Department of Family and Community Services

• Department Director
  • Assistant Director
    • Office of the Department Director
      • Planning, Policy & Compliance
      • Grants Coordinator/ Planner
      • Office Manager
      • Information Management Specialist
      • Budget Specialist
  • Division of Social Services
  • Family Violence and Victim's Services
  • Division of Behavioral Health
  • Division of Elderly Nutrition
  • Division of Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Division of Food Distribution
  • Boys and Girls Club Program

   

Family Violence and Victim's Services

• Program Director/Legal Lay-advocate
  • Program Attorney
  • Legal Secretary
  • Victim Assistance Therapist
  • Victim Assistance Coordiantor
  • Women’s Advocate
  • Family Violence Counselor
  • Outreach Specialist

Order of Action after Incident of Abuse Occurs

• Incident of Abuse
  • Police contacted
    • Officers Arrive on scene or at hospital
      • Take statement from victim
      • May make arrest if probable cause is evident
      • Victim must file charges if officer does not file
        • Warrant issued and Arrest Made
        • Accused held for 24 hours
    • Arraignment
      • If plea is not guilty, trial date is set
      • If defendant pleads guilty, sentence imposed
    • Sentencing
      • All guilty sentences should include 26 week Batterer's Re-Education Program
  • Family Violence and Victim's Services contacted
    • Victim meets with FVVS Victim Assistance Coordinator or Women's Advocate
      • If Protective Order is wanted, victim must meet with lay-advocate
      • If victim wants counseling, she is referred to a FVVS counselor
    • Victim interviewed by lay-advocate and petition is prepared for victim's signature
      • Petition for Protection is filed, Court date set, Petition and Summons given to police for service
        • If victim is in imminent danger, Ex Parte Petition is filed. Petition and Order Presented to Judge
      • If judge signs order, Protection Order is effective immediately and lasts until hearing date
        • Give petition and order to police for service
    • The FVVS attorney meets with victim to prepare for hearing
    • Case presented in Civil Court , FVVS attorney represents victim, defendant may also retain legal counsel