In many states, mandated reporters are trained to report any and all concerns about a child’s exposure to domestic violence (DV) to the child protection system. Even in states where reporters have somewhat more discretion, child protection systems accept large numbers of DV-related child maltreatment reports that reflect and exacerbate racial and gender disparities in responses and outcomes. Yet survivors report feeling blamed for harm that results from their partner’s violence, and the majority believe that their situations were made worse by mandatory reporting, according to a survey conducted by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
So what are the alternative ways for teachers, child- and family-serving agencies, advocates, faith leaders, friends & family, and others to help children and their survivor parent without involving child protection?
In this critical conversation, survivors and activists will respond to this challenge and invite participants to adopt new approaches and ways of thinking to provide real help to adult and child survivors. Join us to learn about the actions, conditions, and experiences that can lessen the impacts of exposure to violence on children, enhance the well-being of child and adult survivors, and help them heal and feel supported.
Objectives:
This webinar will aim to:
- Energize teachers, child- and family-serving agencies, advocates, faith leaders, friends & family, and others to help children and their survivor parent without involving child protection.
- Explore the conditions and experiences that can lessen the impacts of exposure to violence on children, enhance the well-being of child and adult survivors, and help them heal and feel supported.
Facilitator:
Shellie Taggart – Project Director of the Children and Youth Program at Futures Without Violence
Panelists:
Ericka Murria – Founder, Owner and Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate at Supreme Transitions (Detroit)
Jasmine Wali – Policy Advocate and Consultant on Child Welfare & Mandatory Reporting
Wendy Mota – Program Manager of the Children and Youth Program at Futures Without Violence