One of the dilemmas of working with families experiencing domestic violence and child maltreatment is how to keep children safe without penalizing the nonoffending parent. Child welfare professionals working with families affected by domestic violence must identify and use interventions that protect children from domestic violence while strengthening families and maintaining family continuity. This process should include engaging the family in the decision-making process and developing partnerships with community service providers and the courts, as well as making safety plans to build networks of support that will strengthen families and keep children safe.

• Evidence-based practice
• Evaluating domestic violence programs
• Victim-centered programs
• Safety planning with victims and their children
• Responding to children exposed to domestic violence
• Engaging families
• Co-occurring issues
• Worker safety

Enhanced Resource Guidelines: Child Welfare Workers' Companion Guide (PDF - 15,738 KB)
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (2020)
Assists in building knowledge about hearing practice, promoting effective hearing practices, and enhancing court and child welfare agency collaboration in the child welfare system and cases of domestic violence.