SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  EMPOWERMENT

The process of helping individuals, families, groups, or communities to increase their personal, interpersonal, political, social, and/or economic strength or position and to develop influence that may impact their circumstances.		  
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  ASSESSMENT

An evaluation, which utilizes professional expertise and skills in the collection and analysis of data to understand and describe the nature of service needs of an individual, family, or group. Assessment, as in needs assessment, is also used to determine priorities of program planning and service development for the organization as a whole. See also DIAGNOSIS.		  
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  CRITERIA

Systematically developed, objective, and quantifiable statements used to assess the appropriateness of specific decisions, services, and outcomes.		  
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  PERSONNEL

The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards		  
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  TRAINING

Instruction so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient in a skill or body of knowledge.		  
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  SPECIAL NEEDS

A designation used in reference to conditions or characteristics of a person that reflect a need for special care, services, or treatment. When the term is used in the context of adoption services, special needs refers to conditions that make a child harder to place for adoption. This includes children who are members of sibling groups, older children, children with disabilities, children of certain racial /ethnic backgrounds, etc. When the term is used in the context of foster care it refers to the need for a higher degree of specialized case services and attention due to mental and physical disabilities. When the term is used in the context of out-of-school time services, a child or youth may have special physical, behavioral, medical, emotional, or cognitive needs that should be addressed or accommodated. The term is also used in other contexts. See also DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.		  
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  OBJECTIVE

A sub-goal stated in operational terms, i.e., a statement that makes clear what expected results are to be measured or assessed.		  
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  CONFIDENTIALITY

An ethical and practice principle that requires the protection of information shared within a professional-client relationship. An organization that upholds confidentiality prohibits personnel from disclosing information about persons served without their written consent.		  
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  POLICY

A written statement of principles, values, or intent that provides a basis for consistent decision making and guides the actions of staff, management, and board of trustees. A policy is intentionally broad in its language and application. The following is an example of an anti-discrimination policy:

"[Organization Name] shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services."

In contrast, a procedure is a detailed, step-by-step description of a process. It tells the reader how to do something. Generally, policies are implemented through procedures. For example, the above anti-discrimination policy would require a detailed grievance procedure in order to operationalize it within an organization.

The governing body has the fiduciary responsibility for setting organizational policy. Therefore, policies must be approved and periodically reviewed by the organization's governing body. However, the governing body typically delegates (via policy) the responsibility for policy development to management. In owner-operated for-profit companies, the owner can act as the company's governing body, depending on the company's corporate structure.

In a public agency the responsibility for setting and reviewing policies may belong to the agency's management team, elected officials, another governmental agency, or as is often the case, a combination of the above.

  
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  RESEARCH

For purposes of COA accreditation, all forms of internal or external research involving persons served except internal program evaluation and outcomes research, or educational projects performed by students and interns that are part of their professional training.		  
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Domestic Violence Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

DV 4: Assessment

 
Survivors participate in a comprehensive, individualized, strengths-based, culturally responsive assessment that identifies strengths, needs, and risk factors.
Note: Refer to the Assessment Matrix for additional assessment criteria. The elements of the matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.

DV 4.01

 
Personnel who conduct assessments are qualified by relevant training, skill, and experience and can recognize individuals with special needs.

DV 4.02

 
The information gathered for assessments is directed at concerns identified in the initial screening, and limited to material pertinent for meeting service requests and objectives.

DV 4.03

 
Assessments are completed within timeframes established by the organization and are updated periodically.

DV 4.04

 

Comprehensive, culturally responsive assessments:

  1. identify strengths;
  2. include a description of the presenting problem, any history of violence, and any other related risks;
  3. evaluate the impact of the problem on children, as applicable, and their need for assistance; and
  4. are the basis for identifying resources that can increase service participation and support the achievement of agreed upon goals.
Interpretation: Culturally responsive assessments can include attention to geographic location, language of choice, and the individual’s religious, racial, ethnic, and cultural background. Other important factors that contribute to a responsive assessment include attention to age, sexual orientation, and developmental level.

DV 4.05

 

The organization:

  1. informs survivors of any limitations on confidentiality prior to the disclosure of information;
  2. provides survivors with the resources needed to report domestic violence, rape, or child maltreatment, if they elect to do so; and
  3. reports known instances of abuse and neglect as required by law.
Interpretation: Personnel working with survivors should be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, and the organization should: (1) develop a policy for reporting consistent with all applicable laws, and (2) strive to promote the safety of both survivors and their children.
Research Note: State definitions of child abuse and neglect vary, and there has been some disagreement over whether witnessing domestic violence constitutes child maltreatment. Some research suggests that domestic violence and direct child maltreatment frequently co-occur; however, some experts take the position that it is a mistake to automatically conclude that witnessing, alone, constitutes child abuse or neglect.
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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.
 
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