FINAL NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR CENTERS FOR THE ... · These Guidelines for centers for the rehabilitation of survivors of gender based violence and the accompanying hand book of rules

Developed by the Gender Based Violence Inter-agency Task Force with support from UNICEF Liberia.

FINAL

NATIONAL GUIDELINES

FOR

CENTERS FOR THE REHABILITATION

OF

SURVIORS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Developed by the Gender Based Violence Inter-agency Task Force with support from UNICEF Liberia 2

FORE WORD A National Inter-Agency Task force on Gender Based Violence (GBV) chaired by the Ministry of Gender and Development and Co-chaired by the Ministry of health and Social Welfare and Ministry of Justice was established in 2006. This was in response to the need to provide psychosocial care and protection for women and girls that continue to be survivors of sexual and gender based violence or suffers post traumatic stress from atrocities inflicted during the fourteen years of civil conflict. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was mandated in 2005 by the National GBV taskforce along with UNICEF as donor partner to facilitate the process of formulating new guidelines for the establishment and operation of centers/safe homes for survivors of GBV. The taskforce recognized the need to provide rehabilitation services in a safe, secure and confidential environment. These Guidelines for centers for the rehabilitation of survivors of gender based violence and the accompanying hand book of rules and regulations for the residents will help to strengthen the strides made in dealing with GBV in Liberia. A special court for the speedy trial of GBV cases was established in 2009 and a sexual and gender based violence crimes unit within the Ministry of Justice. In addition, these Guidelines serve as a mechanism for Liberia to support relevant United Nations Conventions and African Union Protocols. Enforcement of these Guidelines and Regulations will ensure that women and girls who survive GVB will now be able to seek immediate protection and care in a secured and safe shelter, where they are treated with love and respect and given an opportunity to recover and re-integrate into their families and communities. Human rights reports indicate that because most cases of GBV are reported late due to intimidation by perpetrators, vital evidence is lost and prosecution is difficult or impossible. As these Guidelines are enforced, it is important that Safe Home service providers pay special attention to the “Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Basic criteria for the Establishment of Safe Homes/Centers”. This will ensure adherence to the mission of such Centers and sustainability in the interests of women and children already victimized and traumatized. We are grateful to UNICEF who has provided funding for the production of the Safe Home Guidelines and Regulations and sincerely thank all Members of the GBV Taskforce and others who have spent valuable time in preparing this document. We look forward to the cooperation and support of all stakeholders as women who have been instruments for peace in Liberia, now deserve freedom from GBV. Finally, we salute Africa’s first elected female President, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has demonstrated the political, will to address the issue of GBV in Liberia. Bernice T. Dahn, BSc., M.D, MPH Date: DEPUTY MINISTER/CMO Ministry of Health and Social Welfare


THE AIM OF THE SAFE HOME: Through the practical application of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and All Protocols on Women and Children the Centers will:

1. Provide temporary shelter for women (and their children when necessary) and girls who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and other forms of gender-based violence.

2. Serve as a refuge of safety for women and girls where they will be able to regain their confidence to again face the challenges in their respective communities and environments.

3. Provide case management by assigning each Resident to a social worker to ensure confidentiality. 4. Provide medical care and medical assistance through referral. 5. Provide emergency first aid care. 6. Provide legal assistance through the liaison and collaboration with selected legal entities and

establishments. 7. Provide psychosocial care and counseling, including individual and group work. 8. Provide appropriate crisis intervention services. 9. Provide indoor and outdoor recreational activities. 10. Provide access to tutorial classes for children to ensure that they are abreast with school work and

activities. 11. Provide vocational activities, life skills and or employment education which will serve as a therapy

and capacity building for Residents. 12. Provide relocation services (as necessary).

CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR THE REHABILITATION OF SURVIVORS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE:

1. Centers/Safe Homes should be established by credible GBV Agencies that are already implementing community programmes in areas where Safe Home or Rehabilitation Centers already exist and are linked to other service providers.

