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Home My WebLink About01-06-15 PSCC Meeting MinutesFor Recording Stamp Only DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING JANUARY 6, 2015 Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice Building, Wickiup Room 63360 Britta Street, Building 1, Bend, OR 1. Call to Order & Introductions Judge Alta Brady called the meeting to order. Present were Judge Alta Brady; Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Jeff Hall, Circuit Court Administrator; Ken Hales, Community Corrections; Dave Cook, citizen member; David Givans, Internal Auditor; John Hummel, District Attorney; Sheriff Larry Blanton; Deevy Holcomb, Colleen Shearer, Chuck Puch, Jim LaPorte, Jim Smith and Sonya Littledeer-Evans, Juvenile Community Justice; and Donna McClung, Oregon Youth Authority. Also in attendance were Shelly Smith, KIDS Center; Steve Reinke, 911; Shane Nelson, Sheriff's Office; citizens Dirk Van Houweling and Andy Jordan; Marilyn Burwell and Janet Whitney of the Peace and Justice Team; Roger Olson, NAMI of Central Oregon; Drew Moore, District Attorney's Office; Jim Porter, Bend Police Chief; Dave Tarbet, Redmond Police Chief; Claire Withycombe, The Bulletin; and a few other citizens and staff. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6,2015 Page 1 of8 2. November Minutes Sheriff Blanton moved approval of the minutes; Ken Hales seconded, and they were unanimous approved except for John Hummel, new District Attorney, who abstained because he was not at the last meeting 3. Public Comment. None was offered. 4. 911 Communications System Update. Steve Reinke provided an overview of 911 system changes. He said he spent over 90 minutes with the Board of Commissioners discussing the strategic plan. He and others are crafting the future of 911, including goals, capital and operational needs for the long term, as well as a county-wide radio systems program and how they can help ancillary agencies, road departments, schools and others participate in that program, which will be more centralized and efficient. They are in the process of determining costs, which are at about $13 million per a consulting firm. They are looking at a partnership with the State, with the overall concept of public safety and agencies working together for a comprehensive plan. He feels they can do better than the $13 million. He hopes they can go to the public perhaps in May 2016 to request permanent funding, and in a new role of administering a consolidated radio system. Agencies are already paying to maintain what they have. They are looking at changes in line operations to enhance staffing, especially in technical services. They have had a backlog for a long time. They are analyzing deployment of staff using an activity curve, so they can be effective when there is demand. Some stakeholders have asked for more support. He anticipates the Board of Commissioners will formally adopt this later in the month. Sheriff Blanton observed that Mr. Reinke is a breath of fresh air and very welcome as he works towards stable funding, as well as community relations. Chief Dave Talbert agreed. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6,2015 Page 2 of8 Tom Anderson added that Mr. Reinke is a wealth of experience, and when they get to 2016 they will need all the support they can get for the levy and radio system. It is incumbent on all agencies to be able to articulate this need to the public, as their support and assistance will certainly be needed at that time. 5. AOD Project Deevy Holcomb and Sonya Littledeer-Evans briefed the group on the project assessment and findings, using a PowerPoint presentation. They said regarding research and implementation of the project, juvenile justice is in a mode of self improvement. It is all about social science and finding out what works and what doesn't, since about 2011. In July 2012 Bend Police Department closed its youth diversion program. The program had been around for decades and dealt with first-time offenders who were subsequently directed to services and other help. For instance, they would deal with a minor in possession of alcohol or using marijuana. About that time, however, all agencies were downsizing due to the poor economy. It was found that about 80-85% ofthose youth stayed out of the system for at least six months. The JCJ opted to start sending out warning letters, and they looked for opportunities to do better within this group. There were three findings, which were similar to those of first-time criminally offending kids. They were thought to be low risk, but it turned out that the first-time criminal offenders do reoffend. This was analyzed for a year, and all had higher reoffender rates, up to 50%. A chronic recidivator is one with three or more referrals in a year. These are the most complicated and expensive to address. The highest level of offenders is the alcohol minor in possession. Sheriff Blanton asked ifthere was both less than an ounce of marijuana and alcohol MIP at the same time, which did they use. Ms. Holcomb replied they picked just one, the most serious according to statute. The result was that they clearly should not be thinking of the offenders as lightweight. They used the risk principles of assessment, diversion and