Section 388-61A-0260. What supportive services must a domestic violence agency provide?

(1) Domestic violence agencies must utilize a survivor-centered and empowerment service model as described in this chapter. Such a model:

(a) Promotes safety for all victims and their dependent children.

(b) Builds on the strengths and resources of individuals and families, respecting their autonomy and self-determination.

(c) Supports the relationship between victims and their dependent children.

(d) Offers options and support for autonomous decision making based on the needs and circumstances of each victim and their family.

(e) Assists individuals and families in accessing protection and services that are respectful of cultural and community characteristics.

(f) Ensures agency accountability by involving victims in evaluating the services they receive from the domestic violence agency.

(2) The manner in which supportive services are provided by the domestic violence agency must be in alignment with the empowerment service model described in this chapter, and must also:

(a) Include a discussion of safety and options with each victim of domestic violence seeking assistance.

(b) Be respectful and respond to each client's life situation, and respect each person's right to self-determination.

(c) Be provided in a safe and supportive environment that offers the client the opportunity to examine the events that led to the need for domestic violence services.

(d) Be provided in a private setting for the comfort of the client and to protect confidentiality of conversations.

(3) Domestic violence agencies that contract with us must provide the following supportive services:

(a) Crisis hotline or helpline.

(b) Crisis intervention.

(c) Safety planning.

(d) Emergency domestic violence shelter.

(e) A day program or drop-in service for victims who have found other shelter but who have a need for supportive services.

(f) Individual advocacy including legal advocacy.

(g) Support groups.

(h) Child care assistance during individual advocacy sessions and support groups for the adult victim.

(i) Supportive services and resources for children/youth residing in emergency domestic violence shelter.

(j) Transportation assistance or access to transportation.

(k) Information and referral.

(l) Community education activities.

(4) For clients residing in emergency domestic violence shelter you:

(a) Must provide clients with access to a trained staff person twenty-four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year.

(b) Must give clients the opportunity to receive and participate in supportive services during their stay in shelter.

(c) Cannot require that clients participate in supportive services as a condition of residing in the shelter.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.123 RCW. WSR 10-22-040, § 388-61A-0260, filed 10/27/10, effective 11/27/10.]

Chapter 70.123 RCW. WSR 10-22-040, § 388-61A-0260, filed 10/27/10, effective 11/27/10.