2. The Center or the Safe Home should be in a safe and secure environment. 3. The Center or the Safe Home should be adequately funded.

4. Every Center/Safe Home must develop a safe and secure reintegration strategy for Residents with appropriate follow up.

5. Period of stay at the Center or the Safe Home: Minimum stay will be two weeks and maximum stay will be nine months. The period of stay will be determined on a case by case basis and will also be dependant on availability.

6. For cases that will remain at the safe Home for up to nine months a clear exit strategy should be developed and implemented.


PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS AT THE SAFE HOME OR CENTER

A. The Residents: Each Resident of the Safe Home/Center will be welcomed and introduced as a “Guest.” This is to give them a sense of belonging.

1. In working with the Adult, a “woman – centered” approach should be used to ensure that each guest: a. Is listened to, and that her views are respected and valued. b. Is reassured that her safety is given primary consideration. c. Is reassured that the Safe Home/Center is safe and confidential. d. Is educated about her rights and responsibilities, life skills and health issues.

2. In working with the Child, “the best interests” of the child are paramount to ensure that:

a. The child is treated with care, love and respect. b. The child is listened to and that her views are respected and valued. c. The child is rendered services that will address her safety needs and welfare. d. Services including planning for the child’s future support and care are addressed. e. Based on the assessment of the Manager and Social Worker, any abused child can get

special approval for her mother or other non-abusive primary female caregiver to remain with the child in the Safe Home/Center if the only option is to remain in the home with the abuser.

B. Collaboration with other Service Providers:

1. Any collaborating partner(s) must have demonstrated adherence to the primary guiding principles of safety, respect for client’s wishes, confidentiality and universality or non-discrimination.

2. The Center will work collaboratively with other service providers who run complementary programmes or are advocates for the safety and protection of the rights and wellbeing of woman and children.

3. The Center will work in close collaboration with the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberia National Police (LNP) where it exists or with a trained LNP focal point to provide the necessary services for women and children who are referred to the Center.

4. The Center will make arrangements for Legal Aid for the Residents who would desire legal redress by linking them up with appropriate agencies to provide legal aid or advocacy groups and ensure follow-up on the progress of cases that are in court.

5. The Center will have an established referral mechanism with selected and reputable hospitals and clinics that work with victims and survivors of rape and reproductive health concerns.

6. The Center will collaborate closely with the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Health, the GBV Unit of the Ministry of Gender and Development, and other relevant Government Agencies to ensure that the Center operates in conformity with National Regulations and International Instruments on women and children’s protection.


C. The Staff at the Center The Center will have an Advisory Board that supports the work of the Center and reports to the organization’s board of directors or other administrative bodies. The Staff at the Centers should have a minimum of an Associate Degree or relevant experience or qualifications in their respective areas or discipline. The Center should have on its staff the following:

1. A Director who is the overall supervisor of the Center and the Staff. The Director will have the responsibility of ensuring:

• that the prescribed Guidelines and Policies of the Center are adhered to, • liaise with the relevant organizations and agencies to ensure the wellbeing of the Residents

of the Center, • lobby and advocate for the rights and care of the Residents of the Center, • and ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times both with the Residents and the

Staff. 2. A Manager for the Center manages, coordinates and supervises the work of the Center (including the

daily welfare of the Residents) and the staff. 3. Social Workers with the required knowledge base and skills according to national standards will

provide counseling and psychosocial support for Residents and case management. 4. A Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP) or a Nurse Aid (NA) will be hired to

provide medical care for survivors at the Safe Home/center 5. Security guards to ensure the safety and security of the Residents on the premises 6. Administrative/Financial Officer 7. Vocational/Recreational Instructors 8. Cooks

D. Guidelines for Staff at the Center 1. The Staff at the Centers are required at all times to work as a team to ensure:

• Confidentiality in all of the processes relevant to the Residents. • Efficient documentation and case management of all the admitted Residents. • Appropriate follow-up on Residents ’cases (legal, medical and psychosocial) • Effective collaboration with relevant service providers, agencies or organizations.

