CSO Advocacy – TANF Services

Working with a DSHS case manager? Get a DAWN referral

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The Community Service Office (CSO) Advocates are 5 advocates who provide support to 10 DSHS offices throughout King County. When a client of DSHS discloses domestic violence (DV) to their caseworker, DSHS will connect the client to DAWN CSO advocates to help create a safety plan, navigate DSHS systems, and access DV services.

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CSO Advocates provide survivor-driven, trauma-informed advocacy for clients receiving public benefits. Advocacy is focused on safety planning and supporting survivors to rebuild control over their lives. Survivors lead the process by choosing their own goals and defining what is going to be safer and best suited for their unique circumstances.

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In addition, CSO Advocates link survivors of domestic violence to appropriate resources available in King County and the larger community and assist in developing a Family Violence Service Plan (FVSP) that will satisfy the requirements of DSHS and addresses the client’s barriers to work and independence.

FAQs

How can I get connected with a CSO Domestic Violence Advocate?

We understand that sometimes it feels to private an information to share with your DSHS case worker. You do not need to share it with them if you choose not to. You can say to the caseworker that you would like some support regarding Intimate Partner Domestic Violence. The case worker will do then an internal referral.

Note: Please keep in mind that DAWN provides services for Intimate Partner Violence only and if the Domestic Violence is coming from another member of the household we will provide information of agencies who might be able to help with that.

How does the CSO referral work?

Your case worker sends an internal referral for a DAWN advocate to contact you. This process might take a few hours so please allow some time for the advocate to contact you to make an appointment.

Are CSO advocates case managers?

No – CSO advocates do not carry client cases. Advocates connect survivors with the resources and systems they need to rebuild their lives and survivors decide when or what next steps they want to take first. CSO advocates will meet with survivors depending on their unique needs.