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Item 5 - Status Report on Domestic Violence Counseling Program AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY - TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: James L. Bowersox, City Ma~ INITIATED BY: Penny Riley, Assistant to the City Manag~ DATE: December 8, 1998 SUBJECT: Status Report on the Domestic Violence Counseling Program ABSTRACT In January 1996, the Poway City Council approved the initiation and funding of two distinct family service programs and a staff development workshop provided through For Parents' and Kids' Sake. This report provides an overview of the implementation of the programs and recommends continued funding by the City of Poway. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW - Environmental review is not required for this agenda item according to Califomia Environmental Quality Act guidelines. FISCAL IMPACT Funding for this program is included in the financial plan for the City of Poway for the current fiscal year. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE Irene Sa per, For Parents' and Kids' Sake, and Captain John Tenwolde, were notified of this agenda item. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report. ACTION .-. 1 of 9 DEe G 1996 ITEM r.; ~. ~1 . -' ._--_._- _._----~---~~- CITY OF POWAY AGENDA REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Jam~s L. Bowersox, City Man~ INITIATED BY: Penny Riley, Assistant to the City Manag~ DATE: December 8, 1998 SUBJECT: Status Report on the Domestic Violence Counseling Program BACKGROUND In an average month, there are four police reports of domestic violence or child abuse in the City of Poway. Conservative estimates place the number of incidents that are unreported as much higher. In response to community need, the Poway City Council approved the initiation and funding of two distinct family service programs in January 1996 through For Parents' and Kids' Sake, a 501 (c)3 tax-exempt division of Palomar Family Counseling Service, Inc. A $7,500 grant from the City was used to fund an early intervention counseling program of three free family crisis counseling sessions in cases of domestic violence and child abuse. The grant also provided funding for positive parenting classes and a staff development workshop for City employees. FINDINGS To create a successful early intervention program that is easily accessible to families in crisis situations, Sheriffs Department and City staff worked closely with For Parents' and Kids' Sake to develop a referral brochure. The materials are used by Sheriffs Department personnel to explain the domestic violence counseling program when they respond to homes in crisis. The program is also publicized through Poway Today. The pilot program implemented at the City of Poway is being studied by other jurisdictions for possible implementation. In Poway, licensed and post-masters counselors are available including certified domestic violence counselors, credentialed substance abuse counselors, those with expertise with families and young children, and approved therapists for Child Protective Service. Bilingual services are available. This program allows for emergency family interventions without the barriers of cost. The grant also provides for training for City of Poway staff. Due to the current City training commitments, the workshop has not yet been scheduled by staff; however, it is anticipated that a seminar on dealing with the impacts of aging parents and available referral resources will occur in the spring. 2 of 9 DEG G 199B -M 5 =i.=..: . . Agenda Report December 8,1998 Page 2 During the last year, the Poway Family Success and Self-Sufficiency program has expanded. Parents have been offered training in issues such as communication, understanding discipline, child development, and encouraging positive family interaction. In order to better reach children, counselors have been available at Poway school sites to provide group and individual services (with parental permission). Counselors have been on-site at Meadowbrook Middle School on a weekly basis to provide group counseling in the areas of anger management, communication skills, prevention, and school success issues. Presentations on Stranger Awareness, Community Connections, Dealing with Death in the Family, and Helping Your Child Express Feelings, have also been provided in the City. The Poway Family Crisis Response Program and the school services have resulted in over 237 units of service including individual, family, and group services. Additionally, the Poway office of For Parents' and Kids' Sake receives an estimated 75 requests for services per month. The requests range from urgent marital and relationship crisis to depression and grief issues. Staff recommends that the current level of funding be continued in the next budget cycle. - ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Environmental review is not required for this agenda item according to California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. FISCAL IMPACT Funding for this program is included in the financial plan for the City of Poway for the current fiscal year. