evaluating community-based violence and prevention policies and programs. Barriers to the pediatrician's approach toward family violence are examined, such as lack of training and protocols, lack of experience, and a belief that responding to battered mothers is not in the purview of pediatrics. Recommendations include expanding the pediatrician's focus beyond the child to include the entire family in screening and intervention practices. 5 tables, numerous references and resources.

How Child Welfare Workers Assess and Intervene Around Issues of Domestic Violence.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-9774, (805) 499-0871 Fax
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http://www.sagepub.com/

This exploratory study examined the prevalence of domestic violence in child welfare cases and the response of child welfare workers to the issue of domestic violence. Data were collected from questionnaires completed by 33 child welfare workers for 74 cases in South St. Louis County. Twenty-seven of the child welfare workers had completed a training program on the management of cases involving spouse abuse. The questionnaires requested information about the characteristics of the families, risk of domestic violence, assessment processes, and domestic violence interventions used. The child welfare workers reported that domestic violence had occurred or was at risk in about one-third of the cases reviewed. Child abuse was found in 30 percent of the cases involving domestic violence and child neglect was found in another 30 percent. Seventy-one percent of the cases were labelled as "families in crisis." Child welfare workers asked about domestic violence, directly or indirectly, during assessments in 45 percent of the 74 cases. The most common risk factors assessed were the abuser's obsession with the victim; request for help by the victim; isolation of the victim; victim's protectiveness of the abuser; attempts to leave the abuser; serious injury; and alcohol problem of the abuser. Typically, the child welfare workers responded with interventions that focused on discussing safety concerns with the victim and exploring options for securing safety. A specific safety plan was discussed in 12 of the 24 cases. The issue of domestic violence was raised in court in only five of the cases. Implications for training and practice are discussed. 27 references.

In the Best Interests of Battered Women: Reconceptualizing Allegations of Failure to Protect.
Magen, R. H.
Copyright May 1999
Child Maltreatment, 4(2):127-135.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-9774, (805) 499-0871 Fax
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This article explores the conceptual and practical difficulties of using the concept of failure-to-protect to charge battered women with child maltreatment. Two erroneous assumptions that lead to a finding of failure-to-protect are that witnessing domestic violence is inherently child maltreatment and believing that the battered women and her children must leave to be safe. The behavior of battered women toward their children likely falls along a continuum from nonabusive to abusive. Child maltreatment professionals should move beyond labels and examine the complexity of the situation confronting a battered women and her children. Suggestions for training, legislation, research, and practice are offered. 56 references. (Author abstract)

In Harm�s Way: Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
1999

Copies available from:
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
330 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20447
(800) FYI-3366 or (703) 385-7565, (703) 385-3206 Fax
http://www.calib.com/nccanch/

This special Clearinghouse bulletin provides a sample of the research on the co-occurrence of child maltreatment and domestic violence. It also focuses on the effect of domestic violence on children who are witnesses and those who are also abused and neglected. Finally the bulletin discusses a range of collaborative programs that have been implemented through Federal, State, and local initiatives to respond to domestic violence and child maltreatment. Selected information resources, including Internet sites are also listed. 31 references.

The Overlap Between Child Maltreatment and Woman Battering.
Edleson, J. L.
Copyright February 1999
Violence Against Women, 5(2):134-154.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
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Thirty-five studies conducted over the past 25 years that mentioned an overlap between child maltreatment and adult domestic violence in the same families were identified for this article. These studies are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. A table is provided to facilitate comparisons of the samples of the studies, the information sources, and the percentage of overlap cases found. Estimates of co-occurrence ranged from 30 to 60 percent of the samples studied. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications these findings have for practice, policy, and research. Emphasis is placed on the need for collaboration between the courts, child protection agencies, and domestic violence programs. 53 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract modified)

Police Recognition of the Links Between Spouse Abuse and Child Abuse.
Browne, K. D.; Hamilton, C. E.
Copyright May 1999
Child Maltreatment, 4(2):136-147.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-9774, (805) 499-0871 Fax
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http://www.sagepub.com/

This study investigated the links between referrals to police child protection units (CPUs) and domestic violence units (DVUs) during November 1994 in one police force in an urban area of England. DVU files and CPU files were analyzed and cross- referenced by investigating types, severity, and frequency of abuse; and a number of background factors. The rate of overlap (families with files at both units) was 21.6 percent, although 46.3 percent of child protection files indicated the presence of domestic violence in the family home. The severity of maltreatment and the extent of injury for both spouse abuse and child maltreatment were significantly related to police response, with greater use of cautions or charges in more severe cases. Families with records in both units showed a higher number of prior referrals relating to both spouse abuse and child maltreatment. In addition, these cases showed greater severity of domestic violence. 53 references, 3 figures, and 5 tables. (Author abstract)

Promoting Safety for Abused Children and Battered Mothers: Miami-Dade County's Model Dependency Court Intervention Program.
Lecklitner, G. L.; Malik, N. M.; Aaron, S. M.; Lederman, C. S.
Copyright May 1999
Child Maltreatment, 4(2):175-182.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-9774, (805) 499-0871 Fax
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http://www.sagepub.com/

Sponsored by: Violence Against Women Grants Office (DOJ), Washington, DC. (97WEVX0006).

