The Decision Tree: Using Conversation-Based Strategies to Assess Survivors' Housing Needs

Safe housing is foundational to survivors’ movement toward self-determination and healing. Regardless of a survivor’s point of contact with a DV advocate (shelter, CPS, courthouse, Family Justice Center, culturally specific program, or other setting), assessing their housing needs is a best practice. Conversation-based approaches such as the “Decision Tree” are survivor-driven, trauma-informed, and honoring of survivors’ multiple and intersecting identities. This workshop will explore the development of such approaches and how advocates can use them to guide their conversations with survivors and help direct them to the best housing resources.