On Target Domestic Violence Awareness Month is October

HISTORY:

The Domestic Violence Movement first gained momentum in Oregon in 1977 when the first two Domestic

Violence Agencies were formed. The first Domestic Violence Hotline was established in the United States in

1987. The US Congress passed Public Law 101-112 in 1989 which titled October as National Domestic Vio-

lence Awareness Month.

STATISTICS:

• On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner

in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. [http://

www.annalsofepidemiology.org/article/S1047-2797(12)00024-5/abstract]

• Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner and report a related impact on their functioning. [https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osnr0026.pdf.]

• 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the vic-

tim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. IPV alone affects more than 12

million people each year. [Katrina Baum et al., “Stalking in the United States” (Washington DV: Bu-

reau of Justice Statistics, 2009)]

• 7.5 million People are stalked in one year in the United States. 15% of women and 6% of men have expe-

rienced stalking. [Katrina Baum et al., “Stalking in the United States” (Washington DV: Bureau of Jus-

tice Statistics, 2009)]

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

By DHS’ definition, domestic violence is one or more of the following acts between family members, intimate

partners, or household members: intentional or recklessly causing physical, emotional, mental or verbal harm,

the use of coercive and controlling behavior or sexual abuse of varying degrees.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

It is important to know what Domestic Violence is so we can better identify what challenges our participants

may face. We are not immune to this problem. If we know what domestic violence is and are able to

acknowledge it, we can better assist our participants in being safe, healthy and independent.

A DHS DV Co-Located Advocate stated, acknowledging Domestic Violence is important because it “help[s]

us understand the survivor more.” It will also allow us to “be more careful in our actions and behaviors so we

don’t trigger their trauma.” Knowing what domestic Violence is, also can “cease victim blaming,” which can

often happen between friends, family and social service workers. It allows us to be mindful in our body lan-

guage, our presentation, and how we communicate with our participants.

Everyone deserves to feel safe around intimate partners, family members and people they live with. In order to battle against Domestic Violence, society needs to acknowledge its existence and to continually be educated about abuse/trauma and how to appropriately interact with survivors.

October 2017

2

Screening for Safety

The local DHS office may be one of the first stops for a person that is fleeing or thinking of leaving a domestic

violence situation. DHS has worked hard to develop relationships with community partners and DV advocates

to help families navigate through this stressful time in their lives. It is our goal to connect the applicant with the

available community resources to help them develop a network of support.

Within 8 working hours of a domestic violence survivor contacting our office, we should be completing a

screening or 7802. This form is specifically designed to be completed by staff and should not be given to the

applicant to complete. The 7802 provides framework for a conversation allowing us to gather enough infor-

mation about their situation to determine safety risks and scheduling needs.

Did you know that anyone who has completed DV 101 can complete this screening? That’s right! Support

staff are regularly the first line of contact with a survivor coming through our doors or calling in and they can

complete the screening with the applicants. We know that it can be traumatic to have someone repeat their sto-

ry, so we do want to make every effort to connect the survivor with the person that will be determining their eli-

gibility for TADVS. Safety should always be a first priority. Remember, that is it not appropriate or safe to

complete the 7802 in the lobby, so having a process in place that allows for flexibility can both meet branch

needs and satisfy program requirements.

An eligibility decision for TADVS should be made within 16 working hours after receiving a complete applica-

tion. Once eligibility has been determined, the 1543, Self-Sufficiency Domestic Violence Assistance Agreement

is completed. This is an agreement identifying the safety risks and steps that the survivor has identified to keep

their family safe from domestic violence. This could include supports such as DV advocates or others that the

survivor has identified who are able to support the survivor remain safe from violence or payments needed to

address immediate safety concerns.

It takes an incredible amount of strength and determination to tell another person difficult details about trauma

that they are or have experienced. The survivor is the expert on their situation and we show them respect and compassion when we provide validating messages to show that we are here to offer support, resources and most importantly to listen.

