Together for Families: Domestic Violence Support in Child Welfare

FICW Podcast
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This podcast focuses on research and best practices that support families affected by domestic violence. Join us as we learn from the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the shared commitment to supporting families impacted by intimate partner violence.

Episodes

  1. Mar 18

    E6: Legal Advocacy for Families Impacted by Domestic Violence

    Chris DelMarco, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. Attorney Chris DelMarco of Legal Services of North Florida specializes in representing survivors of domestic, sexual, and dating violence, as well as stalking. Her work focuses on enhancing the safety and long‑term stability of survivors and their children. Ms. DelMarco says successful outcomes for DV survivors include: Ensuring that they feel heard and feel like they can return for help  Offering supportive, nonjudgmental interactions  Creating systems that hold perpetrators accountable—not survivors  “Domestic violence survivors really do know more about their situation than any of us ever will. They know about the danger they face. They know about what will and won’t help. They know what they need to be safer and to provide safety for their kids. We all really need to consider their knowledge, perspectives, and experiences and make sure those things are interwoven in whatever remedies we are working with them on.” Chris DelMarco Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) 📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788 💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org https://www.thehotline.org/  https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh  https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673) https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors    Florida-Specific Domestic Violence Hotlines  Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline  https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence  https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/    The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has a specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation.  Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare  http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare     Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder  Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    39 min

  2. Mar 11

    E5: Engaging Those Who Use Harm: The Role of Batterer Intervention Programs

    Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. Juan Carlos Areán of Futures Without Violence (Futures Without Violence) discusses his 35‑year career working with individuals who cause harm in intimate partner relationships. He provides training and develops curricula focusing on the intersection of fatherhood and domestic violence for organizations nationwide. Mr. Areán says fatherhood can be a powerful influence in batterer intervention programs because many fathers who cause harm are motivated to change for the sake of their children. That has led to support programs that leverage men’s roles as fathers to encourage behavior change. “Anyone who has worked with fathers who use violence realizes that many of them can be motivated to change when they realize the damage that they are doing to their children. So basically, through the love of their children, that's where the change can happen.” Juan Carlos Areán Intervention Services in Florida: Batterers' Intervention Program (BIP) Certification | Florida DCF National Helpline for people who cause harm: A Call For Change Helpline | A Call For Change Helpline Guide for fathers who want to change and heal their relationships: Father-Workbook-English-FINAL-2025.pdf Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) 📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788 💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org https://www.thehotline.org/ https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)  Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/ The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has a specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare    Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder  Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    36 min

  3. Mar 4

    E4: Case Management and Survivor Support: Bridging Systems

    Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. In this episode, Sarah Tedder, a case manager with 4 Sisters Solutions, discusses the intersection of DV and child welfare. DV is a factor in many of the cases that Ms. Tedder manages, and she believes that child welfare professionals can benefit from more training on the “power-and-control dynamics” of these relationships. She says DV survivors are too often held accountable in cases, rather than those causing harm, and there needs to be an accountability shift from focusing on what a survivor can do to protect children to emphasizing what an abuser can do to stop creating violence. Tune in to learn her definition of success in DV cases and her specific hopes for future improvements to Florida’s child welfare system. “I would like to see a professional being available [in the judicial process] that can provide insight into their perspective on addressing the batterers in the case, not just the survivor. But really getting somebody in there that can address the alleged perpetrator right out of the gate because that’s really where the accountability needs to start from.” Sarah Tedder Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.orgwww.thehotline.org/acf.gov/fysb/ndvhwww.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202www.fcadv.org/dv-hotlinewww.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse…estic-violencewww.fpedv.org/get-help/ The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST. The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfareFacebook.com/FSUChildWelfareInstagram.com/FSUChildWelfareTwitter.com/FSUChildWelfareLinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Dr. Lisa MagruderProducing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    30 min

  4. Feb 25

    E3: Law Enforcement and Domestic Violence: A Collaborative Approach

    E3: Law Enforcement and Domestic Violence: A Collaborative Approach Dep. Chief Maurice Holmes, Tallahassee Police Department Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence(IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. In this episode, Deputy Chief Maurice Holmes of the Tallahassee Police Department says that throughout his career, he has seen more training to better equip officers for DV and child welfare–related responses. Today’s training recognizes DV is a complicated cycle of childhood trauma, mental illness, and patterns of harm. While arrests rarely provide a full solution, Deputy Chief Holmes says achieving long-term success for families must include effective collaboration among community partners on interventions. “We want to make a positive impact in children’s lives because they’re suffering trauma. We’re all working together. I just wish everyone had the mindset that we’re a team.” Dep. Chief Maurice Holmes Content Note: This episode contains an in-depthdiscussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you orsomeone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.orgProvides 24/7 confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals. https://www.thehotline.org/ https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)Provides confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, which often overlaps with intimate partner violence. https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/ Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) –Domestic Violence Resources 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/ The Institute honors the many ways those impacted byviolence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partnerviolence.” While each of these terms has a specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own anddo not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promotesafety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU. Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare   Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, IzzyCring

    31 min

  5. Feb 18

    E2: Victim Advocacy in Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Cases

    Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. In this episode, Maria Folsom discusses her work as a victim advocate with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Ms. Folsom provides 24/7 support to survivors of all crimes. With 30 years of service as a victim advocate, she has experience teaching life skills to female inmates, helping others manage trauma, and supporting individuals with disabilities. “I build rapport, and I do try to let them feel I’m on their side.” Maria Folsom Leon County Victim Advocate Unit: https://www.leoncountyso.com/citizen-center/victim-information Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) 📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788 💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org  https://www.thehotline.org/ https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh  https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/  National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673) https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors  Teen Dating Abuse Helpline  📞 Phone: 1‑866‑331‑9474 📞 TTY: 1‑866‑331‑8453  Florida-Specific Domestic Violence Hotlines  Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline  https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence  https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/  Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) – Domestic Violence Resources  📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence  https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/    The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation.  Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.   Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST. The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU. Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare  http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare  http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare     Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder  Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    24 min

  6. Feb 11

    E1: Lived Experience and Advocacy: A Parent’s Perspective

    Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. In this episode, survivor and parent advocate Sharwline Nicholson shares her experience and advocacy work. A nationally recognized speaker, Nicholson offers invaluable insights into how systems can better support families affected by domestic violence and child welfare involvement. “I am who I am. I speak authentically and this is my experience, and I'll share my experience.” —Sharwline Nicholson About Sharwline: https://iamnicholson.com/ Nicholson’s Four Factors for Judicial Consideration in Cases Involving Domestic Violence and Children: https://promising.futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Nicholsons-Four-Factors-for-Judicial-Consideration-in-Cases-Involving-Domestic-Violence-and-Children.pdf Florida’s Professionally Mandated Reporter Course by the Department of Children and Families: https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/PT/FlProMandatedReporter/story.html Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners.  If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)  📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788  💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org  Provides 24/7 confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals. https://www.thehotline.org/ https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)  Provides confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, which often overlaps with intimate partner violence. https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors Florida-specific Domestic Violence Hotlines Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119  📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 DCF partners with certified shelters and programs statewide and helps locate services in your area: https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/  📞 Florida DV Hotline: 1‑800‑500‑1119  The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    30 min
  • 6 Episodes

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This podcast focuses on research and best practices that support families affected by domestic violence. Join us as we learn from the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the shared commitment to supporting families impacted by intimate partner violence.

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