Question

You are playing the role of a community service worker supporting a young adult son who is 18 years old who is seeking an order to protect himself from family violence perpetrated by his step-father at home where the son lives with his mother and step-father. You are required to investigate your local court and relevant support services and submit a written Support Plan for your client (i.e., the 18 year old son).

Based on your individual research, your written Support Plan must include the following:
The location and role of the local court in the context of seeking a family violence protection order;

Answer 1

The local court's role is to issue family violence protection orders to prevent further abuse, and the Support Plan should incorporate a trauma-informed care approach and community support services like Fort Bend Women's Center (FBWC). Trust, safety, and confidentiality should be key components of the service provided to the survivor.

Step-by-step explanation:

In aiding the 18-year-old son seeking a protection order from family violence, it is crucial to understand the local court's role in such matters. Courts have the authority to issue family violence protection orders, which are legal decrees aimed at preventing further abuse. These orders can include various provisions, such as prohibiting contact from the abuser or removing them from a shared residence.

When creating a Support Plan for the client, it's essential to include resources like the Prevention and Treatment Act, as it provides guidelines for best practices in risk and safety assessment. Moreover, integrating community support and utilizing a trauma-informed care approach is vital for providing effective assistance. Community assets, such as Fort Bend Women's Center (FBWC), emphasize trust, safety, confidentiality, voluntary service provision, and non-judgmental advocacy, contributing to creating a supportive environment for the client.

Given the trauma experienced by survivors of family violence, the service plan should address trust, safety, and confidentiality issues. This includes connecting the client with specialized services that are equipped to handle these sensitive situations and having protocols to ensure the survivor's needs are met adequately. The ultimate aim is to support the survivor's well-being while navigating through the complexities of obtaining a protective order and finding resources for resilience and recovery.