F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 1

F.A.S.T.(Family Access Services Toronto)

Year 2 Final Report for June 2016 – March 2017

March 27, 2017Prepared for Victim Services Toronto

Evaluator: Jonquil Eyre, jeyre@sympatico.ca

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 2

Contents

Introduction 3

Data Collection Methods 3

Data Analysis 4

Client Perspective 6

Service Organization Perspective 9

Influence of F.A.S.T. on TPS work 14

Influence of F.A.S.T. on the Justice System 15

Conclusion 15

Appendix - Guiding Questions for Steering Committee Interviews 16

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 3

Introduction

Victim Services Toronto (VST) and Toronto Police Service (TPS), in collaboration with partners, implemented F.A.S.T. (Family Access Services Toronto) in Division 23 in Rexdale, Toronto during the two years, 2015-2017. F.A.S.T. built on the success and efficacy demonstrated by the Scarborough Family Justice Initiative (SFJI) Pilot Project conducted in Division 41 in 2012-2014.

Key elements of F.A.S.T. replicated SFJI best practices and communication protocols. F.A.S.T. tested the SFJI assertion that a mobile response of the Advocate and other service partners broke more barriers than other co-location models for women who are vulnerable due to trauma, fear and coping with systemic barriers. Advocates either brought the services to the client, or brought the client to the services, thereby ensuring linkages were made. The overarching goal of F.A.S.T. was for women and their children to be living free of abuse.

Steering Committee organizations and formal project partners included Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAST), Etobicoke Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), Etobicoke Probation North, Etobicoke Criminal Court Assistant Crown Attorney, Women at the Centre, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), Victim Services Toronto, and The Toronto Police Service.

Data Collection Methods

Stakeholders Methodology

Clients who are survivors of domestic violence who take up the F.A.S.T. service

• Electronic tracking system that includes services accepted and declined by clients

• Exit questionnaire conducted by phone or in person with consenting participants by an Advocate

VST management staff and Advocates

• Electronic survey• Phone interviews (see appendix for guiding questions)

Toronto Police Service domestic violence management staff and investigators

• Electronic tracking of domestic violence cases – case study 1 (onset of case) and case study 2 (case resolved in court)

• Electronic survey• Phone interviews

Members of the project Steering Committee

• Electronic survey• Phone interviews

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 4

Data Analysis

Data collection from the client database and the TPS Investigator’s database has been a significant challenge. Twenty six cases that have been resolved in court were selected as a dataset for analysis. These cases include investigator information. Of this sample of cases 85% were closed and 15% open at the time of the analysis. 

Take up of Service compared to Uptake with the Scarborough Family Justice Initiative

Of the total number of 488 referrals to F.A.S.T. in 2015-2017, 92% (447) of the survivors of domestic violence were able to be contacted or at least left a message. Of the 447 contacted 70% (313) accepted services and 30% (134) declined services. The rate of take up of services in the previous pilot, the Scarborough Family Justice Initiative, ranged from 35% to 55% over the years of the service. Two contributing factors that explain the increase in take up of service are (a) the growing reputation of the service to provide highly valued support to vulnerable clients and (b) the implementation, as soon as F.A.S.T. became operational, of protocols and best practices that were introduced and tested during the two year SFJI Pilot.

Referrals from TPS 23 Division

Nearly three quarters of the referrals of clients who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. were from the Family Violence Unit.

TPS unit Percent of referrals to F.A.S.T.

Family Violence Unit 73%

Criminal Investigation Bureau 27%

Age of ParticipantsApproximately three quarters (73%) of clients who accepted the F.A.S.T. service were aged under 35. (Chart 1)

Gender and RiskNinety-two percent of the people who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. and took up services were women and 8% were men. 31% of clients were deemed to be especially vulnerable and at risk of repeated violence and falling between the cracks.

< 25 25-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 > 500%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%

Chart 1. Distribution of age of people who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. and took up

services.

