CalWORKS Social Work Services - Domestic Violence (Domestic Abuse)

The DV Advocate from YWCA works exclusively with victims of DV by assisting client move from a path of crises to stability. As needed, CalWORKs SWs provide support when the DV Advocate is not available. Services include:

• Accompanying client to court
• Assisting client navigate the legal system and makes referrals
• Serving as client interpreter
• Conducting DV assessments
• Crises intervention
• Case management
• Linking client to DV community services
• Providing DV trainings and presentations

When the client discloses present or past DV that interferes with day-to-day activities, the EW or EC makes a CalWORKs Social Work services referral. Client may be eligible for a WTW DA exemption or DA Extender.

Domestic Abuse Exemption

Only the DV Advocate and CalWORKs SWs are authorized to provide DA exemptions to a domestic survivors clients. A client who discloses to a CalWORKs SW or DV Advocate that he/she is a DV survivor may be exempted from WTW participation from one month to up to three months at a time. Some exceptions apply.

Refer to Domestic Abuse (DA) - Exemption/Extender for additional information on exemptions and extenders

Domestic Abuse Extender

When the client has reached the end of his or her 60-Month TOA, and the CalWORKs individual discloses that DV experiences significantly impair ability to work, the DV Advocate or CalWORKs SW can provide a DA Extender on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the unit supervisor.

Refer to Domestic Abuse (DA) - Exemption/Extender for additional information on extenders and exemptions.