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE Irene Saper, For Parents' and Kids' Sake, and Captain John Tenwolde, were notified of this agenda item. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report. Attachment: Exhibit A - Status Report from For Parents' and Kids' Sake ~.- C,\DATA\WPDOCSIAGENDA\98AGENDAIDOMESVIO.WPD 3 of 9 ECG 1998 ITEM 5 i'lI ---- ~ For Parents' and Kids' Sake, Inc. October 30, 1998 RECEIVED . - 2 1998 ~or Don Higginson CITYOFPOWAY ~ CITY MANAGERS OFFil..E City of Po way P.O.Box. 789 Poway, CA 82074 Dear Hnnnr~hle Mayor Higginson: Please find p.nr.ln.P.(j a report on the .lIcrp.sfi,1 implp.mp.ntMion of new prngr~m. funded by the City of Po way. Without the City's involvement and support, these Poway re..;np.nt. in sitmtinns of abuse and nnmp.dir violence would not have been. helped. Because of your funding we have been able to provide the second year of the programs- "Poway Family Crisis ResponsaProgram" and the "Poway Family SJ"",P'. and Self- Sufficiency Program" - which have benefited the Poway residents. Thank you for your interest and support. Sincerely, ~~ Irene Saper,. LC.s,W., ME,C.C. Executive Director IS'kb In association with Palomar Family Counseling Senlice Inc. Located ate 12951 Merare Lane. Powav, C.lifomi. 92064. (619) 748-3610 4 of 9 EXHIBIT A O~C 0 199B ITEM 5 ; - For Parents' and Kids' Sake, Inc. PROGRAM REPORT - 2Dd Year 1998 POW A Y DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND FAMILY CRISIS RESPONSE POW A Y FAMILY SUCCESS AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM In January 1998 For Parents' and Kids's SakeIPalomar Family Counseling Service, Inc, received $7,500 from the City of Po way to implement the second year of these programs. These have been successfully implemented and have proved an invaluable resource to Poway residents in crisis situations or in danger of abuse or domestic violence. For Parents' and Kids' SakelPFCS has worked with the city of Po way, the Sheriff's Department and other collaborative institutions to serve families and children of Po way. The Poway City funded programs have included the continuation of the successful model implemented in 1997. This involves the Poway Domestic Violence and Family Response Program. Referrals from the Poway Sheriff's office receive immediate response. The clients are offered initial sessions at no cost and access to Poway groups including parenting, women's issues, adolescent groups and others. The collaboration with the Sheriff's department has allowed for early intervention, often eliminating the need for more costly long-term treatment, In other cases, this program has provided the emergency response needed without the barriers of cost. A recent case involved potential domestic violence, the victim was given a safety plan and a safety check was provided by the Sheriff's station. The client is now making progress in a Women's Victim group. The Domestic Violence Response Program for perpetrators and victims includes over six group sessions per week in Poway. Batterers are seen in court approved educational groups. To help heal the trauma and to stop the cycle of abuse, we are including age appropriate group services for children who have witnessed domestic violence. City of Po way's funded program Poway Family Success and Self- Sufficiency has expanded during this funded period, Parents have been seen in groups including such issues as communication, understanding discipline, child development and encouraging positive family interaction, In this way, the more severe problems of abuse and violence are prevented. In order to better reach children, counselors have been available at schools and youth sites to provide group and individual services with parental permission. Services for students and families have been implemented at Poway school sites, Counselors have been on site at Meadowbrook Middle School on a weekly basis to provide group counseling in the areas of anger management, communication skills, school success and prevention issues. A presentation on Stranger Awareness was In associaEion with Palomar Family Counseling Service Inc. Located at: 12951 Metatc Lane. Po.....a\'. l~a1ifornia 92064. (619) 748-3610 Mailin~ Address: P.O. Box 327 . 1\'\\T'i. California 92074-0327 5 of 9 ~-..., ,.., 1998 ITEM :::~j u 5 -.----.