CROSSROADS is a trauma informed reflective parenting program for parents/children who have been impacted by domestic and family violence. Through education and healing parenting approaches, we aim to stop the intergenerational cycle of domestic and family violence.

CROSSROADS highlights the harmful impact of domestic and family violence on children and young people. It seeks to offer trauma informed information and strategies for parents and carers. They develop their knowledge and skills in responding in positive and nurturing ways to meet the needs of their children, so that the cycle of domestic and family violence is ended.

CROSSROADS has a strong focus on the issues of attachment, particularly the protective capacity that secure attachment brings to children and young people. CROSSROADS aims to support carers to build healthy attachment for the children in their care and promotes the use of Play, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy (PACE) to assist with this (Hughes, 2004). The program also draws on the Safe and Together which is a framework for an all-of-family approach to domestic violence that focuses on the perpetrator’s pattern of abuse and control.

CROSSROADS was developed in collaboration between Inala Community House and Red Rose Foundation and funded by the Queensland Government. CROSSROADS is informed by current research, theories and practises related to domestic and family violence, trauma, attachment, and the rights of children and young people. CROSSROADS applies the principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment and being responsive to cultural needs, as well as safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child.

CROSSROADS is designed for practitioners working with Parents and/or Carers whose children have experienced Domestic and Family Violence. CROSSROADS has been designed to run over 6 x 90-minute workshops which are delivered by practitioners to carers or parents in a flexible way, either in a one or one or group setting.

CROSSROADS is designed to be delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners with the following knowledge and skills base:

• Understanding of the dimensions and dynamics of domestic and family violence
• Knowledge of the traumatic impacts of domestic and family violence on people, especially children
• Cultural competence and ways of working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Excellent communication skills
• An understanding of and respect for professional boundaries.

Over two half-days, practitioners will be provided with the evidenced-based tools and resources to deliver the CROSSROADS 6-module workshop style program to Parents/Carers.

Each workshop is designed to help parents/carers understand more about the dynamics and effects of domestic and family violence and to build their confidence in responding to their children’s varied needs. CROSSROADS has been designed to be delivered flexibly with support of PowerPoint presentations. Each workshop provides presenters notes to guide the facilitator through each workshop. Throughout each workshop, participants will be given opportunities to explore the content through discussions, reflection activities, viewing videos, and facilitator conversations.