intervention, and doing it quickly. It is not effective if they are low risk. The higher the risk, the higher the treatment level should be. Diversion works best for low risk cases. Minutes ofPSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6,2015 Page 3 of8 If it is alcohol or drug related, they can either tum them away or decide ifthey might have an addiction issue. Not all need an assessment, but it is best to figure this out early. Public health and prevention efforts are desirable, but partners want an integrated system to address health, prevention and other youth advocacy efforts. They would write a letter with the prevention group. It would be stronger and more specific, and offer resources. For those with elevated risk, they developed a brief screening process to determine specific ways to deal with specific individuals. Ms. Littledeer-Evans added that referrals are assigned for a brief screening, and they will schedule for intake or assessment if more is indicated, file a petition for formal probation through the courts, ifnoncompliant or they reoffend. They can impose a fine. Data shows that they will likely be chronic offenders. Ms. Holcomb said they expect to see more updates and changes at CJC. Sheriff Blanton asked about low level tobacco use. He has been told ifa school resource officer cites for tobacco, it is usually a chronic situation. Ms. Littledeer-Evans said they get a letter the first time. The goal is ten days of referraL Early tests show that if an offense involves the courts, it is a performance measure. Donna McClung asked about whether they have a conversation about safety in the home or the conditions there. Ms. Littledeer-Evans replied that it is a component and they review information in the system regarding how many of these have DHS or child welfare involvement, which means mandatory reporting. Sheriff Blanton stated that in terms ofjuvenile recidivism, what happens if they tum 18 or they are considered a non-reoffender. Ms. Holcomb said that it is considered a referral if they are a juvenile, an offense if they are an adult. The Governor is looking at this. Chief Jim Porter asked about those who are non-residents but are here visiting. Ms. Holcomb responded that they refer them to the agency of origin. Chief Talbert asked ifthey send these cases to a non-juvenile justice agency if it involves tobacco or similar issues. Ms. Holcomb stated that they will work with the prevention office to decide whether it is a passive referral, like a letter. Minutes ofPSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6,2015 Page 4 of8 Chief Talbert asked ifthey can require some kind of class. Sometimes the schools and parents take this seriously. Some youth will dread getting a smoking citation because that might require them to take a class. Mr. Anderson asked if Colorado and Washington are analyzing what is happening there with legalized marijuana and youth. Ms. Holcomb said this is a big issue, but it is illegal if they are under age 21 anyway. Ms. Littledeer Evans noted that the effects are more now than when it was legal for just medical marijuana. Judge Brady said that she appreciates the approach, and noted that they can do more harm than good if they tangle up the low risk juveniles in a program meant for high risk youth. 6. Domestic Violence Child Witness Project. Shelly Smith ofKIDS Center and Drew Moore ofthe District Attorney's Office spoke about domestic violence cases and the child witness project. Ms. Smith said that kids who witness domestic violence get referred for an interview the following day. KIDS Center follows up as needed. This is based on a Lane County model started in 1999 that was very successful, and was presented in Bend in 2012 and 2013. It was decided here that it was worthwhile to start a pilot program. Bend Police Department was the first law enforcement team to start the pilot, as a slow roll-out was needed to gauge the referral numbers. Domestic violence cases are also difficult and potentially dangerous. Ms. Smith reminded the group that KIDS stands for Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Service Center. They take referrals from law enforcement, medical personnel, DRS and therapists to evaluate and document what has happened, the level of family support, and advocacy. They partner with Deschutes County Behavior Health to provide on-site therapy in Bend, Redmond and La Pine. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6,2015 Page 5 of8 Domestic violence and family violence have a 50% co-occurrence of sexual and/or physical abuse, which affects a child's mental and emotional stability. A lot of parents are not aware ofthe impact. Some think that if the child is asleep or outside, they don't notice. The goal is to intervene early. They hope to rebuild families but are keenly aware of the focus needed on the children. Kids who witness domestic violence are also victims. Lane County sought to coordinate cases. The key players are law enforcement, the District Attorney, DHS and welfare, the courts and the domestic violence system. The goal is to recognize the impacts and decrease the number of cases. They need to partner with others to reduce duplication of contacts and reduce the time between the incident and the interview. Ms. Moore said that Lane