2. Staff at the Center must refrain from being discourteous or disrespectful to each other or to the Residents. 3. Any Staff member caught abusing, intimidating or manipulating a Resident will face immediate

disciplinary measures. 4. The Center should be an environment free of exploitation and abuse. Staff members shall not engage in

romantic, intimate or sexual relationships or exchange favors and/or money with the Residents or former Residents while they are still employed at the Center.

E. Safety and Security: 1. The location of the shelter should not be disclosed by anyone, including Staff, Residents, Referral

Partners, Visitors, etc.


2. Any person coming to the Center for any reason must sign a non-disclosure document. Visits should be arranged at other locations.

3 Staff shall not bring or entertain visitors at the Center (except in emergency close family members should not come to the Center). This is to ensure the safety of the Residents and maintain confidentiality

4. Outsiders permitted onto the premises of the Center for special purposes include; • Work persons for building or maintaining Center facilities. • Referral network partners for the purpose of fulfilling their mandate., such as: the Chief of Section of

the Women and Children Protection Section of the LNP, a Clinical Psychologist (if there is a need) a designated Officer from the Department of Social Welfare from the Ministry of Health, GBV unit Ministry of Gender & Development and medical officers (in the instance that the Resident cannot be taken to or referred to a hospital of clinic.

F. Length of Stay All efforts should be made so that Survivors stay in the Center for as short a time as relevant prior to family reunification or alternative care placement. A Survivor’s stay at the center should be approximately 4-6 weeks and should never exceed 12 weeks except in extreme insecurity and difficulty in placement. To assure the Survivor’s stay in the Center is within this timeframe, family tracing should begin as soon as the documentation is completed; and if family reunification is not possible within 4-6 weeks for any reason (including tracing efforts hindered by the security situation), alternative care arrangements should begin to be explored.


RECORDS AND RECORD KEEPING

The following records of Residents at the Center will be properly stored at the Center according to national standards

Shelters should take precautions to protect residents’ safety and confidentiality by not disclosing information about residents to anyone and restricting access to resident files.

1. The Residents’ personal data 2. The Residents’ medical reports 3. Reports of Referrals 4. The Residents’ Progress report 5. Services provided 6. Follow-up records

Inspection and Reports 1. Staff should conduct daily roll call of Residents 2. Staff should have shift reports when they hand over 3. Inspection of facilities should be conducted and documented 4. Appropriate Government Agencies should inspect the areas of concern

Parents and Relatives (Meetings) 1. Meetings with Parents and other relatives will be determined based on:

• Interviews with Resident (after conducting a safety assessment) • Interviews with selected relatives (chosen by the survivor)

2. Meetings between Resident and Family member must take place outside of the Center, in a neutral space which should be:

• Safe • Confidential • Child friendly • Limited distractions

3. All meetings must have a social worker from the Center present and ready to intervene as necessary


4. Any abuser, whether the primary caregiver or other will not have access to the Resident

5. The Organization running the Center will be responsible for picking up the relatives and carrying him or her to and from the meeting place. The relative will not know the location of the meeting place before hand.

Community Reintegration and Follow-up:

1. Social Workers will assess the safety and security concerns of each Resident to determine an appropriate reintegration strategy.

2. Social Workers and other staff will have identified existing social support structures within survivors’ communities to assist with long term follow-up and to ensure survivors’ well-being.

3. The Center’s Social Workers will link with existing psychosocial support organizations in the survivors’ communities.

4. Where possible Social Workers will provide follow-up services through weekly sessions over a three-month period from the time of release from the Center.

5. Organizations running Centers should aim to build community capacity to support survivors/residents, including addressing education and employment concerns.

