Review of Community Efforts

RCW 70.190.110

Review of Community Efforts is an evaluative process that uses parents and citizen perspective, professional expertise and  data to assess effectiveness of, and potential improvements to, services and other efforts affecting individuals, families, and/or communities.  The process demonstrates consideration of local values and strengths, key questions derived from statute, at least one state or federally funded program, and Family Policy Council guidance.

One such Review process has been in operation in Federal Way since October 2004.  The community chose to review its responses to children who are exposed to domestic violence.  A Steering Committee of key organizational and city leaders and a Community Team of key grassroots, schools  and service providers leaders has developed an impressive plan to reduce the impact of domestic violence on children from the 9-1-1- call on.

The Review effort will be continued in 2007 with the formation of a new partnership in Tukwila.

To Date Results from Federal Way Review

• A vehicle through which attention was focused on the impact of domestic violence on children.

• A thorough review of felony domestic violence cases that involved children, providing an objective basis from which to consider needed changes
• Experience in the Review process and valuable lessons to apply elsewhere
• A major focus on children exposed to domestic violence with leadership from top city officials (chief of police, deputy chief, deputy major, and city council member) and key community leaders (school district deputy superintendent, mental health center chief operating officer, and CPS supervisor)
• Revision of domestic violence police reports with emphasis on capturing data on children
• Revision of computerized data base to include information on children
• Updated training of all patrol roll calls to reinforce the important of carefully documenting the presence of children at domestic violence incidents
• New ordinance adding a separate misdemeanor offense for the commission of domestic violence in the presence of children.
• New ordinance adding a separate misdemeanor offense for strangulation during a domestic violence incident
• Improved relationships between Regional Justice Center Prosecuting Attorney staff and Federal Way Police Department for domestic violence cases, as well as other felonies
• Improved ability of Prosecuting Attorney staff to prosecute cases
• Improved relationships between Federal Way Police Department and Child Protective Services staff
• Improved relationships among other members of Steering Committee and Community Team
• A broad-based Community Team is drafting recommendations for a broader community response that goes beyond city departments.