County statistics show prosecution is higher when there is a child interview. Adults involved don't think the kids know what is going on. The conviction rate is much higher as well, with 84% changing their plea to guilty. They show the same results over a ten-year period. Ms. Smith stated that regarding child welfare outcomes, some worried about kids being removed from the non-offending caregiver. About half had another referral within the next one to two years, and 12% had a new offending partner. The purpose of the program is better outcomes for the D.A., treatment for the victim and the family, and a quick response. Ms. Moore said that this was launched in November 2013, and all law enforcement teams are trained and supportive. The victims and their families receive a coordinated system of services, including law enforcement, the D.A., DHS and victims assistance representatives all gathered at KIDS Center. Ifthe case is found to be an assault 4, witnessed by a child, the referral is to the DV Child Safety Team, and an interview is scheduled at KIDS Center for the next day. At this time they often learn about other issues as well. Judge Brady asked what happens if the non-offending client refuses to bring the child in. Ms. Moore said that they are given information on the program, and reports are written and sent to dedicated personnel for coordination. It is voluntary, but there will still be follow-up to offer services. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6, 2015 Page 60f8 Law enforcement can explain the protective order process, and agencies might work on this as a team. The idea is to try to break down the barriers. Usually 2 PM is the meeting time, but they can try to reschedule if necessary. Ms. Smith noted that in Lane County the center is in the D.A.'s office. KIDS Center here is detached and in a neighborhood setting. Interviews for this program as conducted by DHS and KIDS Center's forensic interviewers ensure that DHS interviewers are trained and well-supported. The parent can meet with Saving Grace and the Victims Assistance team. The team can also help with crime victims' compensation paperwork and talk about what happens next. There needs to be an action plan in place. They review each case at MDT Case Review meetings, and try to make sure services are being engaged, and obstacles removed. Ms. Moore added that outcomes to date show 26 referrals a year, the child being an average of 8 years old, and the victim an average age of 31. They have to deal with some parent refusals. They continue to ask why; and occasionally it has to do with something as simple as transportation issues. Ms. Smith said that a private/public partnership allows for more fundraising choices. They hope to be able to medically evaluate kids under age 4, conducting a well-child checkup in lieu of an interview, since kids under age 4 are too young to interview. Ms. Moore stated that it is difficult if law enforcement has to go to the meeting the next day due to their shift work. They are hoping to get a dedicated domestic violence officer. Ms. Smith added that they anticipate seeing more cases, with increased filings and conviction rates, as they work cooperatively with agencies. Early intervention means better outcomes for all. Mr. Reinke asked if they use 911 recordings. Ms. Moore stated that they order it each time. Mr. Reinke said that they may be able to allow them the ability to listen to incoming calls quickly to help them determine ifthe call information will be helpful. Minutes ofPSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6,2015 Page 7 of8 7. Other Business. The next PSCC meeting will be at the usual location, the Deschutes Services Building, on Tuesday, February 3. Being no other business discussed, Judge Brady adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p .m. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Baker Recording Secretary Attachments · Agenda · Sign-in sheets · Handout: JCJ First-time MIP and LT 1 Oz. Violation Offenders Assessment and Report · Handout: Deschutes County Domestic Violence Child Safety Project · KIDS Center Domestic Violence Child Safety Program brochure Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, January 6, 2015 Page 8 of8 DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL JANUARY 6, 2014 – 3:30 PM Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice Building, Wickiup Room 63360 Britta Street, Building 1, Bend, OR AGENDA I Call to Order & Introductions Judge Alta Brady II November Minutes Attachment 1 Judge Brady Action: Approve November minutes III Public Comment Judge Brady IV 911 Communications System Steve Reinke Brief the Council on system changes V AOD Project Attachment 2 Deevy Holcomb and Sonya Littledeer-Evans Brief the Council on project assessment and findings VI Domestic Violence Child Witness Project Attachment 3 Shelly Smith and Drew Moore Update the Council on project VIII Other Business Judge Brady PLEASE SIGN IN PSCC Meeting (Please Print) Tuesday, January 6, 2015 Name J~epresenti ng -j)r~~or€-_, I:t>A 's C7;?(U:. -;)/ff1 5 /77 ! 7"4 .. ~ ~v-<," /~ D'i'~-0 c' '1 ;r/ ~;JE-L-s orJ . l>~c04 'S"Mc--a.Ff2.r OF(: " .J:,?~G "-~ ~~~G I G '-"'-z...-~ 1\ J [U; I -'l-, ~~-,. -~}r~e\ ______~~~ -.