Massachusetts Massachusetts Governor’s Council to Address Governor’s Council to Address Sexual and Domestic ViolenceSexual and Domestic Violence

Systems Change and Integration Committee

Blueprint For Change in Domestic Violence

August 27, 2009

Systems Change and Integration Systems Change and Integration CommitteeCommittee

Boston Medical Center Department of Children and Families Department of Developmental Services Department of Public Health Department of Transitional Assistance Department of Youth Services The Full Frame Initiative Jane Doe Inc. Matahari, Eye of the Day Springfield College , School of Social Work

Outline of the ReportOutline of the Report Introduction How We Identified Issues and Problems Three Issues to Address Recommendations for Change Closing Thoughts

IntroductionIntroduction

In February 2009, recognizing the lack of integration among government systems, the Lieutenant Governor charged the Systems Change and Integration Committee with identifying and suggesting systems-level opportunities to ensure victims of domestic violence contending with multiple issues are well served by government agencies.

Key QuestionsKey Questions

Where do systemic fragmentation, misalignment, and/or inaccessibility significantly impede survivors’ progress?

Where are the opportunities for government action to significantly mitigate or eliminate these impediments?

Criteria for Determining Issues and Criteria for Determining Issues and Recommended ActionsRecommended Actions

High Importance High Feasibility Timely Low Budget Impact Targeted Highly Actionable Non-Duplicative

Three Issues to Deal WithThree Issues to Deal With

A. Conflicting requirements for victims involved with multiple systems often trigger new risks and harms.

B. Issue-tailored continuums of care for homelessness and domestic violence require survivors to assume a ‘primary issue’ that neglects the interconnections between these issues.

C. Inconsistent and unclear guidelines for mandated reporting of suspected child abuse/neglect in the context of domestic violence, and child welfare’s response to these reports, create new dangers and harms.

Problem AProblem A

Conflicting requirements for victims Conflicting requirements for victims involved with multiple systems often involved with multiple systems often

trigger new risks and harmstrigger new risks and harms

A ScenarioA Scenario

Conflicting RequirementsConflicting Requirements What This Means for SurvivorsWhat This Means for Survivors

Systems can work at cross-purposes and decrease safety and/or family stability.

The challenges and even harms that can result also require further state or state contractor involvement with a family.

Safety can be compromised by either blanket confidentiality policies, or their reverse (generalized information sharing policies).

Conflicting RequirementsConflicting Requirements

Recommendations Recommendations Ensure that survivors are not penalized for acting on one

mandated plan that puts them in violation of another mandated plan.

Require state agencies and vendors to develop policies and procedures for victims involved with multiple agencies.

Mandate interagency MOU’s to identify protocols for resolving such conflicts.

Create an online resource for anonymous submission of examples of conflicting protocols. Analyze periodically for recommendations to systems and the executive office.

Problem BProblem B

Issue-tailored continuums of care for Issue-tailored continuums of care for homelessness and domestic violence homelessness and domestic violence

require survivors to assume a ‘primary issue’ require survivors to assume a ‘primary issue’ that neglects the interconnections between that neglects the interconnections between

these issues. these issues.

A ScenarioA Scenario

Have to Choose an IssueHave to Choose an Issue What This Means for SurvivorsWhat This Means for Survivors

They are seen to either have a “resource problem” or a “relationship problem.”

Domestic violence, if identified, is the top priority, whether or not a survivor agrees.

Revealing too much can create problems in the system.

Multiple challenges are not dealt with effectively. Violence on the streets is not dealt with by either

system well.

Have to Choose an IssueHave to Choose an Issue RecommendationsRecommendations

Develop joint contracting that recognizes homelessness/DV intersection expertise as a specific competency.

Conduct a policy review to assess: Where intake and eligibility for services/

benefits are different or conflicting based on what “label” is assigned.

Implement strategies to lessen the disparities.

Problem CProblem C

Inconsistent and unclear guidelines for mandated reporting of suspected child abuse

and neglect in the context of domestic violence, and child welfare’s response to

these reports, create new dangers and harms.

A ScenarioA Scenario

Unclear Mandated reportingUnclear Mandated reporting

What This Means for SurvivorsWhat This Means for Survivors Under-filing may potentially leave children in volatile,

dangerous situations However, more filing is not the solution.

“Over filing” may lead to unnecessary 51A reports and possible removal of children from parental custody.

This often stems from an inaccurate generalization that all domestic violence situations are lethal.

Removals not only traumatize children but also alienate parents from DCF, and burden the state foster care system.

Community members and agencies see filing as an “intervention” rather than a tool to increase safety.

Unclear Mandated reportingUnclear Mandated reporting

What This Means for SurvivorsWhat This Means for Survivors

Filing may increase the risk for survivors and children…. It can inadvertently give the offender information about

the survivors general location.

Adult victims are often named as a “abusers” when they are experiencing abuse.

This often results in an antagonistic relationship with DCF which creates a cycles that gets the survivor labeled as “non-compliant” or “uncooperative.”

51A reports are often filed without notification or collaboration with the adult survivor.

This creates major challenges for DCF to effectively safety plan with the family and thus increases risk.

Unclear Mandated ReportingUnclear Mandated Reporting

RecommendationsRecommendations

High level, public endorsement of the principles outlined in the DCF Brochure by the Executive Office and stewardship of its usage in training and policy development.

Support and provide technical assistance to DCF as it implements new policy and procedures, including differential response options in domestic violence cases.

Expand on the dissemination and training (particularly to new homeless centers) using the brochure as a foundation.

ConclusionConclusion

Much has been accomplished in Massachusetts. We have a good track record and the capacity for more.

Gov systems have an important role to play in increasing safety and enhancing the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

Implementing this blueprint could be a critical step forward fulfilling that role.

Next stepsNext steps

Convene a meeting across Secretariats to brief and discuss recommendations.

Charge a multi-system task force with creating an implementation and oversight plan within 30 days.

This group to include domestic violence experts from GCSDV, DCF, DTA, DHCD, DYS, Jane Doe Inc, etc

Questions and DiscussionQuestions and Discussion