Is Someone Hurting You and Keeping You from Getting a Job?

Will You Be Safe If SRS Pursues Child Support?

O.A.R.S. Can Help.

SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

THE PROGRAM

The Mission of OARS is to reduce the employment barrier of domestic violence and sexual assault by enhancing the safety of abused families receiving TAF. OARS is a collaborative project between the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV).

The OARS advocate is stationed at the local SRS office, where meeting with clients is more accessible. The primary target audience includes, but is not limited to: TAF recipients (Aid to Families), Medicaid and Food Stamp recipients, Child Protective Services, and Adult Protective Services. Other community agencies have the ability to refer women to the OARS program.

The sole purpose of this program is to reduce the employment barrier of domestic violence and sexual assault by enhancing the safety of abused families receiving TAF. To accomplish this, the OARS advocate and the survivor meet for an assessment to determine what services the woman needs or desires. Afterwards, the two work together utilizing the Family Violence Option by doing the following activities: safety planning, counseling, support groups, court advocacy, shelter, economic advocacy, and referrals. The goal of the program is to provide as much information, support, and advocacy to women who need safety from abuse.

The OARS advocate is responsible for assessing the women and following through with the desired services. The advocate and SRS workers collaborate to provide a safe, supportive environment for women and their children.

The Willow Domestic Violence Center and GaDuGi Safe Center in collaboration with Kansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) provided two full day training sessions to the SRS workers and supervisors. Ongoing training continues, as the OARS advocate provides current information and brochures to the SRS workers. The advocate attends monthly unit meetings where staff can ask questions and get more information regarding sexual assault and domestic violence. The goal here is to ensure that all staff are sensitive to the issues surrounding clients that experience sexual assault or domestic violence and then help them achieve their self-sufficiency goals while remaining safe.

ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT