Counseling Services - Domestic Violence Counseling
Also see: Family Counseling and Individual Counseling
Philosophy:
Many of the families that Casa Youth Shelter works with are the victims of domestic violence. Casa Youth Shelter is committed to braking the cycle of violence in these families, in our neighborhoods and in our communities. Educational materials covering the latest theories, interventions and educational methods for domestic violence are utilized.
Generally the family is defined as the client; however, in cases where there have been allegations of abuse, the alleged abuser will not participate in counseling directly with DV victims. Safety of all family members is a key objective.
Recipient of Service:
This service is directed towards the families of residents of the shelter.
Schedule:
This service is provided at Casa Youth Shelter Monday – Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Provider:
This service is provided by volunteer and paid Staff Counselors of Casa Youth Shelter.
Provider Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications of Staff Counselors include enrollment in a graduate studies program leading to a degree of Masters in psychology, counseling, social work or a closely related field. Many Staff Counselors exceed the minimum qualifications by possession of a Masters Degree and State of California registration as a Marriage Family Child Counselor Intern, Clinical Social Worker Associate or are California Licensed as a Marriage Family Child Counselor.
Description and Goals of Services:
Domestic violence education, intervention, treatment and follow up aftercare are provided to both individual residents of the shelter as well as family members. Focus of DV education is to increase awareness of how DV exists within the family system and the many forms of DV.
Interventions are designed to provide family members, especially victims, with safe alternative choices to continued exposure to DV, reduce instances of and prevent recurrence of DV.
Treatment ensures that the perpetrator receives appropriate counseling to understand the impact of their abusive behaviors, recognize harm caused to the family and gain resources to prevent additional occurrences of DV. Treatment ensures victims of DV receive appropriate counseling to address the hurt caused by DV, realize they did not cause the DV and provide avenues for healing. DV follow up is designed to reinforce counseling received during residency and provide a forum for resolution of family conflict before such conflicts erupt in DV.
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