2022 Edition

Domestic Violence Services (CA-DV) 7: Promoting Child Well-Being

The organization works with survivors to support and promote the well-being of their children.
NA The organization does not serve survivors who have children.

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VIEW THE STANDARDS

Purpose

Individuals who receive Domestic Violence Services gain a sense of empowerment, improve their well-being, and increase their ability to live safely and independently.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
Self-Study EvidenceOn-Site EvidenceOn-Site Activities
  • Procedures for referring children to services
  • Policy prohibiting corporal punishment
  • Procedures for evaluating educational needs and collaborating with schools, if applicable
  • Procedures for obtaining clearance to participate in athletic activities
  • Community resource and referral list
  • Interviews may include:
    1. Program director
    2. Relevant personnel
    3. Survivors, and their children if appropriate
  • Review case records
 

CA-DV 7.01

To promote child well-being, the organization supports survivors’ efforts to care for and nurture their children, and:
  1. offers age-appropriate programming that meets children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs; or
  2. links children with appropriate services offered by other community providers.

Examples: Appropriate programming and services can include play groups, recreational activities, educational activities, counselling, and therapeutic services.
 
Fundamental Practice

CA-DV 7.02

To promote positive parenting practices, the organization:

  1. establishes a policy that prohibits corporal punishment of children by parents and safe home providers;
  2. ensures all parents and safe home providers are informed of this policy; and
  3. promotes and educates parents and safe home providers about alternatives to corporal punishment.
 

CA-DV 7.03

Organizations providing shelter or safe home services evaluate the educational status and needs of school-age children and youth and:
  1. inform survivors of their children’s educational rights;
  2. help survivors coordinate educational services with relevant school districts; and
  3. assist children and youth to stay current with the curricula.
NA The organization does not provide shelter or safe home services.
 
Fundamental Practice

CA-DV 7.04

The organization evaluates children and youth for their ability to participate in athletic activities and obtains: 
  1. a written, signed permission slip from their parents or legal guardians; 
  2. a medical records release; and/or
  3. a signed document from a qualified medical professional stating that the child or youth is physically capable of participating.
NA The organization does not offer athletic activities.
 

CA-DV 7.05

When a survivor’s children are involved with child protective services, and with the survivor’s permission, the organization collaborates with the child protective services agency to:
  1. provide needed education about the dynamics of domestic violence;
  2. ensure that family problems are addressed in a cohesive and comprehensive manner; and
  3. promote the best interests of both survivors and their children.
NA The organization does not serve survivors whose children are involved with child protective services.