-~\E ~~ __ _ 9-(-/ __ _ --' I~{~~-._ , ---s~ 2~g ~~~ ___ . efi~ ~rlve _~M:d' _ _ ____ . L~~_f?12. ____ ~~ _ ~l)~ c~ _ lerVV1J)c -~'}L) OQ£iA..£L. Me...(Uunj _ ___ oYA __ Please return to Bonnie. ' I 11'\ I I- I I 0 I II N I I I \tS I ~ co :3 C co -"'" >-co "'0 V\ Q) ~ I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I -Z aiI ·c c 0Z CO -\.J E ~ c... UJ .2 « Q) ~ ... UJ Q) '" ~ -l a:c.. I I I I I 00 C ~I.+-.~Q) I u ~ Z l ~ ~ "" I c.. I I SHELLY SMITH . MORGAN D irector KI DS Center DESCHUTES COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHILD SAFETY PROJECT DREW MOORE DDA - Deschutes District Attorney’s Office INTRODUCTION Mary Anderson, Chief Deputy District Attorney with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, attended the ODAA Conference (2012). Ms. Anderson presented the Deschutes County Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team with Lane County’s successful project and encouraged team to review and potentially implement locally. KIDS Center and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office hosted a MDT regional training locally in February, 2013. Sarah Sabri, Assistant District Attorney on the Lane County DV Team, and Tina Morgan, Director of Kids’ FIRST, presented their successful DV Child Witness Program. EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE •Exposure to family violence • Suffer symptoms of PTSD (bed-wetting or nightmares); are at greater risk of having allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal problems, headaches and flu •Pre-natal physical domestic violence • Increased risk of exhibiting aggressive, anxious, depressed or hyperactive behavior •Females exposed to parents’ DV as adolescents • significantly more likely to become victims of dating violence than daughters of nonviolent parents •Children who experience childhood trauma, including witnessing incidents of domestic violence • Greater risk of having serious adult health problems (tobacco use, substance abuse, obesity, cancer, heart disease, depression and unintended pregnancy •Physical abuse during childhood • Increases risk of future victimization among women and the risk of future perpetration of abuse by men more than two-fold HOW ARE KIDS IMPACTED? •DV is the #1 indicator of child abuse in a home & is the leading precursor to child death related to abuse. •In families where there is domestic violence, children witness about two thirds of the abusive incidents. Approximately half of the children in these families have themselves been badly hit or beaten. Overall, children from homes where domestic violence occurs are 15 times more likely to be physically or sexually abused or seriously neglected. •Witnessing domestic violence is harmful to children. In some cases they may be physically injured, in other cases they are not but their sense of safety and security is damaged by witnessing the violence. •Younger children: may become anxious; complain of tummy aches or start to wet their beds. They may find it difficult to sleep, have temper tantrums and start to behave as if they are much younger than they are. HOW ARE KIDS IMPACTED? (CONT.) •Older children: •Boys: •Outwardly distressed; aggressive and disobedient; may start to use violence to try and solve problems; may start to use alcohol or drugs. •Girls: •Keep their distress inside; withdraw and become anxious or depressed; self loathing and complain of vague physical symptoms; more likely to have an eating disorder, or to harm themselves. •Children with these problems often start to perform poorly in school. They may also get symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – having nightmares and flashbacks and being easily startled. •Kids who witness domestic violence = VICTIMS DV WITNESS PROJECT •In response to these considerations, the Lane County MDT broadened Kids’ FIRST services in 1999 •Originally developed as a 60-day pilot project, the DV Witness Project is now in its 13th year •Purpose: To better coordinate criminal and civil intervention for domestic violence cases which involve child witnesses. KEY PLAYERS IN DV INVESTIGATIONS •Law Enforcement •District Attorney •Child Welfare/ DHS •DV Services (Systems- & Community-Based) •Corrections •Parole & Probation •Therapists, Interpreters, Judges, Immigration, etc. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES •Recognize the impact of witnessing violence on children •Decrease the number of cases opened by CPS by increasing the safety & stability of adult victims •Reduce duplication of contacts with families •Reduce the time between an incident and the following interview and intervention •Increase the rate of successful prosecution (higher conviction rates, fewer trials, more pleas) •Improve cost-effectiveness for all involved •Ensure that children receive necessary support and resources to heal from the trauma they have experienced. LANE COUNTY PROSECUTION OUTCOMES STATISTICAL OVERVIEW: 2002 Prosecution Outcomes 2002 66% 96% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Overall With Child Interview Comparison: Rate of Cases Filed Prosecution Outcomes 2002 53% 93% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Overall With Child Interview Comparison: Rate of Convictions Prosecution Outcomes 2002 Kids’ FIRST Center Case Dispositions 84 1 1 5 12 -5 5 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 