Section 501.160  Program Compliance

a)         PAIPs must develop program requirements that participants must meet in order to complete the program.  These program requirements must include, at a minimum:

1)         Fulfillment of all contractual requirements;

2)         Admission of and accountability for abuse and violent and controlling behavior, taking responsibility for the participant's own behavior, and understanding of contributing factors;

3)         Demonstration of understanding of alternatives to abusive behavior and reporting the use of those alternatives;

4)         Demonstration of use of respectful language regarding a partner and understanding of benefits of egalitarian relationships;

5)         Demonstration of violence prevention action planning that addresses such issues as identification of risky beliefs, healthy behaviors and support systems;

6)         No current evidence of threats or acts of physical violence; and

7)         Completion of any other PAIP requirements (i.e., substance abuse and/or mental health evaluations and treatment, etc.).

b)         Extending time in the program is allowable and advisable if the participant has not met the criteria in subsection (a).  Program staff must document in the individual's file the lack of progress and communicate that information to the referring entity.  PAIPs must make decisions about extending time early in the program and share concerns about lack of progress with participants in a timely manner.

c)         Completion of the program does not guarantee that the abuser has ended abusive behavior in the present or will abstain from abusive behavior in the future. Evidence of attitude/belief and behavior change indicated in the group may not always translate to behavior change in the relationship with a partner.