On May 22, 2024, HHS Regional Director Joseph Palm, ACF Regional Administrator Barbara Lacina, and Region 7 Office of Child Support Services Program Specialist Jeff Stocks, visited the Rose Brooks Center, a domestic violence shelter in Kansas City, Missouri. Zak Wilson from Missouri’s Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence also attended. The visit was recommended by the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) as the shelter receives partial funding from ACF and is supported by the Missouri Department of Social Services.
The Rose Brooks Center provides a 24/7 emergency shelter with comprehensive services such as safety planning, medical care, counseling, substance abuse treatment, children’s programs, and support with employment and housing. It is known for allowing individuals seeking shelter to bring their pets, recognizing that fear for their pets' safety can be a barrier to leaving a violent situation. The center also collaborates with local pet shelters to identify potential domestic violence situations when pets are surrendered.
The shelter is secure with 24-hour guarded security near a police substation, yet it maintains a welcoming environment with outdoor spaces, an emotional support dog named Cooper, and rose bushes. The staff discussed their practices, including partnerships with hospitals and the police for referrals, and highlighted challenges like funding limitations and the need for affordable housing for transitioning residents.
The team appreciated the opportunity to showcase their work, learn about efforts in the field, and were particularly impressed by the Office of Child Support Services’ focus on domestic violence awareness training. They discussed future collaborations between the Rose Brooks Center and Missouri Child Support Services, as well as plans to connect with other relevant agencies like SAMHSA and HRSA.