6. The Center will provide relocation services as necessary.

Closure of the Center

1. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (Department of Social Welfare), and the Ministry of Gender and Development (Gender Based Violence Unit) through trusted female representatives will be responsible to make regular and random inspection and will have authority to close the Home or Center if it is not adhering to these Guidelines and their own guidelines for welfare institutions

2. The Residents in the Center at the time of closure must be referred and transported to another Safe Home or Rehabilitation Center that is adhering to the Guidelines (the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare)


OPERATIONAL POLICY GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH SURVIVORS AT THE SHELTER

1. Services and support available at the Shelter will be made available to each client according to their assessed needs. These services include, but are not limited to provision of basic needs such as clothing, food and boarding facilities. In addition, Counselling, Case Management, accompaniment and follow-up, links with medical, legal, police, pastoral care, psychological, educational or skills training services will also be made available depending on the particular needs of a client.

2. Clients’ are expected to stay up to three months from the date of admission to the Shelter. However,

each case will be assessed before a decision is taken on extending the stay of the client or otherwise. Considerations for extending the stay of a client include the assessment of the level of risk/danger to the client from a perpetrator or immediate availability of support and care from family at the end of the period of stay, among other considerations.

3. Network partners (organizations such as the police or other NGOs) who refer clients to Safe Home

for shelter are expected to follow-up on their clients, particularly to continue the actions necessary to ensure that a referred clients’ case is brought to a successful closure. In this regard, network partners are expected to work collaboratively with staff of the Institution to ensure the welfare of the client and follow-up of their cases. Safe Home staffs are expected to remind referring agencies about their responsibility and to follow-up with them.

4. For the purpose of confidentiality about the location of the Shelter, members of the community where

the Shelter is located and its immediate environs shall not be admitted to the Shelter. Such cases will be referred for assistance to other community services or network partners.

5. Network partners in the community (teachers, pastors, local police and individuals) within which the

Shelter is located should not be encouraged to report cases directly to the Shelter staff. If this happens, Shelter staff is to immediately refer the person reporting to community agencies or structures, such as the Police/WACPS, available counselling services or respected community elders or Relevant Agency involve in GBV work.


The Rules of the Center and Conditions for Stay Welcome to the Center for the Rehabilitation of Women and Girls who are Victims of Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence. We hope that your stay at the Center will be peaceful and productive. In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all Center’s Residents and Staff, the following rules apply to all the Center’s Residents and must be adhered to:

1. You must not disclose the location of the Center to anyone. The Center’s location is confidential and it is prohibited to disclose the location of the Center.

2. You must not engage in any act of theft, violence, willful destruction of property, or any other illegal act during

your stay in the Center. Physical attacks or assaults between Residents or from the Residents on the Staff or other residents are prohibited.

3. Possession of drugs, alcohol and/or weapons of any kind is not allowed in the Center. You will be denied

entry into or evicted from the house if you have been using intoxicating substances on or away from the Center’s premises.

4. The Staff must be informed if you are taking any medications. The drugs must be turned over to the Staff who

will in turn lock them up. You will receive your prescribed doses on the schedule recommended by your doctor.

5. You are not allowed to spend nights away from the Center. Bed space is extremely valuable. We cannot

save a space for you if you have other housing options.

6. You are allowed to bring only essential personal items to the Center. You will not hold the Center or its Staff or collaborating partners responsible for any claim or loss to your possessions or property from destruction, theft, misplacement, or any other cause.

7. For your safety and the safety of others, you may not have contact in person or by phone with any current or

past abusive partners while in residence at the Center. The Center Staff will provide information about restraining orders if this is an appropriate option for your situation.

8. The premises of the Center must at all times be kept clean. You are responsible for keeping yourself and your

space clean and tidy. All the Center’s Residents are expected to assist with outside maintenance, including keeping walkways and driveways clean and raking the yards, unless a physical disability prohibits participation

9. During your stay in the Center, money may not be lent or borrowed from other Residents or the Staff of the

Center.


