RELEASE: April 6 , 2004

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Davy proposes $1.2 million dollar expansion of
domestic violence/child abuse prevention program

DELRAN— Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Commissioner Jim Davy proposed a $1.2 million dollar expansion of a domestic violence/child abuse prevention program today as part of the State’s efforts to reform its child welfare system.

As part of the announcement observing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Davy met with staff and clients involved in Catholic Charities’ Providence House’s Peace: A Learned Solution (PALS) program. The innovative program is designed to stop the cycle of abuse in the home – by treating children exposed to domestic violence.

“It’s truly disheartening- the terrible wounds domestic violence inflicts on our children and families,” said Acting Commissioner Davy. “It is a legacy many families pass on from generation to generation. It must be stopped.”

Started in 1998, the PALS program includes creative arts therapy rooms equipped with costumes, face paint, puppets and a puppet theater, masks, a variety of art media and sand/water tables. These materials allow children to use their creativity and engage in fantasy play when expressing their emotions or safely reenacting family events they have experienced.

PALS also provides individual therapy to parents victimized by domestic violence. The goal is to help parents heal from their own victimization and gain a better understanding of the intensive therapy their child is receiving. Parents can learn more effective parenting skills and reinforce their child’s therapy at home.

“As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, we continue to move forward with our child welfare reform plan,” said Acting Commissioner Davy. “Unlike past reform efforts, it recognizes prevention programs like PALS are the key to helping our children and families without them ever becoming DYFS involved.”

According to the NJ State Police’s Uniform Crime Report, there were 79,844 domestic violence offenses reported by police in 2002. Children were involved in or present during 37 % (29,569 children) of all domestic violence offenses that were reported in 2002. National studies have also indicated that child abuse is 15 times more likely to occur in families where domestic violence is present.

“Children in violent homes are indeed traumatized by witnessing domestic abuse. The exciting news about PALS is that it has been documented by Rowan University to have a significant, positive impact on the lives of the children we assist,” said Jean Metz, Division Director of Providence House. “PALS is making a difference by helping the children of our communities break the cycle of violence and lead healthier, happier lives. We at Providence House of Catholic Charities are so grateful that the Department of Human Services has invested in the PALS program for the past five years “

Providence House’s PALS program receives over $320,000 each year from DYFS to serve over 40 children. The program has been replicated at three other locations in New Brunswick, Flemington and Hackensack. Each of these programs receives approximately $135,000 each year while providing a more limited array of services.

DYFS provides over $11.2 million each year for domestic violence services including 24-hour hotline, emergency response and shelter entry; legal, financial and housing advocacy; counseling for victims, children and abusers; community networking; community education and awareness; and children’s services.

Each year DYFS-funded domestic violence programs provide 3,700 women and children with shelter and 13,000 receive counseling and support services. Approximately 21,000 domestic violence victims also receive legal advocacy services with DYFS funded programs responding to over 123,000 hotline calls for help.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233.