- .._---------_..,--_._--~^ provided in September. Additional community presentations have included Community Connections, Dealing with Death in the Family, and Helping Your Child Express Feelings. Over 110 people were reached through these presentations. The Poway Family Crisis Response Program and the School Services has resulted in over 237 units of service including individual, family and group services The Poway office has received an estimated seventy-five requests for services a month. The requests range from urgent marital and relationship crisis to depression and grief issues. Services for youth and families is a significant service component. Our staff of Licensed Clinical Social Workers, licensed Marriage and Family Counselors, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and post masters interns are able to provide individual, couples, family and group counseling, The expertise of the counseling staff includes specialists in early childhood development, marriage and family therapists, school-based counselors and court approved child abuse and domestic violence treatment providers. In addition to a commitment to continue these successful programs, we have identified additional needed services. We have seen an increase in the severity of problems exhibited by children and youth. In response, we have developed a six-week intensive program for preschool age children with more severe behavior problems. In some cases they are unable to remain in a preschool setting. The program involves play therapy, parent mentoring and consultation with appropriate preschool staff. A similar program for older children involves a three-part assessment with the child, the parent and joint session. The child is then involved in biweekly sessions for eight weeks addressing the specific, identified behavior needing to change to become productive, successful students. Through the support of the City of Poway for the Powav Domestic Violence and Familv Crisis ResDonse and the Powav Familv Success and Self-Sufficiencv programs many children and families have received help at urgent time of crisis in their lives. We hope we will be able to continue these much-needed programs. 6 of 9 C:::C 0 199B ITEM 5 . . 'FOR PARENTS' AND KIDS' SAKE PALOMAR FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICE Powav Familv Crisis Response Proi!ram is a new specially- designed program, in collaboration with the Sheriff's Department, to respond to challenges faced by families and to provide a prompt response to the immediate concerns of families. In two confidential sessions and continuing group discussions, assessment and help will be given for: Anger Management Parent and Child Issues Stress Management Conflict Resolution Relationship Problems Poway Family Success and Self-Sufficiency Proi!ram offers classes and group sessions for individuals, teens, and families. Weekly classes will focus on six different topics. Sample topics include child and youth behavior difficulties, parenting concerns, marital/relationship issues, abuse, domestic violence, anger management, crisis response, life adjustment, stress management, depression and grief, and recovery issues. FOR INFORMATION CALL - (619) 748-3610 ...:.. THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE CITY OF POW A Y AND IS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN FAMll..IES, INCREASE SELF SUFFICIENCY, AND HELP FAMILIES BECOME THEm OWN SOURCES OF STRENGTH AND STABILITY. 7 of 9 ~::C D 199B ITEM 5 --_._-~_._--~----_._---_. PALOMAR FAMILY COUNSEUNG SERVICE, INC Strengthening Families Since 1956 Through Community Services, Professional Couoseliog and W orkiog with Local Collaborations For Parents & Kids Sake Division Prol!rams Include: Counscliol!: Individual, family, and couples counseling dealing with parent, child and relationship problems. Grouos: Classes, discussions, and support in the areas of parenting, anger management, domestic violence, women's and men's relationship, and adolescent concerns. Soecialtv Areas Include: Adoption Issues, Substance Abuse, Death and DyinglLoss and Bereavement Counseling, Aging Concerns (eldercare), Life Transitions, Divorce and Separation, Preschool, Latency, and Adolescent Concerns, Child Abuse and NegIec\ Issues, Gang Diversion, Eating Disorders, Effective Parenting, Career Developmenl and Self Sufficiency, Crisis Intervention, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Trauma Counseling, Assertiveness Training, and self Growth. Family Violence Treatment & Prevention Program . Court Certified Treattnent for Offenders . Services for victims . Clinical response to Child Protective Services Poway Family Crisis Response Program . Specia11y designed in collaboration with the Sheriff's Department . Prompt response to the immediate concerns of families . Two confidential sessions and continuing discussions, assessment and help for: anger management, parenl and