10. Eating and drinking are only permitted in the kitchen or dining area, and sleeping is permitted only in assigned sleeping areas, not in common areas of the house; such as bedroom.

11. Limit necessary phone calls to five (5) minutes maximum time. Provide the Center with the names of authorized callers and your relationship to them. Should someone call other than Staff or noted relative, please do not indicate that you are in the Center and you should notify the Center’s staff of the call as soon as possible.

12. House meetings with the Center’s Manager are mandatory and will be scheduled with all Residents. You are expected to be up and dressed by 6:00 a.m. each day to help you make progress toward your goals

13. For the safety of all the Center’s Residents, should you witness another Resident breaking a rule, you are expected to inform the Center Manager of the Resident’s mistake.

14. At the end of your stay at the Center, a Staff member must be present when you check out of the Center. The Staff member has the option of checking your personal possessions. Check out can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

15. You must participate in programmes and activities arranged for Residents of the Center, including collective household duties, and show daily progress toward the goals you establish when you entered registered with the Center.

Disciplinary Actions that will be applied for breaking the Rules: 1. For discourteous behavior, insulting the Staff of the Center and other Residents, going out of the Center

without permission (Action: one verbal warning, one written warning on your file, and dismissal or eviction after a third written warning).

2. For a quarrelsome disposition and use of vulgar language (Action: one verbal warning, one written warning on your file, and dismissal or eviction after a third warning).

3. For revealing the location of the Center (Action: one written warning on your file, and dismissal or eviction after at the second warning).

4. For being in possession of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, coke and other hard drugs (Action: automatic dismissal or eviction from the Center).

5. Being in possession of alcohol beverages (Action: one verbal warning, one written warning on your file, and dismissal or eviction after a third warning).

6. Physically engaging in a fight with another Resident or a Staff of the Center (Action: one verbal warning, one written warning on your file, and dismissal or eviction after a third warning.).

7. Stealing – subject to an enquiry to establish the fact (Action: dismissal or eviction from the Center). 8. For sexual abuse by a Resident of another Resident (Action: dismissal or eviction). 9. For conspiracy or mutiny with others to physically or verbally attack a Staff or Officers of the Center (Action:

dismissal or eviction). I ___________________________ have read and understand the above rules and conditions for stay at the Center and agree to abide by them ________________________________ _______________________________________ Resident’s Name (printed in bold letters) Date ________________________________ _______________________________________ ____________ Resident’s Signature Name and signature of Center Staff Date

Emergency Contact:


Name: _______________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number 1: ___________________________ Relationship: _________________________________

Phone Number 2: ___________________________ Relationship: _________________________________

Center for the Rehabilitation of

Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence ADULT Registration/Admission Form

Date: ________________________ Name: ________________________ ______________________________ ____________________ First Name Middle Name Surname Date of Birth: ____/____/____/ Age: _______ Tribe: _______________Nationality: ____________ (M) (D) ( Y) Height: ______ Weight: ______ Complexion: _________ Color of Hair: ________ Special mark:__________ Who are you living with: Father ( ) Mother ( ) Boyfriend ( ) Fiancé ( ) Husband ( ) other ( ) Home Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Where Are You from (County/District) ________________________________________________________ Marital Status: Married ( ) Single ( ) Widow ( ) Divorced ( ) Separated ( ) Living Together ( ) Children ages living with you: 0 – 5 ( ) 5-10 ( ) 10 – 18 ( ) In case of emergency who to contact: Name: ____________________________ Phone # _____________________ Relationship: _____________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Are you employed: Yes ( ) No ( ) If “yes” employer’s name and address:_______________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person/organization who referred you to the Center:_______________ Relationship:____________ Did you receive the Center’s rules? Yes ( ) No ( ) Do you understand them? Yes ( ) No ( )


List of Accompanied children/child and personal possessions which you brought with you: _______________________________________________________________________________________ What are your hobbies? __________________________________________________________________ Signed: ___________________________ __________________________________ Name of Resident/Date Name of Center Staff/Date