Change of Plea Found Guilty Found Not Guilty Dismissed No Disposition 548 2 39 2 51 30 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 Change of Plea Alford Plea Found Guilty Found Not Guilty Dismissed No Disposition Disposition Summary of Cases Interviewed at Kids’ FIRST (2002-2011) 2002-2011 SUMMARY Cases involving a child interview were… •More likely to be filed by a District Attorney •More likely to result in a conviction •More likely to result in a plea bargain (preventing child witnesses & adult victims from having to testify) •Less likely to result in a dismissal •Equally likely to result in conviction for a charge constituting domestic violence CHILD WELFARE OUTCOMES: 2002-2003 CHILD WELFARE OUTCOMES •In 2005, an independent research firm was commissioned to examine Child Welfare outcomes related to the project. •Of the 103 families served in 2002-2003, 52 had subsequent referrals to DHS within 1-2 years following the incident •Only 12 families (12% of the total) had subsequent referrals related to new intimate partner violence incidents CHILD WELFARE OUTCOMES (CONT.) •Calculated from founded reports, the recurrence rate within 6 months was about 2% - lower than the statewide average of 7% (2001 Oregon Child and Family Services Review) •The overall recurrence rate within two years for families seen at Kids’ FIRST was 6% (statewide data for this range unavailable) DESCHUTES COUNTY PILOT Purpose: To help increase safety for children and non-offending parents while also reducing the impact of the legal system on Domestic Violence victims and their families. By providing a coordinated and comprehensive response, the following goals hope to be realized: 1. To prevent further domestic abuse within the home. 2. To decrease the number of cases opened by DHS-CWP by providing advocacy and resources to battered parents. 3. To make prosecution more successful-To hold batterers accountable for their harmful behavior and get court ordered treatment. 4. To reduce the amount of time between an incident and the following interventions. 5. To collect all of the information needed at one time, in a child-friendly setting. This reduces the need for multiple interviews of children and allows the parent to meet most of the people and agencies that will be involved in their case. DESCHUTES COUNTY PILOT •Pilot launched in November, 2013 •TEAM MEMBERS: •KIDS Center DV Coordinator and Forensic Interviewer •LEA Representative •DHS/Child Welfare Caseworker •Deputy District Attorney •Victim’s Assistance Program Advocate •Saving Grace Advocate REFERRAL PROCESS Referrals accepted from: •Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) •Department of Human Services – Child Welfare (DHS) Referral process: •LEA/DHS report is faxed to KIDS Center •Interview is scheduled 2 p.m. the next business day •Children 4 years and older interviewed; medical exam later if needed CRITERIA FOR REFERRAL •DV/Assault 4 Felony arrest of an adult in home where children are present. Referral made at the time of the arrest by LEA to non-offending caregiver. •Child/children are 4 years or older (minimum age requirement for interviewing children). •Families residing in Deschutes County (Redmond PD will be trained in early January). INTERVIEW PROCESS •KIDS Center DV Coordinator receives report/interview request. •Coordinator contacts DV team & provides names of the involved to check for previous reports. •On their arrival, the family is greeted by an advocate; needs assessment/safety planning begins. •DV team meets with the adult victim to collect information and explain the interview process. INTERVIEW PROCESS (CONT.) •A recorded interview of each child witness is conducted at KIDS Center by a DHS Child Welfare caseworker specially trained in child forensic interviewing. •LEA Investigator observes the interview from the center control/viewing room. •During the child interviews, a Saving Grace advocate meets with the adult victim to provide support, referrals, CVC information, safety planning, shelter assessment, etc. INTERVIEW PROCESS (CONT.) •Following the interview, DV team meets again with the adult victim & explains the next steps for the criminal case as well as the child welfare assessment. •DHS/Child Welfare, with team input, determines whether the children are safe with the victim parent. •If the caseworker believes the children are not safe, a protective action or plan of some kind must be in place before the family leaves KIDS Center. REVIEWS •Every case is reviewed by the Deschutes County MDT. •Monthly peer review for DHS caseworkers with KIDS Center’s Forensic Interviewers to review & improve interviewing skills. •Quarterly meetings to review project. OUTCOMES TO DATE November, 2013 - December, 2014 •26 referrals to DV Child Safety Project •15 interviews completed: •47% within 24 hrs. of report •93% made disclosures •Average age of witness: 8 years •Average age of victim: 31 years WHY NOT MORE INTERVIEWS? •Age of the child (under the age of 4 yrs.) •Refusal by parents •LEA has not yet been trained on the program •Slow roll-out of pilot/program WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? NEXT STEPS… •Continue training all law enforcement agencies and Child Welfare workers in regard to protocols and best practice. •Possible