This comprehensive toolkit was developed for use by homeless shelters and housing providers. A large proportion of homeless families are single mothers with children, many of whom have experienced ongoing trauma in the form of childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, community violence, poverty, and the loss of home, safety and sense of security. Domestic violence providers may find much useful material in this toolkit.
The toolkit includes three major sections: 1) an organizational self-assessment checklist, 2) a user’s guide, and 3) a manual for creating organizational change. The self-assessment tool includes sections on staff development, safe and supportive environments, assessment and treatment planning, involving consumers, and adapting policies. The user’s guide explains how to compile and examine the self-assessment results, and the manual makes suggestions for how to make sustainable change.