Waiving Citizenship Status due to Domestic Violence

An ineligible non-citizen is not eligible for TANF or TA-DVS due to their citizenship. However, when there is a domes-

tic violence risk, we can waive the citizenship requirement to allow them to receive TADVS and TANF Benefits as an

adult (AD). When there is approval for TANF or TA-DVS, we need to code WDV (Waived DV citizenship) as a case

descriptor (c/d).

Example: Jane is in the office fleeing from her abuser. She states she is undocumented and needing help. Jane is con-

cerned once she moves in to a safe home, she is unsure how she will be able to maintain the rent. After determining she

meets the TA-DVS eligibility requirements, the worker also approves the waiving of citizenship for TANF benefits.

Jane is approved TANF for herself and children. The worker codes the _2 case with a C/D of WDV and Jane is an AD on

the case. Waivers are applied for 6 months at a time, and must be addressed and narrated every 6 months. Please refer to

FSM: TA-DVS Chapter 3. C. TA-DVS Eligibility and Waiving TANF Requirements. Sections 3, 4, and 5. OARs: OAR

461-120-0110 and 461-120-0125.

Note: We want to encourage people to work with legal aid, community partners and advocates regarding their citizen-

ship status. DHS does not give legal or immigration advice.

Any time citizenship is waived for TA-DVS, use code 2N for issuing benefits. If you are waiving citizenship for TANF, make sure you are coding WDV as a case descriptor. Always assess waivers for TANF every six months and narrate why you are continuing, or not continuing to use the waiver.

3

The TA-DVS Narrative

Individuals applying for TA-DVS can be under significant stress and may have experienced a great deal of trauma. Because every person responds differently, TA-DVS interviews can vary greatly and family coaches will need to ensure TA-DVS narratives have sufficient information to support the eligibility determination.

The TA-DVS narrative is intended to document the applicant’s unique situation and should include:

• Reported safety concerns

• Relationship to the abuser and name, if given

• Whether the applicant has children in their care, custody and control

• Whether a current or future risk of domestic violence has been identified

• The applicant’s financial (i.e. available income) and non-financial eligibility require-ments of the TANF Program

• Any waived TANF eligibility requirements

• The TA-DVS eligibility determination and, if approved,

• The safety plan for the applicant

• Documentation survivor was given the proper notice, based on the outcome of the application (456DV or 456 denial)

• Any payments agreed upon during the intake (DHS 1543)

The narrative must include enough information to determine whether the applicant was eligible, how the worker came to the decision and what steps were identified and agreed upon to increase safety. It does not need to include a detailed ac-count of abuse or information not relevant to the eligibility process. While it’s important to include factual observations that are relevant to the program applied for, it’s NEVER appropriate to include opinions or judgements in the narrative.

If, during the course of the interview, the applicant discloses child abuse, the family coach will need to make a mandatory Child Welfare report. It is important to notify the survivor of this and explain the intention is to support safety for all fam-ily members. Remember, by letting the applicant know we have made a report, we are able to safety plan with the survi-vor around next steps. You can narrate you made a report - however, details of the child abuse should not be included in the narrative.

Determining what to narrate and what to leave out, will vary based on the intake, but it’s important to ensure that each has met the above guidelines to ensure accuracy and a well-rounded safety plan.

Records Requests and Redacting Files in Branches (DHS 2095) Did you know our participants have a broad range of services available to them when coming to the Department of Hu-man Services for assistance? Did you know that participants have access to their records? We will touch briefly on Re-quest for Restriction and Use of Disclosures (DHS 2095) and how to redact information.

