Minimum Requirements For Shelter Services

(1) Definitions - For purposes of this chapter, Shelter Services are activities which are provided to eligible victims of family violence, their children and dependents as part of an organized program which may or may not include residential services through a family violence shelter. The program of shelter services should be organized to include all of the described core services which are basic to the needs of the victim, their children and dependents. (2) Core Services (a) Twenty-four Hour Access to Telephone Crisis Hotline. This service may be a contracted service, may be operated directly by staff or trained volunteers, or may be on call forwarding system if available. Answering machines may not be used, except in localities where call forwarding is not available. Then, the answering machine may be used only for restricted periods of time, up to a maximum of one hour per usage. The immediate return of calls received on an answering machine or through the contracted service is required. (b) Referral. Appropriate linkage and access to community resources to meet the needs of the victims or their children or dependents is required These linkages may include community services such as medical, legal, judicial, mental health, educational, housing, employment, financial and in-kind assistance, social, alcohol and drug rehabilitation and protective services for adults and children. Individuals who are eligible for shelter or shelter services, but who cannot be served in a program, shall receive referral services to a more appropriate program. (c) Counseling for Family Violence Victims. This service may be provided on the telephone, or on an individual or group basis by the staff of the program or trained volunteers. This service must be provided to the victim. Children, dependents and significant family or support individuals may receive counseling on behalf of the victim. This service contrasts to therapy provided through a mental health service which is not a core service for intervention with victims of family violence. Individuals who require therapy in addition to counseling as part of their plan of service must be referred to mental health services within the community. 1. The following types of counseling must be available: (i) crisis intervention. (ii) support counseling. (iii) information sharing on domestic violence dynamics and other related issues. (iv) individual planning to include assessment, goal and resource development, and evaluation. (v) safety planning. (d) Advocacy for Family Violence Victims. Advocacy for family violence victims shall occur at two levels in order to assure impact on the needs of the victims, children and dependents: individual advocacy and systems advocacy. 1. Individual advocacy should include the following types of activities: (i) preparation in using other community resources. (ii) identification of significant individuals to contact. FAMILY VIOLENCE SHELTER STANDARDS CHAPTER 0620-3-6 (iii) establishing linkage with community resources. (iv) facilitating provision of services. (v) providing accompaniment and support to the victim. 2. Systems advocacy includes intervention with such organizations as medical, legal, judicial, educational, financial, social, mental health, transportation, law enforcement, religious, housing and employment. 3. Advocacy activities within these organizations may include: (i) establishing and maintaining linkage with community agencies and individuals. (ii) training community agencies. (iii) participating in appropriate professional organization and community services network. (e) Transportation Arrangements. This service may be provided by the most appropriate means for the area. Transportation arrangements may be provided by staff or volunteers in personal vehicles, commercial vehicles such as bus or cab, by local law enforcement officials, or by human service agency representatives. The client is encouraged to provide or arrange for transportation service when possible. (f) Follow-Up. Follow-up service is specifically designed for individuals who have been residents of a shelter, safe home or commercial lodging. Follow-up services may include any of the core services to assist in stabilizing the victim's circumstances. Continued involvement of the program, type of follow-up service, and length of time available shall be determined by the client whenever possible or appropriate. Programs, whose follow-up service formalized for research or data purposes, must respect the victim’s safety and confidentiality. Recontact for any purpose may be conducted only with the victim’s written prior approval. (g) Community Education. This service must be provided by staff or trained volunteers through public awareness campaigns, public speaking, training activities, and media messages with the following objectives in mind. 1. informing the community of the services available. 2. educating the community or specific groups on the issues of family violence.