PAH! : Partners Advocating for Healing 

A collaborative, community-wide effort to increase accessibility and 
responsiveness of the service delivery system to Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 

 

INTRODUCTION 

 

PAH!: Partners Advocating for Healing is a community collaborative effort to 
increase responsiveness and accessibility of the service delivery system to Deaf 
and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our 
collaboration is a joint effort among three community programs located in 
Oakland County, Michigan: HAVEN, a nationally recognized Domestic and Sexual 
Violence Agency; Deaf Community Advocacy Network (DEAF C.A.N.!), a Deaf 
community resource providing a wide range of services to the Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing Community; and Deaf Women.s Advocacy Services (DWAS), a volunteer 
agency whose focus is to advocate for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing 
women who have experienced Domestic and/or Sexual Violence. 

 

PAH! is the first and only partnership in Southeast Michigan that brings together 
the skills, leadership and experiences of both the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and 
hearing advocates. All members of the collaborative are committed to create 
sustained systems change within their organizations that will extend well beyond 
the parameters of this three year, federally funded grant. Each agency and 
individual member is committed to learning from one another and their agencies 
collective experiences in order to plan, evaluate, develop, and eventually 
implement culturally sensitive services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims of 
domestic and sexual violence. ALL PAH! members are grounded in the belief 
that ALL women and girls have the right to live violence free lives and in 
instances of domestic/sexual violence, the victim does nothing to provoke or 
invite the abuse. With this guiding belief, PAH! seeks to integrate the voices of 
the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community with their hearing allies to expel myths and 
stigmas regarding needs and concerns of domestic and sexual violence victims. 

 

PAH! is a multi-cultural collaborative, whose members all have high level 

decision making power in their respective roles at their agencies. Emily 
Matuszczak, the Senior Director of Programs at HAVEN; Marcy Colton, the 
Executive Director of DEAF C.A.N.!; and Kate Slosar and Marika Blumerick, the 
President and Vice President of the Board at DWAS are the sustaining members 
of PAH!. 

 

 

 

 


Our name comes from the American Sign Language sign of “PAH”, which 
represents the attainment of a desired result or outcome. For the Deaf 
community, “PAH” represents success or achievement. We thought it was only 
appropriate to name our collaboration PAH! , thus incorporating both the hearing 
community (Partners Advocating for Healing) and the Deaf community in our 
name. 

 

Our name symbolizes the bridge we are building between the Deaf and hearing 
communities to combat domestic and sexual violence, and the successes we will 
reach in this endeavor. HAVEN, DEAF C.A.N.! and DWAS are striving to become 
a sustainable, collaborative, and look forward to establishing and building a 
strong relationship between our hearing and Deaf agencies. PAH! is eager to set 
an example to the hearing and Deaf community at large, to overcome the 
negative attitudes, oppression, and communication barriers experienced by Deaf 
and Hard of Hearing victims of domestic and sexual violence. 

 

This collaborative is made possible by a three year federally funded planning 
grant from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). HAVEN, who is the 
recipient of the grant and the fiscal agent, employs Christine Giresi who serves 
as the Project Director. This collaborative was created to improve access to 
domestic and sexual violence services within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
communities in Oakland County, Michigan. 

 

This collaboration charter provides direction and structure for PAH! as we move 
through our needs assessment and implementation phases. This collaboration 
charter includes: 

 

1. Vision Statement 
2. Mission Statement 
3. Values 
4. Member Contributions and Commitments 
5. Communication Plan (Internal and External) 
6. Decision Making Strategy 
7. Conflict Resolution Strategy 
8. Terms of Confidentiality 
9. Key Terms 
10. Work Plan 
11. Talking Points 
12. Appendix I, II & III. 


 

 

 

 

 


1. PAH! VISION STATEMENT 

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims of domestic and sexual violence will receive 
immediate services from PAH! agencies that are fully responsive, accessible and 
free from communication and cultural barriers. They will feel supported and 
empowered to move forward in their lives. Our services will support Deaf and 
Hard of Hearing victims in their journeys from crisis to healing in a competent 
and trusting environment. 

 

2. PAH! MISSION STATEMENT 

 

PAH! will ensure the delivery of fully accessible and responsive services for Deaf 
and Hard of Hearing victims of domestic and sexual violence, which will include 
crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and shelter. PAH! will accomplish this 
mission through the following actions: 

 

-- Sharing our individual experience and expertise in our respective fields, 

 to build a strong and trusting relationship with one another. 

