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Groundwork

For Service Providers and Local Leaders

Explore the resources below to learn how Bridges to Better can improve your work with survivors and families.

“For me, as stressful and terrifying as the investigation was, he (the investigator) gave me this nugget that opened up my whole perception of what an abusive relationship was. It wasn’t my fault. It was the biggest gift in my healing.”

– Survivor

“I wasn’t offered services – I kept asking ‘so what’s next? What should I do?' I never got anything”

– Survivor

“The thing that I don’t like is that CPS is threatening us, “I am going to take your child. Let me know what the problem is in the house,” “Okay, I am not telling you.” So, if my child has a problem I can’t open my mouth. If I open my mouth, CPS will take my kid. It is not helping.”

– Survivor

“It’s like screaming into a crowd and no one hears you.”

– Survivor, commenting on her experience of her partner manipulating child welfare’s perception of her as part of his pattern of abuse

Mandatory Reporting and Domestic Violence

Report & NEW Brief

This Futures Without Violence report and NEW brief calls for nuanced and DV-informed thinking when considering filing reports of suspected child abuse and neglect, and offers guidance on best practices.

Overview of Bridges to Better

Brief

Learn more about the six principles and two practice and policy frameworks of Bridges to Better.

Bridges to Better

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Bridges to Better is focused on improving systems, not fixing families.

Evaluation Outcomes

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Our research showed improvements in practice and outcomes, and generated new questions!

Pathways to Healing: Protective Factors for Survivors

Brief

Building protective factors for survivors of domestic violence greatly expands the options for helping families.

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Protective factors for survivors at a glance.

Pathways to Accountability

Brief

We need multiple strategies for holding people who cause harm accountable, and supporting them to change. Our approach should include both relational and systemic strategies.

What Can Bold Leaders Do?

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This series of infographics offers concrete ideas for for leaders within child welfare, dependency courts, and community-based programs.

Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Case Law

Brief

Nicholson v. Scoppetta was a watershed class action lawsuit brought by survivors of domestic violence whose children were placed in foster care. This report examines the legal landscape for similar cases over the 20 years since Nicholson. Survivors provide their own analysis.

Theory of Change

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We believe that all families have strengths; that relationships are key to safety, well-being and healing; and that systems often don’t have the answers for families. By taking action in multiple spaces, we can advance racial and gender equity, keep many families and children out of the child welfare system, and reduce family violence.

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Once you’ve got the basics, learn how you can implement Bridges to Better in your community!