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926 Chapter 5:Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) Program • Section 9: Co-located domestic violence advocates (07/2026) Self-Sufficiency cannot share any information with the co-located DV advocate until an MSC 3010 is signed. Once ODHS has a signed MSC 3010, ODHS is permitted to share the specific information listed in the release with the co-located DV advocate. The signed ODHS release does not mean the advocates are able to share information with ODHS. The advocates can take in the information ODHS shares and can answer hypothetical questions. Due to privilege and federal funding, co-located DV advocates are not able to share information with ODHS or anyone without their own completed release of information, meeting requirements below. Informed release of information ensures survivor consent in how their information is shared. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) federal requirements mandate the co-located DV advocates to have releases that are: • Signed in person, with the survivor and the advocate present • Time sensitive (usually 30 days) • Specific:
Must include what specific information is to be shared.
Must include with which specific individual(s) the information can be shared. The co-located DV advocates must use their own release. ODHS releases will not cover the requirements for the advocates. The survivor can revoke a release at any time. If this happens, the advocate cannot share any information, including the fact that the release was revoked. Engaging together with the advocate and survivor The co-located DV advocate is available for hypothetical conversations, when ODHS would like another opinion, and to be engaged in ODHS employees’ conversations with survivors. The advocates can be a part of staff meetings for DV expertise on questions and can be invited to join conversations with survivors. There are many ways to open the conversation to engage an advocate and help enhance support and resources for survivors: • Invite the advocate into safety planning conversations with the survivor. • Ask hypothetical questions when struggling to create a safety plan. • Engage the advocates during case reviews or meetings. • Begin the discussion when a survivor is approved or denied for TA-DVS. • Start the conversation anytime a survivor would like support. It is a best practice for ODHS to meet with the survivor and the co-located DV advocate together. This opens the door for more support, having domestic violence expertise and giving a warm hand-off for the survivor. Do not forget to ask the survivor first if they are okay having an advocate present. After the joint conversation, provide a confidential location for the survivor and the advocate to further the safety plan.