Durham, NC , October 26, 2016– The Durham Department of Social Services’ Director Michael Becketts has announced the receipt of a federal grant that will bring education and training for first responders, along with intensive therapy services for victims of domestic violence.  Durham’s DSS will be in partnership with the Exchange Family Center, Duke Center for Child and Family Health, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, and the Durham Crisis Response Center to implement this innovative program.

The application for this grant was submitted with the full support of the Durham Police Department, Emergency Management Services. The grant has been awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Families and Children.  This 2-year demonstration project will provide classroom training for first responders. Durham’s law enforcement, paramedics, firemen and Child Protective Services social workers will be educated and provided with the necessary tools to provide intensive therapy services for victims of domestic violence. The first year of the grant provides $375,000 in support; subsequent years will provide between $375,000 and $500,000 of support each year.

The sobering statistics of children living with domestic violence tell the story of what educators experience and what the crowded juvenile courtrooms know, children are:

• 6 times more likely to commit suicide
• 50% more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
• 74% more likely to commit a violent crime
• Chronically truant
• Frequently  intimidating or controlling other students/teachers
• Having difficulty focusing on tasks in the classroom

“What we do know is, if we are educating more people about domestic violence, and in particular our first responders, then we have a much greater opportunity to create better outcomes for children in the long run. The ultimate goal of this federal grant is to improve the lives of children and their families in Durham. We’re looking forward to making that happen, and are especially pleased to receive the award during Domestic Violence Month” states Becketts.

About Durham Department of Social Services: For nearly a century, the Durham Department of Social Services has served the citizens of Durham County. Our mission continues to be to partner with individuals, families and the community to help our residents achieve physical, social and financial well-being.

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