Family violence has no home in Collin County, but hope does…

The Collin County Council on Family Violence has brought together a multitude of agencies that work together to eliminate and respond to family violence in our community.  Through this effort, the Collin County Coordinated Response Plan (click here to view) was created.  Our inter-agency approach will continue to grow and change as necessary in response to community needs.

History
In May 1999, the Junior League of Plano began researching services, processes and procedures related to family violence in Collin County. In November of 1999, the JLP held the “Key to a Safer Community: Reducing Family Violence” workshop for community leaders with over 150 participants.

On March 2 nd, 2000, Collin County community leaders met at the JLP office to participate in a professionally facilitated half-day retreat, “Reducing Family Violence by Evolving a Process of Closer Cooperation.” Participants committed to working together and developed a vision statement.

In July of 2001, the Collin County Council on Family Violence was established and began meeting monthly to create stronger partnerships between agencies and organizations to more effectively combat family violence.

The Council collaborated to develop the Collin County Community Coordinated Response Plan, which serves as the blueprint for the public response to family violence in our community. The response plan was presented to the public at a community event on October 2, 2002, entitled “Laying the Foundation: Presenting the Community Coordinated Response Plan.” First Lady Anita Perry was the guest of honor at the event and commended the Council on its efforts to address the family violence crisis in Texas.

Nationally known facilitator, Maridel Moulton conducted a workshop with the Council and community leaders entitled “Next Steps: Beyond the Community Response Plan.” The workshop was the springboard for the Council’s strategic long range planning, which culminated in a three year strategic plan unanimously adopted by the Council in June 2003.

In October 2003, the Council hosted its first Facing Family Violence conference. The two day conference featured eighteen professionals including three nationally known keynote speakers addressing child abuse, elder abuse, partner abuse and sexual assault. The Council has been commended for its multidisciplinary approach to professional education.

Noteworthy items

• Eight teams working together to create and utilize the Collin County Coordinated Response Plan including representatives from social services, education, workplace, faith community, law enforcement, prosecution, community supervision and corrections, and healthcare.
• The Council has initiated a public awareness and education campaign to raise awareness of family violence in Collin County.
• Council website ( www.ccc-fv.org ).
• Collin County Community Coordinated Response Plan presented to public in October 2002.
• Committee researching collaborative housing for countywide services for family violence.
• Five site visits to cities with family advocacy centers by delegations of the Council.
• Council hosts annual Facing Family Violence conference in October.
• Creation of database for uniform reporting of statistics and tracking of family violence cases in Collin County.
• Evaluation of the Community Coordinated Response Plan and the effectiveness of the Council.
• Creation of a vision for the Collin County Family Justice Center.