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 5

For Clients and Organizations, Safety and timely access is Key

About F.A.S.T. one client said “I will never forget the advocate. I went to police and the very next day she was in my home. We walked through my house and I got to show her the secret life my husband had. She reassured me, and she was realistic with where it was going. She didn’t give false hope… the responsibility of healing comes from me. I have to do the work. ”

Children

65% of clients have children. All of the clients who had children of school age, were women. 53% of clients with children had at least one child aged 5 or younger and 35% of those with children had children under the age of two. (Chart 2)

All organizations agree that assisting the mother to feel safe, empowered and connected helps her children to be and feel safe.

Country of Origin

Where the country of origin is known, 61% of people who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. were born in Canada and 39% were born overseas.

Racialization and Interpretation

Of the people who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. 54% are racialized. Fifteen percent of the people who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. required interpretation services.

“FAST Advocates did an outstanding job ensuring this client was well supported and this resulted in her being more engaged in the process!”

(TPS comment about F.A.S.T. support to a client)

5 children

4 children

3 children

2 children

1 child

no children

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Chart 2. Number of children of people who accepted F.A.S.T. service.

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Toronto Police Service Reporting

Of cases of clients who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T., 73% are reported by investigators to have been engaged with the Toronto Police Service on the resolution of their cases.

Investigators report that in the resolved cases of people who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T., 92% of the accused had been arrested and 8% had a warrant out for their arrest at the time the charges were laid. In 19% of cases there had been a breach of conditions. Where the information is known, 28% of the accused had been charged previously.

The duration of cases of survivors of domestic violence who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T. from the first report to the conclusion of the case ranged from 5 days to 21 months with an average duration of 6.5 months.

There were 11 judicial outcomes of cases of clients who accepted the offer of F.A.S.T., they include:

▪ A guilty plea entered into in 26% of cases and a not guilty plea in 4% of cases

▪ Charges were withdrawn and a peace bond was entered into in 19% of cases

▪ There were conditional discharges in 12% of cases due to peace bonds being entered into or early intervention

▪ Charges were withdrawn and there was an early intervention in 12% of cases

▪ The outcome of 8% of cases was a suspended sentence and early intervention (court)

In 12% of cases there was a return call for service. In two thirds of these cases there had been a breach of conditions or charges related to the domestic violence such as trespassing or mischief.

“With the F.A.S.T. in place, organizations work better because people are more comfortable with each other, they have connections through coordination.” (Probation)

Client Perspective

Prior to client discharge, when possible, Advocates conduct an interview with the client about the outcomes for them of taking up the offer of F.A.S.T. service. Women describe their experience with F.A.S.T. differently and benefit in a variety of ways. Sometimes the answers are practical “I got glasses” or about basic life skills that will be useful in the long term “I learned about the importance of follow through on appointments”. All clients report increased safety of themselves and their children. For some clients, the support to survive the trauma and set a new path is life changing, “When I look back on my life, how I let it pass me by… I’m a different person now than I was a year ago”. A number of clients describe not being able to have reached their current state of well-being without the assistance they received from F.A.S.T.

Empowered to Advocate for Herself

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“Honestly I don’t think I would have reached this point as most of my resources came from [F.A.S.T.]. She (Advocate) was there with me at court. I learned more about the court system and also about

myself...I learned to advocate for myself. My VWAP worker was also helpful. I was given the resources and I would go off and follow up with them by myself.”

Below are a number of case examples that demonstrate the complexity of the outcomes for clients in their own words.

On the importance of having a central-go-to person:

Through an interpreter ‘Imani’ described feeling very intimidated when talking to someone of a different race especially a white person. However she felt comfortable with F.A.S.T. staff, feeling that the Advocate really cared. Many clients are socially isolated. ‘Imani’ said:

“I felt like I could open up. She [Advocate] always understands and doesn’t make me feel intimidated. She responds to me and that means a lot to me. Even with my children she was so good.” Asked about future plans ‘Imani’ said: “being in Canada…if you don’t know the language you feel left behind so I am making sure that I can educate myself. I am trying to learn English so I can speak for myself. I want to make sure my kids can get an education so they don’t end up like me.”