This article describes the structure of the Dependency Court Intervention Program for Family Violence administered by the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Court. The Dependency Court Intervention Program collaborates with the judiciary in an effort to enhance the community's response to families in which child maltreatment and domestic violence co-occur. The article provides an overview of the primary goals, assessment strategies, interventions, and research methods used by the program. In addition, some of the most important challenges to the project, including creating collaborations among child protection and domestic violence workers, are discussed. 19 references. (Author abstract)

Reframing Child Safety in Michigan: Building Collaboration Among Domestic Violence, Family Preservation, and Child Protection Services.
Findlater, J. E.; Kelly, S.
Copyright May 1999
Child Maltreatment, 4(2):167-174.

Reprints available from:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-9774, (805) 499-0871 Fax
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

In recognition of the substantial overlap between domestic violence and child maltreatment, Michigan's domestic violence, family preservation, and child protection programs are working together to enhance the safety of children and their battered mothers. This article discusses the development of Michigan's collaborative efforts, including the identification of obstacles that had prevented cooperation in the past. The agencies have collaborated successfully in three areas: cross training for agency workers; the provision of intensive family preservation services for battered women; and the adaptation of child protective services policy to facilitate collaborative training and program implementation. Finally, the article concludes with some observations about statewide implementation of collaborative work. 6 references. (Author abstract)

The Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act: Affording Enhanced Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Children.
Dunford-Jackson, B. L.
Copyright Spring 1999
Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 50(2):55-59.

Reprints available from:
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
P. O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
(775) 784-6012, (775) 784-6628 Fax
admin@ncjfcj.unr.edu
http://ncjfcj.unr.edu/

This article describes the development of the model Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and its protections for battered women and their children. The previous Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, passed in 1968 by every state, had become weak and inconsistent with several federal laws, including the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act and the Violence Against Women Act. These latter laws created confusion about the jurisdiction of cases in which battered women moved to a different state while under a court order for protection and their former partners filed for custody in the home state. The provisions of the new law ensure that parties located outside of the jurisdiction of a custody request will be notified about the case and that temporary emergency jurisdiction be granted in cases of abuse or family violence. The law also provides standards for the assumption of jurisdiction by the court and compliance with confidential information which might place the child and nonabusive parent in danger from the abusive partner. Guidelines for judges are included, outlining a process for inter-court cooperation and communication, emergency jurisdiction, and relinquishment of jurisdiction.

Books

Battered Women, Children, and Welfare Reform: The Ties That Bind.
Brandwein, R. A. (Editor)
197 pp., Copyright 1999

This book is a collection of essays that examine the link between family violence and the need for welfare. Chapter 1 provides an introduction of family violence, women, and welfare. Chapter 2 examines poverty and the economic pressures facing battered women. Chapter 3 examines how domestic violence keeps women poor and prevents them from leaving welfare and finding jobs. Chapter 4 summarizes how closely linked applications for welfare and domestic violence incidents are. Chapter 5 provides a review of the child support features on the new federal law and how they will affect survivors of domestic violence. Chapter 6 provides firsthand links between violence and welfare. Chapter 7 provides a firsthand accounts of 3 women who are survivors of family violence and who also went through the welfare system. Chapter 8 examines the different perspectives of the domestic violence, child welfare and welfare systems and the implications for women involved in all three. Chapter 9 focuses on the connection between child abuse and the use of public assistance. Chapter 10 examines the relationship among child sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, and implications for subsequent use of welfare. Chapter 11 discusses policy implications of current welfare legislation and provides recommendations for alternative short- and long-term policies and programs. Numerous references and 4 tables.

A Child Interviewer's Guidebook.
Bourg, W.; Broderick, R.; Flagor, R.; Kelly, D. M.; et al.
267 pp., Copyright February 1999

This guidebook was originally developed in Oregon at the request of the Health Advisory Council on Child Abuse. The Health Advisory Council requested that the guidelines be written to provide interviewers with a clear, accessible summary of accumulated knowledge in the field of child interviewing. The guidebook promotes consistency in the quality of care provided to children when they are evaluated for possible abuse. The guidelines are part of a training package designed to provide child abuse evaluators with essential educational resources and are intended for use among professionals working in child abuse assessment centers. The recommendations are tailored to child evaluations that concentrate on eliciting reliable statements about possible abuse and maximizing the amount of information gained from the child, given the chid's age, circumstances, and readiness to talk. Although the guidelines focus on child sexual abuse, the principles are applicable to conversing and interviewing children about physical abuse as well as exposure to any risk factor, including domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse, neglect, and witnessing a crime. The guidebook is divided into 19 chapters with 3 sections: getting ready for the child interview, basic interviewing skills, and specialty issues. Appendices contain the following information: core literature for child interviewers; C.A.R.E.S. (Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services) Northwest Program social history questionnaire; sources for dolls and drawings; and C.A.R.E.S. protective order. Numerous references.