medical exams for children under 4 years. •DHS referrals increasing with success of program. SUCCESSES ANTICIPATED •Increased number of child witnesses identified and supported with resources. •Demonstrable improvement in filing and conviction rates for DV cases. •Parents are better supported and informed about Child Welfare expectations & available resources, leading to better outcomes. •Team members work cooperatively, providing comprehensive services that result in improved investigations and safety for victims and their children. •Children & families are served in a family-oriented, supportive, effective manner. •Agencies & individuals involved are constantly improving their relationships with one another. QUESTIONS? CONTACT INFORMATION Shelly Smith ssmith@kidscenter.org KIDS Center Phone: (541) 383-5958 www.kidscenter.org Drew Moore drew.moore@dcda.us Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office Phone: (541) 388-6520 www.deschutesda.org -------------------------- What is the Domestic Violence Child Safety Program? The purpose of the program is to help increase safety for children and non offending parents while also reducing the impact of the legal system on Domestic Violence victims and their families. What are the goals o/the program? 1. To prevent further domestic abuse to you and your child/children. 2. To decrease the number of cases opened by DHS-CWP by providing advocacy and resources to battered parents. 3. To make prosecution more successful. To hold batterers accountable for their harmful behavior and get court ordered treatment. 4. To reduce the amount of time between an incident and the following interventions. S. To collect all of the information needed at one time, in a child-friendly setting. This reduces the need for multiple interviews of children and allows the parent to meet most of the people and agencies that will be involved in their case. This program was designed with the goal of helping victims and their children by making resources and information available in one place. We strive to assist victims by giving them easier, quicker and simpler access to information and resources. The goal of everyone involved is to provide the best possible experience for you and your child. 'LMN Ne'S 14th~ ::r ~KIDS Center a$1375 NW Kingston Ave S;Bend, OR 97701 :; l~q"""'1f iii ~ , ~ IS :2 ~ (!) » ~ '~O "" > IS~ISMI ~ .' . i '" t t). ~. /I. Higbway97 @1 ,~ I'L1U 3.,QI"Street ~1!1 r------------------------------ :Where? KIDS Center 1 :When? 2:00pm1 1 : Date: 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- - -_I Domestic Violence Child Safety Program KIDS Center 1375 NW Kingston Avenue, Bend, OR 541-383-5958 www.kidscenter.org In most cases, you were asked to bring your child to KIDS Center by law enforcement or child protective services. Your child will talk to an expert who has been trained in interviewing children. Referrals to KIDS Center are made any time there is reason to believe a child has witnessed an incident of domestic violence. What if I don't believe my child has witnessed domestic violence? Many parents have a hard time believing their children have witnessed domestic violence at home. The fact is, most children who live in homes where violence occurs are aware of the abuse even if their parents believe they are sleeping or playing outdoors. When a child hears domestic violence, or becomes aware of it in other ways, it can be just as damaging. Even if your child does not disclose witnessing a particular incident of domestic violence, he or she may have witnessed previous incidents, or may be able to share other helpful information. Why am I here? I , Effects ofDomestic Violence on Children Who will be involved in my case? Each case is different. Depending on your case, some or all of these agencies may be involved: Law Enforcement Bend Police, Deschutes County SO, Redmond Police Victims' Assistance Advocate Victims' Assistance Program, system based II Saving Grace Advocate Community based confidential program/ shelter resources Deputy District Attorney Prosecutor Child Protective Services (OHS-CWP) These state services often are involved when there is domestic violence in a home with children because domestic violence puts children at significant risk of harm. Law enforcement is required to cross re port and that will occur whether or not your children are interviewed at KIDS Cen ter. Your caseworker will talk to you about things to do in order to keep your family safe. These expectations will be different for every family. Witnessing domestic violence is harm ful to children. In some cases they are injured and in other cases they are not, but their sense of safety and security is damaged by witnessing the violence. Children from homes where domestic violence occurs are 15 times more likely to be physically or sexually abused or seriously neglected. People who hurt their partners are much more likely to also hurt their children as well as family pets. Children from homes where domestic violence occurs are more likely to suffer from: • Depression • Problems in school • Frequent illness • Behavioral problems These children often engage in: • Violence against peers • Suicide attempts • Alcohol and drug abuse • Running away • Prostitution • Crimes including sexual assault