Recovering IndependenceTheir own safety, and that of their children, preoccupies survivors of domestic violence: “Sometimes I am scared he is around me because he is crazy. He would stalk me. My internal sense of safety is not good… I’m still waiting for a transfer as I was not approved for a safety at risk transfer. I am only on the regular wait list… [F.A.S.T.] is very helpful and it’s really safe because you can voice yourself, because you can’t tell everybody.” The journey is one of recovery: “I’m regaining my self-confidence and [F.A.S.T.] helps me a lot because I didn’t know what I am doing before. He was directing everything with me. I have much more independence.”

On the importance of receiving essential information:

‘Rhonda’ who is pregnant and anxious about F.A.S.T. ending, has found the support of the F.A.S.T. Advocate very reassuring and a source of basic information. “When I came out of the home, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t know the rules and regulations. The

advocate helped me a lot. I didn’t know the rights of women or the rights of mothers. When I needed a report or something… I’m not confident with police; I get confused when they talk. I can easily talk to the advocate. Also when I needed court updates, she helped me connect with my VWAP worker at the criminal court.” Beyond the support of F.A.S.T., ‘Rhonda’ expects to continue to use the services of community agencies.

Getting her life back

‘Rhonda’

‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’‘Imani’

‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’‘Rhonda’

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 8

One survivor of domestic violence had grown up in violence, resulting in her own life being spent in in the foster system. Supported by the F.A.S.T. program the woman has achieved stable housing, gone back to school, is no longer on parole, is taking parenting courses and is trying to find a job. She describes herself as “getting her life back”.

On the impact on children:

Asked about the impact of F.A.S.T., through an interpreter ‘Fatima’ said “I benefit a lot, now I am much better and happier. My kids are better; (the Advocate) helped me a lot. I couldn’t have stood on my own two feet before. She encouraged me to stay strong and

keep pushing forward and to keep fighting. I am lucky because this was a big opportunity for me. I’m so grateful; I don’t know what I would have done without (F.A.S.T.).” ‘Fatima’ described the value of being connected to welfare, housing and being provided with a taxi on occasions she needed it. “(The Advocate) would go with me to court, she never left me. I did this for my children; I have to be strong for them.” Helping clients progress towards achieving their plans can be transformative for the client and her children. “I lived with my husband for 7 years and it was hell, he beat me. Now this year I am happy with myself, I go to school and so does my son. He is happy now. I am making new friendships and I am so happy. My life is perfect.”

Long haulA case recently closed after nearly two years of assistance from F.A.S.T. illustrates the benefit for the client to remain engaged for ‘the long haul’. The client had experienced violence from her husband and his family with whom she lived. The woman remained engaged and has now been through the court process, re-married, has custody of her children and her own housing.

On the impact of trusting services to provide assistance to plan another path:

‘Rose’ described F.A.S.T. helping her to learn self-worth. “I was able to close a chapter of my life.” ‘Rose’ was reluctant to use any services. About using services in the past she said: “I had bad past experiences where people judged me, and I was scared it would happen again.

[F.A.S.T.] helped me to escape a problem I should have gotten out of a long time ago, but I didn’t know there were people out there to help.”

Overcoming Trauma

One client who described herself as “still at the point of coming to terms with what happened” described the level of trauma she experienced. “He is still in my mind’s eye, I see him at the corner of my condo. I’m always looking behind corners.” This client could also anticipate a better future: “I know that time will heal and I will learn to put this somewhere.”

On the importance of having the support of an advocate:

‘Fatima’

‘Rose’

‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’‘Fatima’

‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’ ‘Rose’

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 9

‘Rada’ described feeling that she could not have managed without support. “To be honest, if the advocate didn’t get involved I won’t have gotten my son back. A lot of supports that she helped me get, I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. She was the bridge to supports… The

court support (VWAP) was also helpful, and support with getting to appointments that I could not have gotten to without her help. Thinking back to the meek little victim that I was, though I didn’t see myself as a victim at the time, I’ve come a long way. There’s so much positivity she has had in my life; I started believing in myself.” Asked about services that ‘Rada’ will continue to use she said: “Almost everything – counselling, places that will help with clothing for me and my son, services for my son. [F.A.S.T.] helped me establish stability and connect to resources, without them I would have fallen back into the same patterns. (Advocate) listened to what I needed and wanted and helped with finding employment. She helps me stay on course.”