Family Violence: Emerging Programs for Battered Mothers and Their Children.
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Reno, NV. Family Violence Dept.
167 pp., Copyright 1998

Publication Information: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Reno, NV

Twenty-nine programs for battered women and their children are profiled in this report, which focuses on the essential components of effective domestic violence intervention and prevention services. Emphasis is placed on the importance of community-based collaborations between domestic violence agencies and child protective services. The model programs demonstrate the features of cooperative efforts, as well as components of community-based services, justice system response, health care, and parent-child services. Each profile highlights the history of the program, types of services provided, access, staffing and training, coordination, impact-outcome data, funding, and special considerations for expansion or replication. 28 references.

The Heart of Intimate Abuse: New Interventions in Child Welfare, Criminal Justice, and Health Settings.
Mills, L. G.
291 pp., Copyright 1998

Distributed by:
Springer Publishing Co.
536 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(212) 431-4370

This book examines the failures of traditional domestic violence intervention services and proposes a new approach that considers all of the emotional, cultural, spiritual, and safety needs of the abused woman and her children. The goal of the intervention is to help the woman understand her relationship with the abuser so that she can become empowered and take the action needed for her to heal. It promotes collaboration between child protection services, criminal justice systems, health services, and domestic violence programs. The difficulties faced by women who must choose to leave a violent relationship are specifically addressed. After an introduction to the interaction between domestic violence and child welfare practice, the book describes the dynamics of spouse abuse and the influence of love, religion, culture, race, fear, and economics on the abused woman and the batterer. It compares the new model, which is referred to as The Heart of Intimate Abuse with the cycle of violence theory and the power and control wheel. Chapters three through five critically review the criminal justice, child welfare, and health systems that are intended to serve battered women. The inadequacies of these systems are described in detail. Chapters Six and Seven outline the feminist-inspired empowerment approach of The Heart of Intimate Abuse and Chapters Eight through Ten use case studies to illustrate methods for implementing the techniques described in the previous chapters. Program and policy changes are recommended and topics for further research are discussed. 7 figures.

Preserving Childhood for Children in Shelters.
Harms, T. (Editor); Ray, A. R. (Editor); Rolandelli, P. (Editor)
203 pp., Copyright 1998

Distributed by:
Child Welfare League of America, Inc.
440 First St., NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20001-2085
(202) 638-2952, (202) 638-4004 Fax
books@cwla.org
http://www.cwla.org/

This book describes how shelters for homeless families and victims of domestic violence can serve the children in their programs. Most shelter programs focus primarily on the parents and do not directly address the needs of children for protection, supportive relationships, and cognitive stimulation that ensure healthy physical and emotional development. Children in shelters need to be physically protected from disease and injury, as well as from abuse and neglect by their parents under stress. Basic health care, such as immunizations, and structural designs that are safe for young children should also be provided. In addition, shelters should support parents and caregivers to help children develop secure relationships and ease the trauma of living in a shelter. Children living in shelters also need opportunities for creative play and other activities. The handbook reviews the importance of each of these areas for child development and describes several successful programs implemented by shelters. Volunteer management and funding issues are also discussed. Numerous references, 3 figures, and 2 tables.

Violence in Families: Assessing Prevention and Treatment Programs.
Chalk, R. (Editor); King, P. A. (Editor)
409 pp., Copyright 1998

This book details the findings of the Committee on the Assessment of Family Violence Interventions formed by the Board on Children, Youth, and Families of the Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education of the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine. The Committee reviewed literature about evaluations of family violence interventions, comments from two workshops with service providers, commissioned papers, consultant reports, and findings from five site visits to obtain input from service providers in health, social services, and legal fields. Of the 114 studies reviewed by the Committee, almost half focused on social service interventions. Most of the studies of domestic violence programs assessed law enforcement strategies. Very few studies considered elder abuse intervention programs, and health care services for violent families. The Committee also found that results from small studies are often used to support changes in policy and practice without critical analysis or sscientific replication. More studies addressed interventions than prevention, and outcomes from the fragmented service system were difficult to study. Based on their study of the evaluation literature, the Committee recommended that states assess the effectiveness of their reporting laws; that courts establish an early warning system to detect recidivism; that service providers document and share information about abuse histories while maintaining confidentiality; and that caseworkers, police, prosecutors, and judges collaborate to reduce domestic violence. Recommendations for future research are also provided. Numerous references, 4 figures and 44 tables.

Annotated Bibliography of Related Books and Articles on Domestic Violence and Child Protective Services

Articles

Books