Screenings & Assessment Within the context of children residing in domestic violence shelters

Factors to Consider for Children Babies, children and teens residing in domestic violence shelters are likely experiencing varying degrees  of trauma, grief and loss. There is also the possibility of experiencing chronic or toxic stress with experiencing living with a battering parent/caregiver. Residing in shelter programming may provide relief and safety however it may also at the same time create new situations like having to sleep in the same room with parent and siblings, perhaps even another resident.  Not only are their changes in living space, but children can lose contact with their school, family members, pets, belongings, toys and friends. Therefore, screening and assessment for babies, children and teens need be with the awareness listed above. Residing in shelter may afford youth emotional and physical safety or it may create added stressors or both periodically changing.

Partnering with the parent-adult victim is suggested in order to provide a connection with the parent supporting their children.   Some parents may describe at the beginning of service and shelter that their child or teens needs help. In this - a parent should receive referrals. Assessing children during a residential stay at a temporary shelter may enter children and parents into the mental health system before the child has an opportunity to find stability. An advocate may inquire through their partnering with the parent if their child/ren has been working with a helper at their school, community mental health agency or even with a doctor. This will prevent a program from making yet another referral unless one is deemed warranted or the youth's needs have not been appropriately supported.

Screening & Assessment There are screenings for trauma, child development as well as others. Likewise, there are assessments which may be administered in a community mental health agency or at a counseling center. Some children who are experiencing distress may require a more thorough assessment with an outside provider or when a parent requests such due to their concern. However, it deserves being said that providing babies children and teens care, connection and Psychological First Aid for stabilizing and emotional safety when living in a domestic violence shelter. 

Screening & Assessment, Con’t. Approaches in screening for a child's functioning is important. Seeking information on developmental milestones, inquiring how a child is sleeping, eating, and coping will indicate areas of struggle or feelings of coping/resilience. Can a child separate with success or does he/she experience  extreme separation anxiety.  Has the battering partner/parent prohibited the child from the doctor, prevention or educational services? Does the child have health conditions reported? Are they under the care of a doctor? Do they need to see an eye doctor, dentist or doctor? Does the protective parent notice any changes either for the positively or negatively in their child's behavior, coping or etc.,

Resources The National Child Traumatic Stress Network;  https://www.nctsn.org/ https://www.nctsn.org/resources/assessment-complex-trauma-information-non-mental-health- professionals https://www.nctsn.org/resources/assessment-complex-trauma-parents-and-caregivers https://www.nctsn.org/resources/assessment-complex-trauma-mental-health-professionals Resource from Rachel Ramirez in relation to the Trauma Informed Road Map http://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/wp- content/uploads/2018/04/NCDVTMH_2018_ToolsforTransformation_WarshawTinnonCave.pdf It must be said that if a child/teen is under duress then help and referral may be necessary. Advocacy for this youth and parent should be a part of the process if the parent accepts the support.