Department of Human Services

222 South Warren Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Contact: Laurie Facciarossa
(609) 292-3703

RELEASE: November 25, 2003

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“We need to consider the safety of both the child and adult victim (non-offending parent) and do a better job of protecting them,” said Domestic Violence (DV) Workgroup Spokesperson Melissa Runyon, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry/treatment services director, department of psychiatry, UMDNJ- School of Osteopathic Medicine, Center for Children’s Support. “An integrated approach between domestic violence, child welfare and legal systems is imperative to enhancing the safety of these families and to attempt to reduce the likelihood of future violence.”

In addition, the DV Workgroup’s recommendations include:
• Improve protocols especially in the area of law enforcement when domestic violence occurs and children are present
• Hold batterers accountable by better monitoring their treatment progress and compliance with court orders
• Build on family strengths by expanding DV services for child and adult victims as well as the batterer by having joint planning meetings
• Mandate initial and ongoing training as part of licensing/certification for professionals (social workers, law enforcement, judiciary, schools, etc.) working with children and families
• Improve communication and collaboration across systems by reconstituting the New Jersey Advisory Council on Domestic Violence.

“Domestic violence inflicts so many terrible wounds on our children and families,” said Commissioner Harris. “It is a cycle of abuse passed down from generation to generation- with the workgroup’s recommendations I hope it is a legacy we can stop.”

The Child Welfare Panel’s planning groups will now consider the workgroups’ recommendations as the Panel prepares to offer its plan for improving children’s services in January. In addition, the recommendations will be taken into consideration later next year when DYFS completes its federal CFSR and submits its required program improvement plan.

“I want to thank the workgroups for their hard work on these reports and also thank them for the work they do everyday,” added Commissioner Harris. “With their commitment and support I hope we can help children and families overcome the obstacles substance abuse and domestic violence present.”

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