Center for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence

CHILD Registration/Admission Form Date: ________________________ Name: ________________________ ______________________ ____________________________ First Name Middle Name Surname Date of Birth: ____/____/____/ Age: _______ Ethnicity: ____________Nationality: ____________ Height: _________ Weight: ________ Complexion: ____________Color of Hair: ___________ Who are you living with: Father ( ) Mother ( ) Boyfriend ( ) Fiancé ( ) Grandmother ( ) Grandfather ( ) Uncle ( ) Aunt ( ) Home Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Marital Status: Married ( ) Single ( ) Do you have children: Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, their ages: 0 – 5 ( ) 5-10 ( ) In case of emergency who to contact: Name:_____________________________ Phone # _____________________ Relationship: ____________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Are you in School: Yes ( ) No ( ) If “yes” name of School and location _________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Are you employed: Yes ( ) No ( ) If “yes” employer’s name and address:_______________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person/organization who referred you to the Center: ____________________ Relationship: ______________ Did you receive the Center’s rules? Yes ( ) No ( ) Do you understand them? Yes ( ) No ( )


List of Personal Possessions which you brought with you: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your hobbies? _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Signed: _________________________ ________________________________ ____________________ Name of Resident Name /Title of Center Staff Date

Centers for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence

Supplies Issued Form

Date: ________________________ I ____________________________________ hereby acknowledge that I received the below listed items: ITEM QUANTITY

RECEIVED CONDITION WHEN RECEIVED

Date CONDITION WHEN RETURNED

Date

Bed sheet Bath towels Hair dressing oil Tooth paste Comb Bath soap Tooth brush Blouse Dress Skirt Baby diaper Toilet tissue Sanitary Napkins Others

________________________________

Signature of Resident


Name and Signature of Center Staff


Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence

DISCHARGE/ FOLLOW-UP/PLANNING FORM

Resident’s Name ____________________________ Admission Date ____________________

Address________________________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone No: __________________________ Name of Contact Person___________________________

Financial Status _________________________________________________________________________

Legal Arrangements______________________________________________________________________

Medical Arrangements____________________________________________________________________

Counseling status________________________________________________________________________

Childcare/School _________________________________________________________________________

Parenting_______________________________________________________________________________

Reason for Discharge _____________________________________________________________________

Follow-up Needed________________________________________________________________________

Notes on Follow-up_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Date of next visit _________________________________________________________________________

Date of Closure__________________________________________________________________________


Name and Signature of Social Worker/Center Staff ____________________Position:___________________

Date ___________________________



Warning form

Resident ________________________________________ has broken the following rules of the Center:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The broken rules, issues involved and the consequences have been discussed between the Resident and the Staff of the Center.

Resident’s Name/Signature Date

Name and Signature of Staff Date




TERMINATION OF STAY

Date of Termination: _________________________________ Time of Termination: ______________

Resident’s Name ___________________________________________________

Note: Your stay at the Center has been terminated for the following reason(s):

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Based on the above reason(s) you are NOT eligible for readmission.

Name of Staff Member Date

Signature of Staff Member/Print

I have received a copy of the Termination of Stay:

Name and Signature of the Resident Date

Approved:

Center Manager Date


MONITORING CHECKLIST FOR SAFE HOME

Date of monitoring visit: ______________________

Name of Safe Home: _____________________________________ County: _________________ A. Check list 1. All safe house staff recruited and at work…………………………………………………. 2. All staff trained in child Rights and Protection…………………………………………. 3. All Social Worker and care givers are trained on Provision of Psychosocial care and support

services……………………………………………………………………………..

4. All supplies available and are in stock and necessary supplies for clients are issued.…………………......................................................................................................

5. All rooms are spacious and suitable for clients with individual bed, mattresses, bed sheets, mosquito

nets……………………………………………………………………………. 6. Safe House is secure in a concrete fence, with window bars, window screen, fire extinguisher and a clear

evacuation plan……………………………………………….

