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Voices from the frontline: Child protection workers’ perspectives on barriers to assessing risk in domestic violence cases

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  • Olszowy, Laura
  • Jaffe, Peter G.
  • Dawson, Myrna
  • Straatman, Anna-Lee
  • Saxton, Michael D.

Abstract

Previous research has identified barriers for child protection workers in effectively intervening in domestic violence (DV) cases. The child protection sector has been criticized for placing the onus on victims to keep children safe and failing to engage perpetrators. This qualitative study examined barriers for child protection workers in assessing risk with families where DV is the primary concern. The sample included 29 key informants in the Ontario, Canada child protection sector who were interviewed on their risk assessment, risk management and safety planning practices in the context of DV. The results indicated that key informants identified barriers at the systemic (i.e., lack of collaboration with community partners), organizational (i.e., lack of written policies or procedures specific to DV), and individual (i.e., client-worker challenges, high caseload, lack of ongoing training) levels. Specific difficulties in engaging and providing intervention for perpetrators were also identified. Finally, child protection workers highlighted a diverse range of promising practices in engaging effectively with victims, perpetrators and their children. These findings emphasize the importance of community collaborations to manage risk with these cases as well as ongoing consultation with DV specialists to respond and keep families safe.

Suggested Citation

  • Olszowy, Laura & Jaffe, Peter G. & Dawson, Myrna & Straatman, Anna-Lee & Saxton, Michael D., 2020. "Voices from the frontline: Child protection workers’ perspectives on barriers to assessing risk in domestic violence cases," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:116:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920300116
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105208
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Button, Deeanna M. & Payne, Brian K., 2009. "Training child protective services workers about domestic violence: Needs, strategies, and barriers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 364-369, March.
    2. Mills, Linda G. & Friend, Colleen & Conroy, Kathryn & Fleck-Henderson, Ann & Krug, Stefan & Magen, Randy H. & Thomas, Rebecca L. & Trudeau, John H., 2000. "Child protection and domestic violence: Training, practice, and policy issues," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(5), pages 315-332, May.
    3. Jenney, Angelique & Mishna, Faye & Alaggia, Ramona & Scott, Katreena, 2014. "Doing the right thing? (Re) Considering risk assessment and safety planning in child protection work with domestic violence cases," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P1), pages 92-101.
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    8. Postmus, Judy L. & Merritt, Darcey H., 2010. "When child abuse overlaps with domestic violence: The factors that influence child protection workers' beliefs," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 309-317, March.
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    2. Nikolova, K. & Postmus, J.L. & Buttner, C. & Bosk, E.A., 2020. "Working together to protect women and children from domestic violence: Factors influencing willingness to collaborate between organizations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    3. Mbamba, Crispin Rakibu & Kpobi Ndemole, Ignatus & Madinatu Hassan, Sarah & Arthur, Isaac & Mountz, Sarah, 2022. "Practice approaches to combat child trafficking in trafficking-sensitive areas in Ghana: Experiences of practitioners involved in child trafficking interventions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).

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