Service Organization Perspective

Stakeholder Online Survey

In November 2016 as part of the evaluation of F.A.S.T., stakeholders including Toronto Police Service and community agencies were asked to complete an anonymous online survey about the five key project evaluation questions. They relate to the impact on (a) survivors of domestic violence and their children, (b) Toronto Police Service, (c) the courts, (d) community agencies and (e) overall learning.

The short survey asked respondents to express their level of agreement with a series of statements. Seven statements focused on the impact of F.A.S.T. on survivors of domestic violence and their children, five statements on community partnerships, one on the Toronto Police Service (TPS) work, one on planning, one on expansion and one on client comfort with the location of F.A.S.T. Advocates being at the TPS division. The use of questions similar to the survey conducted in October 2015 permitted a comparison of results over the two years.

Respondents

There were 15 respondents to the online survey from community agencies including child welfare, Toronto Police Services, Victim Services Toronto, and VWAP, Courts, Legal Aid or Probation, which were clustered together. (Chart 3) Nearly half of respondents (7) are members of the F.A.S.T. Steering Committee.

All respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the following F.A.S.T. outcomes in both 2015 and 2016:

‘Rada’

Community agency including child wel-

fare - 33%

Toronto Police Service - 13%

Victim Services Toronto - 20%

V/WAP, Courts, Legal Aid and Probation -

33%

Chart 3. Survey Repondents 2016

‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’‘Rada’

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 10

F.A.S.T. is resulting in survivors of domestic violence receiving support after a violent incident faster and receiving support to achieve their goals

Collaboration among community agencies improves the experience of using services for survivors of domestic violence and their children

F.A.S.T. is resulting in efficiencies that arise from sharing information effectively, and F.A.S.T. should be made available in other areas of Toronto

Seven statements focused on the impact of F.A.S.T. on survivors of domestic violence and their children. (Chart 4) Where respondents thought that they knew, all agreed that clients receive support and access community services more quickly, are being supported to achieve their goals, are feeling safer, have increased access to up-to - date court information, are more empowered, receive information

about abuse, and children benefit from seeing their parent receiving support. (Where respondents did not agree with the statement the reason was that they did not know.)

Five statements focused on the impact of F.A.S.T. on community partners including child welfare. (Chart 5) The project is resulting in improved collaboration and efficiencies, increased capacity and better understanding of other project partner roles. Where respondents did not agree with the statement the reason was that they did not know. Respondent perspectives on these statements have been consistent from year one to year two. Respondents from VWAP, Courts, Legal Aid and Probation described the great value they experience from F.A.S.T. and recommend its extension to all TPS divisions in Toronto.

“I've worked with this program when meeting

families and it has been a great improvement from the regular services provided.”

(Child Welfare).

“From what I have seen so far it [F.A.S.T.] seems like an

incredibly useful program and it would be valuable if it were

expanded to serve all divisions.” (VWAP)

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 11

“Excellent program and strongly recommend it be expanded to all divisions within Toronto. The program staff are fantastic to work with!”

(Comment from two respondents from VWAP, Courts, Legal Aid, and Probation)

In addition to being assured that survivors of domestic violence are receiving support faster, one of the goals of F.A.S.T. is that services partners including TPS focus their time on their area of specialty and coordinate VAW functions. TPS and other project partners agree that the project results in:

Toronto Police Service investigators being able to focus on core policing and investigation

Project partners experiencing increased capacity to focus on their core services Efficiencies that arise from sharing information effectively

Regarding the statements about the impact of F.A.S.T. in 2016, all respondents indicated that they knew clients are more informed and empowered. Respondents who are not members of the Steering Committee more frequently responded ‘don’t know’ to statements.

Sixty percent of respondents agreed that clients appear comfortable about the Advocates being located at the Toronto Police Service division; 40% did not know. F.A.S.T. Advocates offer to meet the client in their home, at a community location like a coffee shop or at the TPS Division. All Victim Services Toronto respondents agreed that clients appear comfortable about the Advocates being located at the Toronto Police Service division.