7. Safe house is spacious for recreation and outdoor games/activities………………… 8. Clients have regular meals three times a day……………………………………………....

9. Safe House has access to water that is safe for drinking and hygiene Purposes…… B. Remarks/Follow up Action:

Name of Monitoring Officer 1:__________________________ Agency: _________________ Name of Monitoring Officer 2:__________________________ Agency: _________________


I. Guidelines for Referral and Case Management of SGBV Cases Identified by Partner/Agency (NGO, INGO) where the survivor is referred for medical treatment.

A. Diagram illustrates the movement of survivor between facilities:

B. Referral Steps: Before Entering the Safe Home 1) A survivor of SGBV is identified by Partner/ Agency (NGO, INGO). 2) The Partner/Agency social worker is assigned to take on the case management. 3) The Partner/Agency social worker refers patient to Hospital and provides background

information on protection concerns to both Hospital and Safe Home social worker. 4) After initial medical treatment, Hospitals refers survivor to Safe Home. During the Safe Home: 5) Safe Home social worker informs the Partner/Agency GBV manager1, including anticipated

length of stay. 6) Medication is monitored by Safe Home social worker. The survivor remains in the safe home

until receiving medical clearance (all medication and appointments with hospital are completed). Safe Home social worker will accompany survivor on medical appointments and inform GBV manager on progress.

7) If the survivor has reported or decides to report the case to the police, Safe Home social

worker will facilitate the process and accompany survivor to the police and inform the Partner/Agency GBV manager.

8) If the survivor needs to go to court the Safe Home social worker will accompany the survivor

and inform the Partner/Agency GBV manager. 9) After Hospital gives medical clearance, the Partner Agency social worker and Safe Home

social worker assess protection and psychosocial concerns to determine if the survivor can re-enter the community or in extreme cases, relocation2.

10) Safe Home social worker informs WACPS/LNP and Hospital (if necessary) of decision about re-

entry/relocation.

1 GBV manager informs the social worker assigned to the case (repeat for steps 6, 7 and 8). 2 Relocation should only be considered as a last option and partners to clarify their capacity to support this alternative.

LNP-WACPS

Hospital

Survivor Identified

Safe Home

Partner


After Discharge from the Safe Home 11) The Partner/Agency social worker facilitates and accompanies survivor with re-entry into the

community or relocation. 12) The Partner/Agency social worker continues with follow-up of survivor.


II. Guidelines for Referral and Case Management of SGBV Cases Identified by the WACPS/LNP, External clinic, Safe Home or Hospital where the survivor is referred for medical treatment.

A. Diagram illustrates the movement of survivor between facilities: B. Referral Steps: Before Entering the Safe Home: 1) A survivor of SGBV is identified by Hospital, WACPS- LNP, an external clinic or Safe House. 2) LNP, external clinic or Safe House refers survivor to Hospital3. 3) Hospital refers survivor to Safe house. During the Safe Home: 4) Safe Home social worker takes on responsibility of Case Management. 5) If the survivor gives their consent, Safe Home case worker informs the NGO social worker in the

community where SGBV occurred. 6) Medication is monitored by Safe Home case worker. The survivor remains in the Safe Home

until receiving medical clearance (all medication and appointments with hospital are completed). Safe Home case worker will accompany survivor on medical appointments.

7) If the survivor decides to report the case to the police, Safe Home Social Worker will facilitate

the process and accompany survivor with the police and inform the NGO social worker4. 8) If the survivor needs to go to court the Safe Home case worker will accompany the survivor

and inform the NGO social worker. 9) After Hospital gives medical clearance, Safe Home case worker and NGO social worker

assess protection and psychosocial concerns to determine if the survivor can re-enter the community or in extreme cases, relocation5.