There are a wide variety of Administrative Rules with redacting files associated with Domestic Violence. In fact, searching through the Secretary of State Administrative Rules (OAR’s), there are over 1300 rules regarding this topic. Because there is such variation and circumstances, the worker who is assisting the participant would benefit to have a link to the Secretary of State’s website for access to these rules. In addition the rules would serve the participant with information that could possibly be overlooked if the participant either requested redaction or wanted to prevent addi-tional records from being requested or received. http://sos.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx

The form DHS 2095, is a form for any participant to use for case records/files. Both the participant and the worker would fill out this form. See below for a link to this form.

https://aix-xweb1p.state.or.us/es_xweb/DHSforms/Served/me2095.pdf?CFGRIDKEY=MSC%202095,2095,Request%20for%20Restriction%20of%20Use%20of%20Disclosures%20(Replaces%20DHS%202095),,me2095.pdf,,,,,,/es_xweb../FORMS/-,,/es_xweb../FORMS/-,

Domestic Violence Survivors who requests restricted information or disclosure of personal information have this form available for use. There are possibilities when restricting information, as noted in the form 2095, that DHS or OHA may not be able to determine eligibility. There are 4 ways in which DHS/OHA may use this form: “Approved, Modified Approval, Delayed or Denied”.

DHS/OHA will honor certain requested restrictions such as Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Vocational Treatment, (except when required by law). Please be sure to review the OAR’s and regulations, to be sure we are providing survi-vor’s with their case information in a safe way.

4

TA-DVS Safety Plans vs. JOBS Case Plans

Creating a TA-DVS Safety plan is like creating a JOBS Plan, but in regards to safety around the Domestic Violence Situation.

When an individual applies for TA-DVS, we create a safety plan with them. Usually this is done on the 1543. We want to create a plan that best supports the survivor and their family with their safety needs.

Things to Consider in creating TA-DVS Safety Plan: We want to address what supports a survivor has available: friends,

family, churches, support groups, co-workers, etc.

We want to address what financial support they have: Savings ac-count, employment income, SSI, family that can loan or gift money, etc.

We want to address Immediate Concerns: When leaving the office today, what are the things that would increase safety? Changing phone number, meeting with the advocate, getting the neighbor’s numbers to call, talking with the current landlord, etc.

Address the Long Term Plan: Moving into a new home using TA-DVS funds, moving out of state, getting into counseling for continued support in moving forward, joining a support group, etc.

What is the difference between a TA-DVS Safety Plan and a DV Step on TRACS? A TA-DVS Safety Plan is around how to support family safety, what to do with the TA-DVS Grant. The DV Step on

TRACS is part of their Case Plan.

Example: Rachel is in the office applying for and approved for TA-DVS. She creates a Safety Plan with her worker to

move to another city in Oregon, to be closer to her mom.

Her immediate TA-DVS Plan is to contact her mother, work with an advocate to determine a plan if the abuser shows

up at her home, and talk to the children’s school about transferring.

Her long term plan is to find a location near her mom and move. Rachel will start working once she moves and plans

to use the TA-DVS Grant for move in costs and a U-Haul.

The JOBS Plan is regarding the family needs and adding appropriate steps to meet them where they are at and help them to move forward.

Rachel has open TANF. We update her Case Plan based on her situation. Rachel wants to work with an advocate regarding safety planning: We add a DV Step to work with the advocate.

Rachel needs to move across Oregon and needs to look for housing: We add a Life Skills Step.

Rachel said she wants to look for work when she gets to her next city but she needs Resume support right now: We

add a Contracted JO Step to work with our Community Partners to create a resume and become Job Ready.

By adding the DV Step, we are enhancing the JOBS case plan to look at what the survivor is working on in regards to

their safety. By creating a TA-DVS Safety Plan, we are addressing what the survivor reports is going to help make

them safe, and what steps and support are needed.

Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233

Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (OCADSV) – https://www.ocadsv.org/

Find Help from OCADSV - https://www.ocadsv.org/find-help

EAP: Employee Assistance Program – 1-800-433-2320

5

Difference between Approving TA-DVS and Approving Payments

The intent of the TA-DVS program is to keep domestic violence survivors safe from current and

future threats of domestic violence (DV). The survivor’s current information, disclosed on the Self-

Sufficiency Domestic Violence Assistance Agreement (DHS 1543), will be used to develop a plan

that ensures the safety of the survivor and his or her their children. In addition to the case planning

benefits, the survivor is potentially eligible to receive up to $1200 in assistance. The funds can be

used on services needed to stabilize families who are fleeing (DV) and/or those who need assistance

to remaining free from violence.

