Item 5 - Status Report on Domestic Violence Counseling Program
AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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C,\DATA\WPDOCSIAGENDA\98AGENDAIDOMESVIO.WPD
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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
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- 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
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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.
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'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
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(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.
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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
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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.
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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
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