NCJ Number
70243
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Practical guidance is given to help in the establishment of 'Special Care Homes,' which provide refuge and services for victims of domestic violence.
Abstract
In 1977, New York enacted legislation which permitted the establishment of Special Care Homes (temporary shelters, licensed by the State, with a minimum of seven beds, and operated for the benefit of adults and children victimized by domestic violence). The State Department of Social Services recommends that staffing of the homes be sufficient to provide 24-hour coverage of the shelter by a paid employee, while providing child care and supervision. Compliance with a variety of architectural specifications is necessary before an operating certificate can be issued. Steps for establishing and maintaining a Special Care Home are discussed, followed by a treatment of the following resident services: counseling, child care and supervision, recreation and developmental services, medical services, information and referral services, legal services, aftercare services, nutrition services and food preparation procedures, and security. Regulatory requirements affecting home operations are cited. Problem areas are discussed under the issues of accounting and financial assistance, dealing with building contractors, establishing relationships with community agencies, 'umbrella' organizations, employees, adolescent male children, security, admissions policies, children, and discharge plans. Sources of information and assistance for establishing a Special Care Home are indicated.