In 1995, Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) created ChildNet, a collaborative effort that brought together organizations that assist victims of domestic violence and their families. This program addresses not just the legal implications of domestic violence but takes a comprehensive approach to helping the victim and her/his family by turning them into survivors. BALS joined forces with The Spring of Tampa Bay (a domestic violence shelter that provides in depth case management), The Child Protection Team of Tampa General Hospital, and The Harrell Center for the Study of Domestic Violence (a research group that tracks the progress of the clients) to create a network of services. The partnership ensures that clients of BALS receive the services, both legal and otherwise, that they need. Through ChildNet, this coalition developed a housing initiative to address the housing needs of domestic violence victims and provide information and counseling on where and how to find affordable housing.
Contact Information:
Joan Boles Bay Area Legal Services Riverbrook Center, 2nd Floor 829 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Tampa, Florida 33603 Phone: (813) 232-1343 Fax: (813) 232-1403 jboles@bals.org
LSC:
America's Partner for Equal Justice 
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