CalWORKS Social Work Services - Working with Offenders

The courts may order a DV offender to participate in a certified batters intervention program. WTW participants may also be identified as the offender or batterer. CalWORKs SWs can authorize ancillary payments for batterer services, but the funding is limited.

The CalWORKs SW provides case management of DV cases as follows:

• Cross check both the CalWIN system and Case Assignment Listing (Excel spreadsheet) to see if the offender is connected to the victim, or has a past or present CWSW and CWES history.
• The offender and the victim are assigned different social worker, due to conflict of interest, safety issues, confidentially, and clinical treatment concerns.
• When working with the DV victim/survivor, complete the “CalWORKs Social Work General Screening & Assessment” (SCD 2518). Document the perpetrator’s name and other identifying information, and include description and a photograph, if available. Ask the victim if the offender is known to CalWORKs.
• A needs & safety assessment and development of a service plan is required on all cases; the safety assessment should include some measure of lethality, a copy of any legal documents such a court orders (criminal, family, juvenile, & dependency) & restraining order.
• Coordinate with separate service providers and site locations of the offender from the victim(s) CWES site, treatment services locations, and during interview sites.
• Document the perpetrator’s professional providers/contacts.
• Collaborate with the victim’s social worker and other professionals involved in the case.
• Inform unit supervisor of any issues or concerns.
• Keep detailed case notes, include safety concerns and safety measures taken.
• Become familiar with Workplace Violence Prevention: Guide for Employees.

Financial Assistance for Certified Batters Program

The CalWORKs Social Worker must assess the need and use the “Ancillary Expenses Estimate, Request and Verification” (SCD 1584) to pre-authorize payment (not to exceed 20% of the class cost) for a court ordered certified barterer's program. To be eligible, the client must be an active CWES participant. Refer to Batterers Program for additional information.

Confidentiality

At no time should the worker share information with the offender about the victim's case.

Working with Children Exposed to Domestic Violence (DV)

The child(ren)(’s) safety is pivotal to child well-being. Child welfare authorities should be consulted as a precaution. The County Counsel’s Guidelines for Mandated Reporters and Department of Family and Children Services procedural Handbook 23: Domestic Violence should also be reviewed.