Reunification in Families Affected by Domestic Violence

Studies show a significant correlation between domestic violence in the home and child maltreatment. Research also shows that being exposed to domestic violence without being maltreated still places children at higher risk for various issues, including certain behavioral, social, emotional, and cognitive problems. Child welfare professionals should consider safety issues for all members of the family when pursuing reunification for children impacted by domestic violence.

Child Welfare Practices for Cases With Domestic Violence (PDF - 1,311 KB)
Oregon Department of Human Resources (2015)
Presents practices for child welfare cases involving domestic violence and considerations for ongoing safety plans and case plans, including guidelines about removing children from the home and reunification with one or more parents.

Domestic Violence and the Child Welfare Professional: Tips on Decision-Making (PDF - 118 KB)
Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative, Center for States (2017)
Discusses domestic violence decision-making, including caseworker response, court petitions, behaviorally-focused service plans, legal interventions, and abuse substantiation. This tip sheet also provides information on safe and effective decision-making through the legal system, service plans for perpetrators, and reunification and home visits.

The Impact of Batterers on Children: An Ohio Model Community Response Protocol (PDF - 1,352 KB)
Ohio Intimate Partner Violence Collaborative Statewide Planning Group (2015)
Serves as a guide for communities to develop a collaborative response to cases of domestic violence where children are impacted. The model includes a section on placement options and reunification planning. 

Reasonable Efforts in Dependency Cases Involving Domestic Violence [Webinar]
Lucero (2017)
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Presents the legal framework for reasonable efforts in child dependency cases, steps child welfare personnel can take during cases involving domestic violence, and case examples. 

Social Worker's Practice Guide to Domestic Violence (PDF - 5,325 KB)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2016)
Provides direction for social workers working with families experiencing domestic violence, including when and how to increase safety for children and adult victims and removal/reunification decisions.

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