The "A.L.E.R.T." Program          

"A.L.E.R.T." stands for Awareness Leads to Educated & Responsible Thinking.  It gives victims of domestic violence and their children necessary safety information and support prior to asking that a restraining order be "lifted".

A.L.E.R.T. is a three-session series that can be completed in one week.  Each session is two hours long.  A.L.E.R.T. is offered free to Fremont County residents.  You can enroll by calling Rocky Mountain Behavioral Health, Inc. at 719.275.7650. There are two special simultaneous tracks; one for child victims of family violence and one for the victimized parent/adult.

The first session deals with evaluating the adult victim's personal safety as well as safety of children in the household.  A risk assessment of potential re-victimization is completed.  Program officials review the family history and stressors, including employment, finances, health, substance abuse, and housing.  The victim's self-esteem and self-defeating behaviors will be assessed.  Additionally, a victim is given a list of community resources.

On the child's (ages 4-18) side, the first session assesses the child's experience and perspective in the current family crisis.  Additionally, program officials will held a child process their feelings and behaviors that are associated with present or past domestic violence episodes.

A minimum of one day must pass before victims attend session two.  Session two is a group education session.  It provides basic information on domestic violence, including the cycle of violence, power and control issues, its impact on children, communication, and provocation.

On the child's side, the second session gives age-appropriate information on domestic violence regarding the child and his family and defines what is "normal".

For both adult victims and their children, the third session focuses on the importance of developing a personal safety plan in the home to be prepared for future, potential violence in the family.

A completion certificate will be given to adult participants to verify their attendance, stating that a safety plan was developed, and that the family's level of risk was assessed.  The participant will have the certificate available to show the court if requested.

 updated:  9/27/4