Provider perceptions of safety planning with children impacted by intimate partner violence

• Published in: Children and youth services review Vol. 42; pp. 67 - 73
• Main Authors: Horton, Evette, Murray, Christine E., Garr, Bethany, Notestine, Lori, Flasch, Paulina, Johnson, Catherine Higgins
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2014
• Subjects: Child Welfare Services; Childrearing Practices; Children; Domestic violence; Family Violence; Intervention; Intimate partner violence; Perceptions; Safety; Safety planning; Victimization; Victims; Domestic violence; Safety planning; Children; Intimate partner violence
• ISSN: 0190-7409; 1873-7765
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.03.016

Safety planning is a widespread intervention used with clients who have experienced domestic violence victimization. Although children are impacted by domestic violence, attention to the unique needs of children as they relate to domestic violence safety planning has received little attention to date. The authors conducted nine focus groups with domestic violence service providers about their perceptions of child safety planning. This article reports on the findings and implications of this focus group study that can inform the safety planning needs of children impacted by domestic violence. The themes discussed include Child Protective Services, the needs of older boys, school-related issues, custody-related issues, the extent to which children should be involved in safety planning, parenting issues, tools and tips for safety planning with children, and resources and services to promote children's safety. [Display omitted] •We conducted nine focus groups on child safety planning with IPV service providers.•Through content analysis, nine child safety planning themes were found.•Developmental, gender, economic, and familial factors impact child safety planning.•Child and adolescent safety planning needs to be systematically implemented.