Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking need access to education and job training programs that are grounded in trauma-informed practices. Futures Without Violence hosted a webinar in January 2022 and focused on recognizing barriers to employment and education for survivors and strategies for building strong cross-sector collaborations between advocacy service providers and workforce development programs.

Very few domestic violence survivors are getting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) waivers from the work requirements and time limits, despite being eligible. Federal law allows states to grant domestic violence waivers to TANF recipients when time limits, work requirements, and other policies would unfairly penalize victims of abuse or increase their risk of abuse. This Rutgers resource was developed through an examination of the annual reports from Michigan to the federal government on the number of domestic violence waivers issued from 2008 to 2021, as well as focus groups with TANF caseworkers. This resource discusses the importance of waivers for survivors and other work being done around this issue.

The goal of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Economic Justice and
Domestic Violence Advisory Council is a long-term, in-depth collaboration of national experts in the domestic violence (DV) field working to advance survivors’ economic empowerment and financial well-being. NNEDV virtually gathered those working at the intersection of DV and economic justice to identify gaps and strategize ways to expand awareness and
solutions through recommendations. These recommendations include:

1. Expanding funding for culturally specific programs;
2. Increasing survivors’ access to flexible funds;
3. Employers should have a workplace policy specifically addressing DV;
4. DV programs and advocates should receive training in intimate partner violence and workplace safety; and
5. Reformations to public policies.

While domestic violence affects thousands of Chicagoans each year, there is often limited focus on the impact of economic insecurity on survivors, and little research on their employment needs. This report, published by Women Employed, was designed to better understand the barriers to economic independence for survivors of domestic violence, and more specifically, to living wage jobs by gathering the insights and experiences of survivors, domestic violence advocates, and workforce development professionals.

The Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) leads Administration for Children and Families' comprehensive approach to domestic violence prevention and administers the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to improve support for families and individuals experiencing violence and trauma. Each October, OFVPS recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month by standing in solidarity with survivors, their loved ones, advocates, and communities to mourn those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence; to celebrate the accomplishments to end and prevent further violence; and to connect with others leading this movement to transform communities to be more inclusive and supportive of all individuals and families fleeing violence. FVPSA grant recipients hosted engaging events throughout October 2024.

Please note that the OFVPS 2024 DVAM Calendar of Events includes recordings of the events and presentations.

Survivors of domestic violence (DV) often face multiple barriers to employment, including limited skills, gaps in their education and work histories, housing instability, and mental health and substance use needs. This Urban Institute policy brief summarizes the major findings from their evaluation of the Career Readiness Training Program, Sanctuary for Families’ workforce development program in New York City designed specifically for DV survivors. The brief also presents recommendations for workforce development programs serving DV survivors.

The Children’s Bureau released an Information Memorandum to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of domestic violence on children, youth, and families. This resource highlights effective strategies to support families impacted by domestic violence and encourages titles IV-E and IV-B agencies to enhance partnerships with Family Violence Prevention and Services Act grant recipients, State Domestic Violence Coalitions, tribal programs, culturally specific domestic violence programs, community-based organizations focused on supporting families impacted by domestic violence, and other critical service providers to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families impacted by domestic violence.

The National Association of Counties will host a webinar on November 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. ET to discuss the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) services for youth detained in public institutions. Effective January 1, 2025, changes that stem from the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2023) will require states to amend their Medicaid and CHIP plans to provide essential medical, dental and case management services for eligible youth, before and after release. Presenters will discuss how these changes will impact county jails and how counties can collaborate with state health officials to ensure compliance and secure federal support.

The direct support professional (DSP) is a subset of the broader direct care workforce. DSPs play a crucial role in supporting people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, live in integrated settings and seek competitive integrated employment. The National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities is hosting a webinar on November 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET, where participants can hear how states, workforce systems, education and community partners are leveraging registered apprenticeships to meet DSP workforce demands.

The Abilities Connection (TAC) is hosting a Community of Practice webinar on October 30, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. ET to share their organization's innovative strategies that have resulted in remarkable employment growth, particularly through their transformative transportation initiatives. This webinar will highlight TAC’s strategic vision and the creative solutions they’ve implemented to overcome challenges to ensure that workers with disabilities can access meaningful employment.