CIRCUIT COURT OF CLAY COUNTY,
MISSOURI
SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
11 SOUTH WATER STREET
LIBERTY, MO 64068
Clay County Domestic Violence Court Celebrates One Year of Success
Liberty, Mo.-10-29-24:
Founded in October 2023, the mission of the Court is to increase the safety for victims of domestic violence and their children, while requiring accountability for offenders.
Judge O’Hara spearheaded the creation of the court and its success would not be possible without the support of its partners including Synergy Services, Beacon Mental Health, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department. Clay County is the first Domestic Violence Court in the State to offer this type of programing for both criminal and civil cases.
Participants of the Domestic Violence Court are ordered to attend because an Order of Protection has been entered against them or are defendants in certain criminal cases. Completion of three conditions is ordered for participants. First, participants must complete a Batterers’ Intervention assessment followed by 28 to 52 weeks of Batterers’ Intervention classes through Synergy Services. Synergy has long been recognized as a leader throughout the community when it comes to breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
"We are proud to be a part of this innovative judicial process and are thankful for our partnership”, said Dr. Sara Brammer, Vice President of Family Violence Services for Synergy Services “We believe this process supports offender accountability and will improve survivors' safety."
Mental health and substance use assessments and treatment is the second component of the program. Finally, participants are ordered to relinquish all firearms and not possess firearms throughout the duration of their time in the program as required by law. Both the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas City Police Department assist in this initiative.
"I am thankful for the Clay County Domestic Violence Court's commitment to survivors of domestic violence," said KCPD Chief Stacey Graves. "The Kansas City Missouri Police Department shares in that commitment and values the work that is being done by Judge O'Hara. The Domestic Violence Court is a tremendous asset for Clay County."
As of October 2024, the Court has more than 50 participants and approximately half of those served reside in Kansas City.
“In just one year, the Clay County Domestic Violence Court has proven that when you provide intervention, accountability, and counseling to offenders, we can prevent deadly situations and build a safer community,” said Mayor Lucas. “More Kansas City families are able to find a safe and positive path forward, thanks to the Honorable Alisha O’Hara and her dedicated attorneys and staff. I look forward to working with Judge O’Hara and all our County leaders to expand the positive impact of domestic violence court across Kansas City.”
While offenders are required to complete certain conditions throughout their time in Domestic Violence Court, survivors of domestic violence and their children are offered free services that include therapy, legal services and housing.
"We know that arresting abusers is not going to put an end to domestic violence," Sheriff Will Akin said. "It's one step in a process that also requires accountability in the court system and services for victims. The Clay County Domestic Violence Court helps put all of those pieces together. A year after its inception, the Clay County Sheriff's Office remains committed to providing resources that will help the program succeed."
The court was developed entirely through grant funding secured by Dr. Teri Hargrave, Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution. Grants under both the United States Department of Justice and the State of Missouri’s Department of Public Safety have been utilized.
"The Office of Dispute Resolution is honored to partner with the Clay County Domestic Violence Court. We fully support this initiative to bring victim safety, community safety, and offender accountability to the residents of Clay County. Domestic Violence Court is a beacon for positive change and forward movement in the justice system” said Dr. Teri Hargrave.
This project is supported by Grant No. 154148 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office of Victims of Crime, the SMART Office. Points of views or opinion in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Upcoming Programs!
All of our programming is free to Clay County residents! Registration is Required for all Programs
* Emotional Mayhem- The Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution partners with The Nurtured Path to provide this program. This class is intended for 13-17 year olds. The Emotional Mayhem program consists of two in-person classes. The course will help the teen understand their emotions and how to respond to a difficult situation effectively. Through grant funding, we are able to provide this class for free to Clay County families. *
Every 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the Month 6pm-7:30pm
There will not be a class in December 2024.
The January class will be on Monday, January 13th & 27th.
February 2025 class will be on Monday, February 10th & 24th
Where: Clay County Juvenile Office, 351 E Kansas St., Liberty MO 64068.
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/AiJqnyTFLWLwXD6j8
* Boy's Leadership Council- Young men gain skills and knowledge to navigate growing up male in today’s society through the introduction of topics and experiential activities that address a myriad of relevant challenges - safely, powerfully, and within a spirit of “council” connection. The sessions are Wednesdays for 1.5 hours, held over a six-week period. *
When: Almost Every Wednesday 5pm-6:30pm
Where: Liberty Fire Station, 200 W Mississippi, Liberty MO 64068.
