By Andy Merrett 
Aug 8, 2005

Help for children with domestic violence charges

Children in parts of Washington state (USA) are now able to get help from probation counsellors to establish a plan to reduce the risk of repeating domestic violence incidents, and to keep them out of the courts.

This includes children who are alleged to have committed an offence but are not on probation, such as those who have hit parents, carers or siblings.

Through the new program, juvenile probation counselors Torena O’Rorke and Ramiro Gomez Jr. contact the child and family within a day of the alleged domestic violence incident. The counselors then meet in person with the child and family within two days.

Together, they identify what can be done at home to reduce the risk of a repeat offence, and to see whether counselling is required. The meetings can also help counsellors ascertain any home issues that may be making the problem worse.

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Participants also will be involved in the Strengthening Families program. This seven-week family skills course will teach parents and kids how to deal with stress, minimize blame and establish rules and responsibility

Read the article: Grant to help children with domestic violence charges

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