Addressing Domestic Violence in Child Welfare Practice

Introduction

Why should child welfare professionals learn about domestic violence?

Child welfare professionals must address domestic violence issues in their caseloads in order to protect children and provide effective services. Child maltreatment and woman battering often occur in the same families putting children at risk of both physical and psychological harm. Research suggests that when there are more severe levels of domestic violence, the child abuse is also more severe (Shepard & Raschick, 1999). According to the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect (1995) “some experts argue that domestic violence is the single major precursor to child abuse and neglect fatalities in the United States” (p.124). Children may be injured when acting to protect a loved one. Domestic violence also co-occurs with problems such as substance abuse and mental illness that contribute to child abuse and neglect.

Research has documented the overlap between child maltreatment and domestic violence, which is estimated to range from 30-60% (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2000). Cases in which children are exposed to domestic violence are particularly complex and challenging for child welfare professionals because the institutional practices developed within the child welfare system often do not take into account the dynamics of domestic violence. Child welfare professionals who do not include domestic violence in their assessment and service plans cannot effectively support mothers in caring for their children.

The Greenbook project, a major federal initiative, was undertaken to promote a collaborative approach to families experiencing child maltreatment and domestic violence. A 1999 report (referred to as the “Greenbook”) by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges identifies practice and policy guidelines for child welfare systems, dependency courts and domestic violence providers, which focus on promoting the safety and well-being of all victims of family violence, holding batters accountable and, structuring collaborative responses to families dealing with the co-occurrence of domestic violence and child maltreatment. Child welfare professionals should familiarize themselves with these best practices so that they are prepared to provide effetive services to families.