Client Resources

Safety planning

A safety plan is a set of decisions made in advance, while you are thinking clearly, about what you will do if things escalate. An advocate will build one with you free of charge — whether or not you intend to leave.

A plan usually covers: where you would go, who you would tell, what you would take, how you would get there, and what you would do about children, pets, medication, and money.

Protective orders

A protective order is a court order limiting what an abuser may do — where they can go, whether they can contact you, and whether they can possess a firearm. In Texas you can apply through the county or district attorney’s office, or with a private attorney, and Families In Crisis advocates can accompany you to court.

Call us before you file. There are choices in how an application is worded that are much easier to make with someone experienced sitting beside you.

Crime victims’ compensation

The Texas Office of the Attorney General may reimburse crime victims for medical and counseling bills, lost wages, relocation costs, and more. Our advocates help clients complete these applications. Program details at the Attorney General’s office.

What to expect at shelter

TODO for staff: this is the highest-value section on the site for the people you serve, and only you can write it accurately. Cover: how long people typically stay, whether children and teenage sons are accepted, pets, curfew, chores, whether people can keep working or go to school, what is provided, and what the rules are. Survivors delay calling because they do not know these answers.

Confidentiality

What you tell an advocate stays with Families In Crisis. We do not share client information without your written consent, except where the law requires it — for example suspected abuse of a child or an elderly or disabled person. Ask an advocate to explain exactly what those limits mean before you tell them anything you are unsure about.