Nonprofits that focus on working with survivors of domestic violence face a specific set of hurdles that they must overcome. Not only are there specific reporting requirements that need to be met in order to receive funding, serving your clients to the best of your ability includes holding yourself to a high standard. Knowing and operating with best practices for domestic violence service delivery can provide peace of mind and valuable data to help you deliver more.

Effective Service Delivery Starts With Effective Intake

Understanding that each client’s situation is different is the first step in service delivery. Effective case management leads to sustainable change for your clients, and collecting and tracking data enables you to help make lasting change in their lives. Intake is particularly important to this process. The more information available to your case managers, the better they can serve your clients.

Some information that should be asked upon intake include:

  • Abuser: What is the relationship between the client and their abuser? Do they live in the same location as their abuser? Gathering as much information possible about how the abuser is in the client’s life can help inform how to proceed. If they are living with their abuser, for example, finding safe shelter is an early priority.
  • Children: Are children involved in the abuse being experienced by the client? Will the client be taking children with them to a safe space? This will help frame the type of services needed.
  • Safe contact information: What is a safe phone number for you to reach them? Is it safe to leave a message? Being able to keep in contact safely is critical. Your data should tell you whether you can or cannot leave a message, for example, because an abuser’s potential access could risk the client’s safety.

Read the full article about domestic violence service delivery at Social Solutions.