10) Safe Homee social worker informs WACPS/LNP and Hospital (if necessary) of decision about re-entry/relocation.

After Discharge from the Safe Home: 3 Lack of transport on weekends/after hours should not be a deterrent for getting survivor to medical treatment immediately. 4 NGO social worker referenced in steps 7-12 will be contacted only with the survivor’s written consent. 5Relocation should only be considered as a last option and partners to clarify their capacity to support this alternative.

External clinic Hospital

Survivor Identified

Safe Home LNP-WACPS


11) Safe Home or Partner/Agency Case worker facilitates and accompanies survivor with re-entry into the community or relocation.

12) Safe Home or Partner/Agency Continues with Follow-up of the survivor ANNEX:

A. Matrix of districts/counties of NGO social workers, including contact information. B. Description of services and contact Information of all Referral Partners. C. Criteria for referral from Hospital to Safe Home. D. Checklist for Case Management at Safe Home. E. Checklist for Case Management by an NGO. F. Consent form for Safe Home to contact a NGO social worker. G. WACPS/LNP Referral Sheet


Developed by the Gender Based Violence Inter-agency Task Force with support from UNICEF Liberia.

CASE MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST

FOR SAFE HOMES

Initial Referral Agency: ______________ County: _________ Date______ Social/Case Worker: ___________Tele#:__________ Referral Agency: ________________________

County: ____________________________ Date: ________________________ Child Reference #:_________________ Sex: Male □ Female □

Name of Case Worker_____________________________________ Telephone #_______________________

Checklist Yes No Actions Taken/ to be taken Complete by

(Date) Action Officer/Social

Worker

General

1. Is there a social worker assigned to this case?

2. Has a Case file been open for the client?

3. Are the necessary documentation forms placed in the case file? See Attached Forms

4. Is the file secure in a locked cabinet?

5. Has the client been taken in for a medical

examination?




Worker 6. Is the client on treatment?

7. Are there any other medical concerns for follow up?

8. Is the schedule for administration of medication

available?

9. Is the social worker monitoring the medication?

10. Has the NGO or referral Agencies been inform

about the anticipated length of stay of the survivor at the Safe home?

11. If the client needs to go to court is the date and

schedule available?

12. Has the Social Worker accompanied the Client to the Court or the Police station?

13. Does the social worker review the case file and update and document the progress of the client?

14. Does the client participate in individual or group counseling?

15. Is the client involved in psychosocial and life skill activities organized at the home?




Worker Reunification:

16. Are all medical appointments completed?

17. Has the hospital given the client medical clearance?

18. Has the assessment of the protection and psychosocial concerns for re-entry into the community been conducted?

19. Has there been proper Family Tracing action taken and the community found Safe for return?

20. Have the Supervisors from both agencies signed and approve the joint assessment form?

21. Was reunification recommended by the two supervisors?

22. Has the social worker inform the following groups on the outcome of the assessment?

LNP HOSPITAL NGO Other, Please Specify

23. Has the hospital been informed about the plan reunification?




Worker 24. Has the child and family been prepared for

reunification?

25. Have you ensure that parents sign the Reunification Form?

26. Is the new environment safe for the client?

27. Is there a schedule for follow-up to the client? ( If the client is under 18 years these needs to arranged with the Family)

28. Since Reunification has there been any follow up visit?

General Comments: Name(s) of Monitoring Staff: ___________________________ Date: ___________________

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE

CERTIFICATE OF ACCREDITATION FOR SAFE HOME

The Gender Based Violence Task Force as authorized by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare

herewith confirms that

is in compliance with the basic criteria required by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and has been accredited to operate Safe Home for Abused Women and Children

Signed: _________________________________ MINISTER

Ministry of Health & Social Welfare __________________________________________ _________________________________________

ISSUED EXPIRES

FINAL NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR CENTERS FOR THE ... · These Guidelines for centers for the rehabilitation of survivors of gender based violence and the accompanying hand book of rules

Documents