child issues, stress management, conflict resolution and relationship problems Poway Family Success and Self-Sufficiency Program . Classes and group sessions for individuals, teens and families . Six week topics include child and youth behavior difficulties, parenting concerns, marital/relationship issues, abuse, domestic violence, anger management, crisis response, life adjustment, stress management, depression and grief, and recovery issues Poway Youth and Family Alert . Weekly groups for youths under the age of 18 addressing substance abuse prevention . Specia11y designed series of discussion groups include decision making, participating in positive activities, awareness of community resources, developing strengths, school success, anger management, substance abuse, tobacco use, gang involvement . Extensive prevention program to increase parental involvement, parenting awareness and skills, and knowledge of substance abuse and alternative positive activities . Outreach services to established child, youth and family sites throughout the community FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (619) 748-3610 MalIbq: Add.....: S~ppOrled_ 'rlpan. by Escondido FoDb....1r. P....y Vista . 1002 E. GraadAv..... 120 W. Hawtbome 12951 M..... Lane 952 Postal Way #7 _iOO. CA 92025 Fallbrook. CA 92028 Poway, CA 92064 V.... CA 92083 (760) 741-2660 (760) 731-3235 (619) 748-3610 (760) 630-3505 Un.....dWay 8 of 9 =~C 0 199B 1f~Y5 \-. THE CYCLE OF F AMIL Y VIOLENCE The family violence cycle consists of three phases: the tension-building phase; the acute-battering incident: and the loving reconciliation. Tension-Building Phase Domestic violence is more than just a During this phase. the victim senses his/her mate's family problem - IT IS A CRIME! increasing tension. The aggressor is edgy and may even challenge tht: victim, telling the victim that helshe is In California. it is a crime for any person 10 threaten. stupid. -incompetent. etc. ihe victim may internalize his/her appropriale anger 'at the mate's unfairness and beat. sexually assault or otherwise harm another experience physical effecls such as depression. tension, person. even if they are married, anxiety, and headaches. As the tension in the relationship increases. minor episodes of violence increase, such as Although we have few statistics on the incidcnce of pinching. slapping. or shoving. domestic violence. we do kno\\ that: Acute-Battering Incident Approximately 30 percent of female homicide victims The tension-building phase ends in an explosion of are killed by their husbands or boyfriends: violence. The victim mayor may not fight back. \\i"omen are much more likely than men to be kill~d b) FolIO\ving the battering. the victim is in a state of physical their spouse: and psychological shock. The aggressor may discount the . Domestic violence affects at least one out of every four episode and undereSlimate the victim's injuries. families. Lo\'ing Reconciliation Once violence has begun. it conlinues to increase in During the last phase. both parties have a sense of relief that it's over. The aggressor is often genuinely sorry for both frequency and severity, Understanding the what happened and is fearful thai the victim will leave, psychological consequences of a violenl relationship The aggressor apologizes and may shower the victim with can help you take control of your life and choose _ love and praise that helps the victim repair shattered constructive alternatives. as well as aid those who ;elf-eSleem. The aggressor lells Ihe viclim that he/she can'l may intervene on your behalf. Everyone has a right live without them. so the victim feels responsible for Ihe to be safe - but you must take that first step. aggressor's \....ell-being. The victim may feel guilty for his/her actions and blame themselves for what led up to Once you realize that it isn'l your faull and il is the abuse. possible to change your situation. you can seek the help you need. For confidential assistance call For WHY DO THEY STAY? Parents' and Kitls' Sake/Palomar F(lmi~r The most frequently asked question concerning a battering Counseling Service al 748-3610. situation is why does the victim stay? While reasons range You and/or your family may be entitled to from children. love. guilt. fear. pride. embarrassment. financial dependence. or a combination thereof. it is very participate in the City of Poway"s Family Crisis possible the victim may be locked into The Cycle of Response Program at no cost to .1'011. Family Violence. -----. ~----~-~~-------- ------------- This infornlalion is confidential and will be referred to For Parents' and Kids' Sake/Palomar Family Counseling Service with your permission. OVES Please Contact Me Best Time Sa1\: to call Phone number - 9 of 9 Ii ll=~m rEC 0 1998 -.. 5 ----.-".-..--