Temporary Assistance For Domestic Violence Survivors Program (TA-DVS) - A.   Program Intent and Overview

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1. Program Intent

   The Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) program is a TANF-funded program intended to provide temporary financial assistance and support services to families affected by domestic violence during crisis or emergent situations when other resources are not available. TA-DVS is used to help the domestic violence survivor and the children address their safety concerns and to stabilize their living situation, thus reducing the likelihood of the survivor returning to the abuser. The most common need for TA-DVS is when the domestic violence survivor flees the abuser.

   Some examples of situations where TA-DVS could be used to meet a survivor's need:

   • The domestic violence survivor and children are fleeing the abuser and need help to relocate to another state.

   • The domestic violence survivor is unable to pay rent as a result of domestic violence (examples: the survivor used all her available resources to move from the household held with the abuser and she cannot pay rent this month, or the abuser stole the money). In either case, TA-DVS would be used to stabilize her living situation so that she is less likely to be forced to return to the abuser's household.

   • The domestic violence survivor is in the process of fleeing domestic violence, is staying at a temporary shelter or is in a temporary living situation, and needs financial help to get into an apartment and set it up.

   • The domestic violence survivor wants to stay in her home and needs new locks to increase her safety.

   • The domestic violence survivor missed work due to the abuse and is unable to pay the rent.

   • The domestic violence survivor needs to move because the abuser has located her.

   Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors Program: 461-135-1205

2. Program Overview

   The TA-DVS program supports domestic violence survivors by providing temporary financial assistance to flee domestic violence (DV) and to help domestic violence survivors remain free of violence. To be eligible for TA-DVS, a survivor must have a current or future risk of domestic violence, meet eligibility guidelines, and the situation must fit into the following definition of domestic violence:

   Domestic violence is the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family members, intimate partners, or household members:

   • Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury or emotional, mental, or verbal abuse.

   • Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly placing another in fear of imminent serious physical injury.

   • Committing sexual abuse in any degree as defined in Chapter 163 of the Oregon Revised Statutes.

   • Using coercive or controlling behavior.

   A single or one-time instance of verbal abuse (e.g., name calling; cursing; putting a person down) or controlling behavior (e.g., telling a person what to do or how to do something) does not necessarily constitute a risk of further or future abuse. When there is a history of these behaviors or when the behaviors have escalated in frequency or type, or if the client is concerned that these behaviors will lead to physical abuse, there maybe a higher risk of further or future abuse.

   Definitions for Chapter 461: 461-001-0000

   Once the client is found eligible, an individualized case plan is developed with the client which includes activities that support the client's short- and long-term goals related to safety and stabilization from the abuse: a plan to address how future housing costs will be covered; financial planning around the needs for TA-DVS payments and support services, as well as partner coordination and referral.

   Benefits; TA-DVS: 461-135-1230

   Other Abusive Situations

   TA-DVS cannot meet the needs of all victims of abuse. If an applicant does not appear to meet the TA-DVS eligibility criteria, consider the following options:

   • If the survivor does not have minor children, offer a referral to the local domestic violence service provider or Victims Assistance through the local district attorney’s office.

   • Survivors who do not have current safety issues and who are facing homelessness not as a result of domestic violence, should be offered a referral to local housing resources such as the Housing Stabilization Program through the local Community Action Agency or Program.

   • If the survivor decides not to leave the abusive situation and remains in the household with the abuser, offer a referral to the local DV service provider for safety planning. Do not issue a TA-DVS payment, but explain that DHS is a resource for her and that TA-DVS can be issued when the survivor is ready to leave. (If the survivor is currently with the abuser but intends to flee within the next 90 days, TA-DVS may be an option.)

   • A mother is being abused by her minor teenage son and the intent is for the child to remain in the home. Options might include a referral to counseling for the son; law enforcement or juvenile justice.

   • The client applies for TA-DVS because her roommate called her names and she wants to move. There has been no past abuse and the client does not feel it is likely to happen again: offer the client other housing options in the community.

   • The client was threatened or assaulted by a neighbor who is not related to her, not an intimate partner and not a household member. Offer a referral to the domestic violence service provider and/or law enforcement.

   • For elder abuser or abuse of persons with disabilities refer to Adult Protective Services as required by mandatory reporting requirements.

   • If a child is abused refer to Child Welfare or Law Enforcement as outlined in child abuse mandatory reporting requirements. TA-DVS may be a resource in this situation if the abuser is a household member or family member and the situation other wise meets our definition of domestic violence. Child Welfare has responsibility for a determination of whether or not the child’s safety is at risk. If there is a risk, they will develop a plan related to the child safety. Case planning with the nonabusive adult should take into consideration any requirements outlined by child welfare or the courts as part of their service planning.