Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Agency Collaborations to Support Families

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Domestic violence (DV) is a complex issue that can impact anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background, or education level. Children and youth are also seriously affected by exposure to domestic violence. While estimates vary, research suggests that nearly 30 million children in the United States will be exposed to some type of family violence before the age of 17. Exposure to DV does not inherently mean a child is being maltreated, but it increases risk for child abuse and neglect. Yet, these risks can be alleviated when families have access to critical resources and services that build protective factors and promote the family’s safety and well-being.The purpose of this program is to support jurisdictions with improving community response to incidents of DV where a child is present in the household. Funding can be used to support collaboration between DV and child welfare agencies for infrastructure building activities to enhance services and resources for families impacted by DV who are at-risk for or are involved with child welfare. Recipients will identify and reduce barriers to equitable access to supports and resources. Recipients may achieve this through an array of strategies, which could include: bolstering cross system collaboration with key community-based partners; developing and enhancing partnerships with individuals with lived experience; implementing new or enhancing existing resources and supports to strengthen families; improving use of technology, as well as data collection, analysis and sharing; supporting the development and delivery of training for community-based providers; and/or other activities identified by the jurisdiction to reduce likelihood of child welfare involvement for families impacted by DV.Applicants must demonstrate commitment of the appropriate State, local, or tribal child welfare agency and/or an appropriate DV partner to implement their work.