Specifically, the nature of domestic violence cases such as this, creates conflict as the worker is placed in a position to decide between engagement and relationship building with the mother, in addition to ensuring child safety, versus putting continued resources into locating and engaging the father, when his whereabouts are unknown. Reference: Family Assessment Response Best Practice Guidance, DV Guidance, Engaging Fathers

The worker was unsuccessful in her initial reach out to the mother by phone after receiving the case, requiring her to make an unannounced visit in order to meet the 5 day response guidelines, which are mandated by MN Statute 626.556 as well as DHS guidance. This trade off resulted in the worker prioritizing the face to face contact with the mother to ensure she met timelines with the alleged victims and, thus, being unable to coordinate having both the mother and father present at the visit. Legislatively mandated withhold funds further influenced the worker making that trade-off decision.