“This project has shown to greatly assist in public and

victim safety, is cost effective, provides additional support to the TPS and would benefit the GTA community as a whole.”(Respondent from V/WAP,

Courts, Legal Aid, Probation)

“FAST continues to be incredibly impactful for clients and their children. By working closely with key service providers and court programs, system gaps and barriers are identified and remedied. Additionally, clients do receive services and up to date information faster. Most protocols are in place and working as intended. The investigators are experiencing increased capacity to focus on the investigation as the Advocates and F.A.S.T. partners work to provide VAW services to clients.” (VST respondent)

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Diverse organizations participate as partners and stakeholders in the F.A.S.T. program. The survey results illustrate a high level of agreement on the value of the program to clients, community organizations, the Toronto Police Service and VWAP, Courts, Legal Aid and Probation.

Stakeholder Interviews

In early 2017 interviews were conducted with representatives of partner organizations, (see Appendix for questions). In this qualitative information, partners identified eight areas of significant benefit of F.A.S.T. to survivors of domestic violence, their children and the community at large.

1. Increased Safety

Increased safety of the client and her children as a result of the client being linked to support and services quickly. Because services are collaborating there are multiple organizations supporting the client and her safety plan.

“F.A.S.T. provides the client with emotional support, helps overcome client isolation, and assists the client to prepare for the process and be better able to relate to the Crown. The support and information break down barriers and helps avoid misconceptions. F.A.S.T. also frees up protection services to do protection work with the accused.” (Child Welfare)

2. Early Support

The immediate support that is provided by F.A.S.T. is critical for the survivor of domestic violence who is extremely vulnerable, isolated and often overwhelmed. The reliable point of contact is then sustained with the goal of the client becoming empowered to determine her own future and that of her children. The sustained relationship allows for the required information to be provided as needed and repeated as necessary. The relationship established with F.A.S.T. is crucial for the vulnerable client to manage the dynamic emotions and crises that occur in domestic violence.

3. Helping clients Plan Next Steps

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The support of F.A.S.T. includes assisting the client to understand their immediate options and make a plan. This may include housing, employment, education, training and child care. Education of the client ranges from understanding the impact of domestic violence on the client and her children to practical life skills information. Although there are common issues faced by most survivors of domestic violence, the rapport that is established and the services provided are tailored to each client’s needs, including regularly utilizing interpreters for clients who speak languages other than English.

4. Knowledge and Engagement

Child welfare, VWAP, Legal Aid, Probation and the Court describe the value of the client knowing about each of their services and what to expect and prepare for. The supportive relationship of F.A.S.T. results in the client being more knowledgeable and comfortable about working with child protection for example.

“If a client feels helpless and hopeless, they feel overwhelmed and are at greater risk. It is an intimidating and fragmented system for a person going through trauma; they need assistance to not go back to the dangerous situation, because it is all they know.” (Child Welfare)

5. More Services Provided

Child welfare particularly describe F.A.S.T. as invaluable in enabling them, having verified that children are safe, to offer services to the accused to try to prevent recurrence of violence. Child welfare services are able to do this if they know that the survivor of domestic violence is being supported by F.A.S.T.

“With F.A.S.T. in place, we do not have to look into who we should refer the client to, it is to one place, F.A.S.T.; we can give the client one number, and F.A.S.T. triages.” (VWAP)

6. Flexibility

The extended hours of F.A.S.T. and the flexibility of the design results in advocates going to meet with clients at their home or in community at times that are convenient to them. Other community and government services work Monday – Friday 9-4.30 or 5 so they are assisted by the F.A.S.T. program being able to communicate with clients who may only be available outside these hours.

“The impact of F.A.S.T. is immeasurable. It leads to clients learning new skills, having healthier lifestyles and finding alternatives to make changes in their lives.” (Probation)

7. Communication

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 14

The flow of information between the detectives, agency staff and the Advocates results in the client having fewer meetings and phone calls with people they do not know. It also results in the clients having to tell their story only once.

“The availability of F.A.S.T. to the client, police and the crown is extremely valuable. Because F.A.S.T. provides assistance with urgent practical needs, the client does not rush back to a dangerous situation. Sometimes the F.A.S.T. Advocate attends court with the complainant, which is a great thing for the complainant. VWAP is not always able to be there during court proceedings. ” (Crown)

8. Sensitivity

Legal Aid and Toronto Police Services are among the organizations that point out the value of having staff who are sensitive to and knowledgeable about domestic violence. These special skills, that include sensitivity to the impact of domestic violence allows staff from partner organizations to focus on their core mandates such as child protection, policing etc.