It is important to keep in mind, eligibility for TA-DVS does not guarantee payment of program

benefits. Just as the agency determines overall eligibility for TA-DAVS, the agency also deter-

mines eligibility for each individual payment request. Once eligibility for TA-DVS has been ap-

proved, each payment request must be reviewed on a case by case basis and must be directly related

to the survivors safety needs. If the payment request meets the intent of the program and their safety

plan, the agency will likely approve the payment. It is not uncommon for a DV survivor to have been

approved for TA-DVS and not actually receive any TADVS funds. This is due to the individual

circumstances and eligibility criteria related to the TA-DVS funds.

The intended use of TADVS funds are to help meet emergent needs related to the DV situation and to

help stabilize the family so that they can stay free from domestic violence (DV). Agreed upon

payments must address the specific crisis situation or the specific need related to domestic violence

situation and should be documented on the DHS 1543.

TA-DVS funds must address specific crisis situations where safety is at risk due to DV and be within

their DHS Safety Plan. TA-DVS funds can be issued to meet the family’s emergent needs for shelter,

relocation, stabilization, or to meet other needs that will promote safety or independence from the

abuser. TADVS funds cannot be used to meet ongoing or recurrent needs, such as ongoing rent and

utilities. There are times when survivors request TA-DVS funds that do not meet the intent of the

program. The agency will deny such a request, using a 456, however the survivor remains eligible for

TA-DVS program benefits for the 90-day eligibility period. The survivor may request funds any time

throughout the 90 day-eligibility period.

6

Spotting the Scam

Finding affordable housing is hard work and can be a real challenge. For families fleeing domestic vio-

lence, finding affordable housing can be a daunting process. Unfortunately scammers are out there and are

looking for easy money by taking advantage of people who may overlook the warning signs. As you help

your family navigate the options for safe and affordable housing, you can be an extra set of eyes to prevent

the family from falling into a scammers trap. Before issuing payment, take a few minutes and see if the

situation has any of these warning signs.

• Hi-jacked ads: Scammers take information from a real rental, real estate or

vacation ads and change the contact information before posting it on another

site. Scammers have also hacked into e-mails of the property owner so you

think you are in contact with the right person. A scammer knows it is hard to

pass up on a good deal, so they will try to lure the person in quickly to get

money before you realize you have been scammed.

• “Phantom rental”: Property that is not for rent or sale and may not even exist.

The plan is to lure the renter into making a deposit payment before seeing the

property. They do this by offering low rent and great amenities. How can

we protect our DV participants from falling trap to scammers?

• Wiring Money for any reason, including the application fee, of the housing costs is a big red flag! Even

if the applicant signs a contract first, there is no guarantee the situation is legitimate.

• Has your participant actually seen the rental? Depending on your area there may be urgency to jump

right onto making a payment because there is so much competition for housing. Often there are beauti-

ful pictures online and it is tempting to make a payments to reserve the home before actually seeing it

in person.

• Sending money overseas or to an owner out of the country are also indicators more digging is needed in

order to determine if you are dealing with a scammer.

Reminders:

• Make Payments directly to a vendor or the landlord/owner of the property.

• Get Verification - phone call with the property manager, written lease agreement or an e-mail. Verify

the information that you are receiving matches public record. These are details like the owner/landlord’s

name, address and other payment information. Your local county taxation and assessment office is a

great place to start when trying to verify owner information before issuing a payment.

What to do if you have been scammed: Victims should immediately report it to the local law enforcement

agency and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has a website, www.consumer.ftc.gov that

provides more information to help steer clear of scams.

It is heartbreaking to be a victim of a scam, this can be even more devastating when a family is also going

through the trauma of domestic violence. By being aware of some of the warning signs, we will be able to

educate our participants and be better advocates to help them on their path to safe housing.

If you would like to contact the TA-DVS Policy Team, we can be reached at:

TADVS.POLICY@dhsoha.state.or.us