Mission Statement

“ODVN’s Child Advocacy Caucus is a collaboration of professionals dedicated to being a voice for children impacted by domestic violence. We endeavor to honor children’s experiences of violence and support their rights by fostering public awareness, improving services, and advocating for social and political change.”

Purpose

Caucuses are commonly formed by individuals speaking out on social issues that are traditionally underrepresented. In the Domestic Violence Movement children’s programming has often been made secondary, diminished in importance, even ignored. As a result youth staff often feel isolated. The ODVN Child Advocacy Caucus was created in the Spring of 2004 by domestic violence professionals from around the State of Ohio to address this disparity. We meet quarterly to discuss the unique issues of children living with violence, we work to educate ourselves and those outside of the domestic violence movement about how to best work with children and we provide opportunities for professional development.

Goals:

• Developing Best Practices for programs working with young people living in domestic violence;

• Provide Educational and Training opportunities for professionals specifically on youth issues;

• Addressing legislative issues impacting young people living in domestic violence, and

• Advocating for systems change where young people living in domestic violence are effected negatively or unfairly
  

All professionals working with children, such teachers, social workers, child protective service workers, are encouraged to join the caucus and help make a difference in the lives of young people. If you would like more information or would like to get involved please contact our Outreach Coordinator by email by going to the contact page or by phone at 614-781-9651, ext. 231.