Rethinking Protection: Alternatives to Mandatory Reporting for Survivors of Domestic Violence & Their Children - Promising Futures

This brief frames potential new strategies for domestic and sexual violence programs, culturally specific and community-based service providers, first responders, community health workers, treatment providers, Family Resource Centers, and other child- and family-serving agencies and organizations that want to help. Our intention is to explore and build/offer new pathways to safety, security, and healing by creating conditions that buffer the impacts of family violence and empower survivors. We believe that it is possible to do so in a way that does not involve making a report to the child welfare system or introducing the threat of family separation. Our hope is that readers can visualize, explore, innovate, and expand upon the examples of practical ways they can support families impacted by domestic violence.