Services

In fulfilling the goals and philosophy of the Family Crisis Center, the following services are offered to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and human trafficking by a staff whose training and focus is the delivery of these services:

24-Hour Hotline

An on-call staff person is available and prepared to provide crisis intervention counseling, information and referral, as well as making arrangements for other services offered by the program.

Shelter

The shelter provides safety and refuge for battered individuals and their children. This enables them to take time in a safe and supportive environment, to make choices about their future and to take the necessary steps to begin to carry them out. The shelter accepts clients 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Those coming to the shelter are provided with a secure place to stay, emergency food, clothing, counseling, advocacy, and support services.

Transportation

Clients may receive transportation to and from court proceedings, legal appointments, medical appointments, and support services agencies (i.e., DHHR, housing, health dept., etc.). Transportation may be available for clients to attend job-training classes, to assist clients in job searches, and to take clients to job interviews. Clients are assessed with other transportation needs as they arise on an individual basis (while a resident at the shelter).

Counseling

For most victims of domestic violence it is no simple matter to seek an end to the violence in their homes. They must come to terms with their feelings and the effects of violence on themselves and their children. One-on-one counseling and support groups sustain victims as they make choices about the future. Information is provided to help them to understand the dynamics of domestic violence and violent relationships. Clients are also helped in developing assertiveness, self-esteem, self-confidence, and discerning healthy relationships.

Information and Referral

Telephone and in-person contacts during which time, services and available support, other than crisis intervention, are identified

Case Management

Working with the client to identify, prioritize, implement and review a plan of action to secure future safety, self-sufficiency and needed services.

Advocacy

There are two types of advocacy offered by the program.

Legal Advocacy- assisting victims in filing protective orders, court accompaniment, assisting with pro se divorce forms, preparation for and accompaniment to attorneys’ appointments, filing all legal charges, meeting with prosecutors and law enforcement officials and court preparation. They also advocate within the criminal justice system to ensure effective response for victims, implementation of domestic violence laws, and education of law enforcement officers about domestic violence and their responsibilities under the law. Legal advocates do not offer legal advice, nor do they act as attorneys.

Personal Advocacy- accompanying clients to seek housing, financial assistance, legal assistance, food, and clothing. Clients can be provided transportation if needed (see page 1 – transportation).

Parenting Program/Living Skills Program

Parenting Program-helps clients learn positive ways of interacting with their children and providing nurturing environments for them to grow in.

Living Skills Program- assists clients in learning about budgeting and personal finances, nutrition and food purchasing, safety and first aid, job readiness, educational opportunities, health and personal hygiene, and personal development. Various living and coping skills are presented to help prepare clients to live independently once they have left the shelter.

Children’s Program

Many children in shelter have witnessed violence at home, or have been victims of abuse themselves. They have special needs that require counseling and activities which encourage the expression of feelings, which teach positive and non violent ways to cope, and which help to restore self-esteem, self-confidence and trust.

At the time the counselor is working with the child, assessments are being done to determine development and/or emotional problems, which might require professional intervention in that area. If such problems are identified, referrals are made to proper services agencies.

Date Violence Prevention Program

Domestic violence includes dating violence. This program helps young people identify with violent relationships and give information on what services are available to them if they are in such a relationship. It is conducted in middle school and high school classes, and is also presented to college students. It encourages any students who are victims of dating violence to seek help through school counselors or the Family Crisis Center.

Outreach

The purpose of outreach activities is to ensure access for battered individuals. Outreach activities are designed to reduce obstacles and barriers that may hinder a victim from fully accessing services, thereby increasing accessibility to domestic violence services.

The FCC has an outreach office in Grant County, which serves Grant, Hardy and Pendleton counties. The agency has an outreach assistant who works in Mineral and Hampshire counties. There is a temporary overnight shelter available in Grant County.

Community Education/Prevention

Through funding by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) two task forces have been established to work toward a “coordinated response” to the needs of victims of domestic violence. This includes community education, prevention and awareness of domestic violence incidents:

In-services are done for other agencies, hospitals, professional groups, etc.
Presentations are done for civic, fraternal, and social clubs.
Violence Prevention activities are conducted in area schools.

Training

To maintain a high standard in the delivery of services, the FCC requires staff to attend regular trainings and updates pertaining to their work. These trainings are presented by the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Division of Criminal Justice Office, the Department of Health and Human Services and other recognized groups, presents these. Our advocates are West Virginia State certified and receive continuing education.