SAFECARE AUGMENTED
SafeCare® Augmented includes a SafeCare with training in motivational interviewing and domestic violence. SafeCare is approved for funding through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV). This version includes training in the evidence-based practice of Motivational Interviewing and training on domestic violence from a local agency.
Sites wishing to implement SafeCare Augmented must receive SafeCare training from the National SafeCare Training and Research Center (NSTRC). Sites must also be trained in Motivational Interviewing and Domestic Violence awareness. The NSTRC will have record of SafeCare training received. Sites must obtain and document for NSTRC their compliance with the following requirements for MI and DV training.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training
NSTRC will require SafeCare Augmented sites to provide a plan for being trained in MI either online or through an in-person workshop or consultation. Training should be conducted by a MINT certified training. To learn more about costs and scheduling of MI training, please visit the MI Training site. NSTRC will assist sites in developing a plan for MI training as part of a readiness plan to implement SafeCare Augmented.
In line with best practices in implementation science, SafeCare Augmented sites are strongly encouraged to participate in ongoing consultation or supervision with a MI trainer to become most proficient in using MI skills with families participating in home visiting. Ongoing consultation, training, and supervision should include role-playing and practicing MI skills on important, related topics for the families (e.g., implementing parenting skills, safety planning, substance abuse, accessing resources/jobs). We also encourage sites to consult with MI trainers that have some experience with in-home work focused on parenting or early childhood. A list of recommended MI trainers is available from NSTRC.
Domestic Violence (DV) Training
The goals of the DV training are:
- Raise providers’ awareness of domestic violence as an issue that affects families of children 0-5.
- Increase provider’s ability to detect partner violence, to ensure client safety, and to make appropriate referrals.
The initial DV and safety planning training is likely to take 4-8 hours. DV training should include a discussion of the following topics:
- What is domestic violence?
- Recognizing signs of domestic violence
- How to broach and discuss domestic violence with your clients
- How to assess for danger and lethality
- Impacts on the children and how to assess impact
- How to make referrals, including specific agencies that can be called based on danger assessments
- How to create a safety plan with the victim
- Understanding of the challenges of leaving for the victim, and understanding the dangerousness for the victim when leaving
- What is a restraining order and how one is requested?
Training should combine both didactic and role-play/skill practicing. Providers should practice: recognizing domestic violence, assessing safety, utilizing standardized tools (e.g., Danger Assessment/Lethality Index), safety planning, and establishing a protective order.
It is recommended that the DV training is conducted by a local DV agency. If a local DV shelter staff is not part of the intensive training, training should include a visit to the local shelter to discuss the processes for contact, referral, assessment, and support of transition to the shelter.
An annual refresher training is strongly recommended. The refresher training should emphasize topics current providers express a need for based on the population served (see above).
In addition to the annual training, local DV experts should be available for regular consultation on concerning cases. Timely support and consultation for concerning cases is important to integrate.
For more information about SafeCare Augmented, please contact [email protected].