Influence of F.A.S.T. on TPS work

TPS detectives agree that clients are well supported by F.A.S.T. Additionally, detectives describe other significant benefits:

F.A.S.T. frees up time for detectives to focus on investigative work.

The co-location of the F.A.S.T. Advocates in Division 23 has resulted in effective and timely communication. One example was detectives being informed about the time children would be home for lunch break, and therefore a time to avoid when making an arrest of the accused that would have a negative impact on the children and put them and officers at greater risk.

TPS also report that the complainant is kept better informed and gains control with F.A.S.T. in place because they understand the process right away.

“F.A.S.T. provides an anchor for the survivor of domestic violence, someone they can rely on, this reduces anxiety and they are better witnesses. Officers are not always available to provide support and

assistance.” (TPS)

Influence of F.A.S.T. on the Justice System

Partner agencies, VWAP, LAO and Probation described the importance of the client having information about the law, the justice system and their case. In partnership with and under the direction of VWAP and the Crown, the Advocates are able to provide information to clients about their case if they cannot be reached during court hours.

F.A.S.T. YEAR TWO FINAL EVALUATION REPORT 15

Conclusion

There is consensus that the two years of F.A.S.T. based at Division 23 have been extremely successful. Qualitative evidence gathered from on-line surveys and stakeholder and client interviews demonstrate the efficacy of the premise on which F.A.S.T. is based. That is that a mobile, collaborative, coordinated response with a central go-to social worker is a best practice in breaking barriers and engaging survivors of domestic violence in the Criminal Justice System, particularly vulnerable and marginalized survivors. The program is acclaimed as an invaluable service to clients and their children.

The project partners are disappointed to report that due to challenges securing sustainable funding, F.A.S.T. will end March 31, 2017. However, all Steering Committee member organizations are committed to strategizing about expanding the F.A.S.T. information sharing protocols city-wide. Instead of the dedicated Advocates, Victim Services Toronto is committed to integrate the F.A.S.T. model of service delivery into its existing case management services which provides services to victims of any type of violent crime in addition to domestic violence.

“There will be fewer deaths of clients with F.A.S.T. The word was spreading about the support F.A.S.T. provides and that it was a safe place to go. It will be an amazing loss without F.A.S.T. - very

disappointing. Services for Domestic Violence are going backwards.” (Probation)

“It is proven it works, clients get better service with F.A.S.T.” (TPS)

“It is really a terrible shame that F.A.S.T. is not continuing. The word has got around that women can get support to achieve their goals. F.A.S.T. helps to ensure that women and their children were safe.”

(Probation)

Victim Services Toronto, The Toronto Police Service and F.A.S.T. partner organizations are extremely grateful to the Department of Justice Canada for supporting F.A.S.T and the S.F.J.I. for the last 4 years. Thank you.

*

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Appendix - Guiding Questions for Steering Committee Interviews

a) Please provide 2 (or more) examples that demonstrate the impact of F.A.S.T. on survivors of domestic violence that your organization has worked with?

b) What is different for children of survivors of domestic violence with F.A.S.T in place?

c) What are the benefits of survivors of domestic violence having an offer of assistance quickly after charges are laid, sometimes immediately following?

d) What are the benefits of survivors of domestic violence (clients) having access to a “go-to” person with social work skills throughout the criminal justice process and beyond?

e) How important is it for clients to receive assistance to achieve their goals? Why?

f) How does F.A.S.T. impact client engagement in the Criminal Justice System?

g) What occurs differently in your organization with F.A.S.T. in place?

h) How do partner organizations work together differently with F.A.S.T. in place? Please comment especially on coordination, response time and communication.

i) (TPS interview only) With F.A.S.T. in place how is Toronto Police Service working with domestic violence cases differently?

j) What are we learning from F.A.S.T that informs our work with victims of domestic violence?

k) Do you have any other comments?

□