Please use this link to fill out the form online: https://forms.gle/f99t7ee98axSqba46
* Like Father, Like Son- The Like Father, Like Son program is a structured support group for fathers and sons, ages 11-18. The purpose of this program is to promote a healthy and sustaining bond between fathers and sons during the transitional years from boyhood to young manhood. The program provides a safe, consistent and strengths-based approach to supporting fathers or father-figures and sons on their relationship journey. These male-responsive skills and activities will encourage development of: *
New Dates Pending
Location: Clay County Juvenile Office
351 E Kansas St, Liberty, MO 64068
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/3KMFqyge9tixzuiSA
* Bullying Prevention- Bullying remains a central concern for school-aged youth. In this session, youth will be presented with a variety of topics related to recognizing, reporting, and responding to bullying incidents. Specifically, youth will be provided with information on how to identify bullying, including warning signs, strategies on reporting bullying to adults within their buildings, and action steps when observing and/or experiencing bullying. Ultimately, students will be taught what to do, what to say, and who to tell when experiencing or observing bullying.
When: Monday, December 9th 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Virtual
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/eneFTvfqzMFtXL1P9* Girls Circle- The Girls Circle model is a four-week structured support group for girls and youth who identify with female development from 11-17 years. The program integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence. It aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede the growth and development of girls and young women by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure within which they can develop caring relationships and use authentic voices . *
These sessions are once a week on Wednesdays for two hours held over a four week period.
Spring Session Dates Pending
Location:
Please use this link to register for classes:
*Substance Use Education Class- The Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Eric Hansen, LMSW, LMAC, CADC with Clinical Counseling Associates. This class is intended for 13-17 year olds. The Youth Substance Use Education program consists of one in-person classes. The course will help teens identify triggers, develop healthy skill building, establish healthy relationships, impulse control, and relapse prevention. *
When: Every Second Tuesday of the Month 6pm-8pm
November 12th, December 10th
Where: Clay County Juvenile Office, 351 E Kansas St., Liberty MO 64068.
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/6Tnp5RKg9m1aPXBC9
* Parenting Through Tough Times- The Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution partners with The Nurtured Path to provide this program. This program consists of two in-person classes. The program will help parents understand their emotions, how to respond to a difficult situation effectively, and discuss ways to support kids. It will also provide a chance for parents to connect with other parents who may be going through similar situations. Through grant funding, we are able to provide this class for free to Clay County families. *
Every 1st & 2nd Wednesday of the Month 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Virtual
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/UJ94TBRWTU2QR9yM6
* Power Moves- Power Moves aims to empower young adults, ages 13-18, to overcome obstacles, reshape their thinking, and embark on a path towards a more promising future. Power Moves is a six (6) week program. The weekly sessions are held once a week on Mondays. This program is a collaboration between Lyrik’s Institute and the Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution. This program is provided free to Clay County residents through grant funding provided by the Division of Youth Services.*
When: November 4th-December 9th 4pm-6pm
Where: Clay County Juvenile Office, 351 E Kansas St., Liberty MO 64068.
Register online: https://forms.gle/NxYGqFJNiENSwQTt5
* Mother & Daughter Circle- We are providing another in-person session of Mother/Daughter circle! The Mother-Daughter Circle is a structured support group for mothers and their daughters, ages 11-18. The purpose of the circle is to promote a healthy and sustaining bond between mothers and daughters during the transitional years from girlhood to young womanhood. The Mother-Daughter Circle provides a safe, consistent and strengths-based approach to supporting mothers or mother-figures and daughters on their relationship journey. *
The sessions are held once a week for two hours over the course of four weeks.
Dates: Next Session in the Spring 2025
Location: Liberty Fire Department
200 W. Mississippi, Liberty, MO 64068
Register online: https://forms.gle/UVMRZKa6zbPX3VsLA
If you are interested in participating in this program and would like to be updated on the next session, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/KRUSZuStGiA1ACyu9Community Programming!
Parent Cafe Presented by Easterseals Midwest!
What are Parent Cafés?
Parent Cafés are based on the Strengthening Families Framework and the Five Protective Factors. (Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication) The Cafes are a FREE parenting event with dinner provided. At the cafés, parents will have meaningful, guided conversations about what matters most, our families and how to make them stronger!
For questions, email Toni Reynolds at toni.reynolds@esmw.org
For more information on Parent Cafes, you can visit https://www.bestrongfamilies.org/parent-cafes
COMING SOON:
Adult Power Moves Class
Tutoring
*This programming is provided free to Clay County residents through grant funding provided by the Division of Youth Services.
