Code of Maine Rules
03 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
201 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS/GENERAL
Chapter 15 - BATTERER INTERVENTION PROGRAM CERTIFICATION
Section 201-15-3 - Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Abuse

Universal Citation: 03 ME Code Rules ยง 201-15-3

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

3.1 Goals

A. A coordinated community response to domestic abuse occurs when diverse segments of a community work together for two common goals:
1. the safety of the victims of domestic abuse; and

2. to end domestic abuse.

3.2 Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Abuse

A. During development, implementation, and evaluation of BIPrograms, BIProgram staff must consult, cooperate, and coordinate with representatives of the following agencies and organizations:
1. domestic violence centers;

2. the judicial system;

3. local law enforcement;

4. health and human service agencies; and

5. community corrections.

B. During development, implementation, and evaluation of BIPrograms, BIProgram staff are encouraged to consult, cooperate, and coordinate with representatives of the following agencies and organizations:
1. other certified BIPrograms;

2. victims of domestic violence;

3. schools, including community adult education programs;

4. hospital emergency departments;

5. groups working with victims of child abuse;

6. groups working with victims of sexual violence;

7. groups coordinating supervised visitation;

8. groups providing services to diverse populations; and/or

9. other related services.

3.3 BIProgram - DVC Collaboration

A. The BIProgram shall acknowledge the experience of victims, who are experts on their own safety, and the important role of the DVC in responding to domestic abuse through:
1. consulting with the local DVC on all written curricula, publications, and public relations materials of the BIProgram;

2. publicly acknowledging the contributions of the battered women's movement to their efforts and that BIPrograms exist in support of the goals of the DVC;

3. consultation with the local DVC when seeking funds in a way that competes with funding for DVC;

4. always encouraging victims to contact their local DVC;

5. inviting the local DVC advocates to attend BIProgram groups;

6. participation in a community response to domestic abuse; and

7. negotiating an ongoing working relationship with the local DVC and accepting feedback in order to hold themselves accountable to the battered women's movement, acknowledging that a working relationship may go beyond these standards.

3.4 Partner Contacts

A. A partner contact is the verbal and/or written exchange of information between a victim and a designated representative of the local DVC.

B. The purpose of the partner contact is to provide the victim with:
1. support and validation;

2. information about the BIProgram;

3. information about the local resources for victims;

4. assistance in developing a safety plan; and

5. information about the DVC as an ongoing resource for victims.

C. Within seven days of enrollment in the BIProgram, unless the time frame is modified by any working agreement with the local DVC, the BIProgram shall provide the local DVC with the names and addresses of:
1. the domestic abuse offender enrolled in its program;

2. any adult or child victim identified in available police reports and/or court proceedings; and

3. current partner of the domestic abuse offender.

D. The BIProgram must never initiate written or verbal contact with victims except in the following situations:
1. when a victim may be in jeopardy (verbal communication only);

2. notification of the domestic abuse offender's admission into the BIProgram (written communication only);

3. notification of when the domestic abuse offender is discharged from the BIProgram (written communication only); and

4. when a change in the format of BIProgram classes is required as outlined in section 11.

E. In no case is a BIProgram to initiate contact with a victim if such contact would jeopardize the safety of the victim or domestic abuse offender or violate federal or state confidentiality laws.

F. Should a victim initiate contact with a BIProgram, the victim must always be referred to the local DVC for supportive services.

3.5 Financial Responsibility for BIProgram - DVC Collaboration

A. Costs incurred by the DVC for providing services to partners in the context of their outreach efforts will be the responsibility of the DVC.

B. Any costs incurred as the result of supervision, training, and/or monitoring by the DVC or a third party monitor of the BIProgram shall be reimbursed by the BIProgram.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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