Please Note: This information is for Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers ONLY.

  • If you are in need of non-CPS counseling services, please go HERE or call 512.735.2100.

  • Do not use this page unless you are a CPS caseworker

Community Partners – CPS Referral Information

This page is intended for CPS caseworkers whose cases fall within the intersection of domestic violence and child abuse and neglect. We look forward to collaborating with you to increase safety in our community. Below are common questions and answers to support you in making a referral to Resolution Counseling, a TDCJ-CJAD Accredited Battering Intervention and Prevention Program. If you have any consultation needs or clarifying questions, please contact 512-735-2100 and ask to speak with a Resolution Counselor.

If you are not a CPS caseworker and are looking to begin services: call 512-735-2100 and ask to complete intake for BIPP.

What is a Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP)?

Resolution Counseling (RC) is a Battering Intervention/Prevention program for individuals who have been identified as being abusive and/or violent against an intimate partner.  The program helps clients to develop an awareness of and strategies for non-violence planning, builds a foundation for maintaining non-abusive behavior, facilitates attitude and belief changes, and explores the effects of domestic violence on children.

The program’s main goal is safety, and the primary approach is direct intervention in a group format that holds clients accountable for abusive behaviors and helps clients build healthy relationships and end partner abuse. RC offers separate groups for men, women, and a specialized group for LGBTQ+ clients. Groups are offered in English and Spanish, and individual sessions may be offered to individuals requiring a language or hearing interpreter. Clients are assessed for one of four session levels based on risk and history of incidents: 18, 24, 36, or 52 sessions. Groups are held once a week for two hours.

A virtual option is offered for CPS-involved clients living outside of Travis and the immediate surrounding counties. If your client lives in the following counties, they are not eligible for a virtual group at LifeWorks and must attend in person: Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco, and Burnett. Currently, our in-person groups are offered in East, North, and South Austin.

Who is appropriate for BIPP?

Those who are using domestic violence* with an intimate partner are appropriate for this program. Relevant concerns include:

  • Client self-reported current use of domestic violence with an intimate partner

  • Client self-reported past use of domestic violence with an intimate partner

  • Collaterals have reported concerns of this client engaging in domestic violence with an intimate partner

  • Arrests/charges for domestic violence involving an intimate partner

  • Caseworker has witnessed behavior indicative of domestic violence towards an intimate partner

  • Children have reported concerns regarding intimate partner violence

  • Law enforcement calls to the home indicate intimate partner violence concerns

*Domestic Violence is not limited to, but may include:

  • Physical Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse

  • Use of a weapon

  • Stalking

  • Damaging property

  • Law enforcement involvement

  • Financial Control

  • Coercion

  • Isolation from friends/family

  • Intimidation

  • Rape/Attempted Rape

  • Threats of harm to self, children, client

  • Strangulation

  • Victim has had to seek medical attention for injuries

  • Victim reports that he/she feels unsafe or afraid

  • Threats to flee with or hide the child/children

Who is not appropriate for BIPP?

Identified victims of domestic violence.

How do I refer a client to BIPP?

Resolution Counseling (RC) has a contract with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide services through a form 2054. This allows clients to engage in the program at no cost to the client. The referral begins with submitting a form 2054 to Youth and Family Alliance (DBA LifeWorks) for the following:

  • Domestic Violence Assessment (1 unit, covering initial assessment)

  • BIPP Group (38 units minimum, covering orientation and the minimum recommendation of 18 sessions)

  • CPS Evaluation and Treatment Referral Form (K903-2036)

Please email cpsbippreferrals@lifeworksaustin.org with these essential documents. Once the referral is created, please instruct your client to call 512-735-2100 to begin intake.

Note: The 86K 2054 should be open for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. The 86L should be open with enough time to allow a client to engage in the 18-session program for a minimum of 5-6 months.

I have referred my client, what happens next?

When the client calls to enroll, they complete a brief phone intake and schedule their initial assessment and orientation with the program. This is offered in person or via telehealth. Upon the initial appointment, a counselor will send the assessment results and enrollment information through an encrypted email.

Once the client begins group, a monthly report will be sent to the caseworker noting the client’s participation in the program until the client exits. At client exit, a closing summary is emailed to the caseworker.

Note: CPS Caseworkers are required to email a terminated 2054 and notice if the case is closed prior to the individual completing services.