 

- Sharing experiences in our agencies and our communities 

 

- Increasing knowledge and awareness within our agencies regarding 

 the differences between Deaf and hearing cultures. 

 

- Increasing awareness and knowledge of domestic and sexual violence 

 within DEAF C.A.N.! and DWAS. 

 

- Increasing our communication capacity to appropriately and 

 effectively communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors 

 utilizing certified Sign Language interpreters and the latest 

 communication technologies. 

 

- Changing our existing policies, procedures, job descriptions, practices 

 and budgets within our agencies to reflect our learned best 

 practices in providing services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims of 

 domestic and sexual violence. 

 

- Advocating for external systems change in areas such as criminal 

 justice, health care, education and the legal arena, to make services 

 accessible and responsive to Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims 

 of domestic and sexual violence. 

 

 


3. PAH! VALUES 

 

The following values will aid us in developing our relationships with one another, 
thus providing our collaboration with a nurturing, supportive environment for 
free thinking and exchange of ideas. PAH!.s goal is that these values will 
contribute to comprehensive, sustainable change that will unite the Deaf and 
hearing cultures in the fight to end domestic and sexual violence. We believe if 
we do not employ these values, our collaboration will be unable to support our 
mission and vision. 

 

Trust 

Trust is the most important value in our collaboration. The hearing members of 
our collaborative must earn the trust of the Deaf community, who have been 
labeled and oppressed by the hearing. Concurrently, our Deaf members need to 
put aside their learned distrust of the hearing world and be open to trusting the 
hearing members of our group. This trust will be established and will grow as 
we spend more and more time together, and become more familiar with our 
multi cultural, bi-lingual status. We are a team of allies. 

 

Hearing Allies 

We believe in the concept of Hearing Allies, and consider our collaboration a 
hearing ally relationship. At the inception of PAH!, both HAVEN and DEAF 
C.A.N.! members of PAH! are hearing individuals. Although our DEAF C.A.N.! 
representative is fluent in ASL, she is still hearing. As hearing allies, we work 
with, not for the Deaf community to improve services. We believe in taking 
direction from the Deaf community and providing culturally and linguistically 
accessible services. 

 

Respect 

We have a great deal of respect for one another.s agencies and the expertise 
each of one of us brings to our collaborative. We encourage, support and 
celebrate cultural differences, and we treat one another as we would treat 
ourselves. 

 

Communication 

We are a bi-lingual collaboration; therefore our ability to communicate clearly 
with one another is paramount to our success. Challenges arise within our 
collaboration because in reality, we speak two different languages: American 
Sign Language and Spoken English. Our hearing members must understand the 
additional time it may take our Deaf members to process information and make 
decisions, whether it be face to face with the help of an ASL interpreter, or 
through email or text. Our Deaf members must understand that some of our 
hearing members do not fully understand the intricacies of the American Sign 
Language and must be prepared to explain it to them. As collaboration, we must 


ensure that all members understand what is being said – we must ensure that 
perception is accurate with meaning. 

 

In Deaf culture, if one is hearing and does not speak American Sign Language 
(ASL), a certified interpreter is recommended for communication. As a result, we 
will always employ an ASL interpreter for all our face to face meetings, and use 
relay services when needed. 

 

Perpetrator Accountability 

We believe in holding those who use abusive tactics accountable for their 
behavior. Perpetrators need to identify their patterns of abusive behavior and the 
impact their abuse has on their partners and children, as well as the losses they 
experience as a result of utilizing these tactics. We believe perpetrators of 
violence can identify and change their beliefs associated with abuse and develop 
non-abusive ways of coping as well as plans to remain violence free. 

 

Victim Rights 

We believe all people have a right to violence-free lives. Domestic violence, 
sexual assault and child abuse should never be tolerated or condoned. These 
acts have devastating effects on victims, their families and society as a whole. 
The civil and legal rights of an individual should not be violated. It is our 
responsibility to educate Deaf clients about their legal and civil rights. 

 

Victim Safety 

We respect the individual emotional and physical needs of each victim. The 
victim.s environment must be supportive, nurturing and free of judgment. We 
believe each victim.s safety is self-determined, and only the victim can truly 
determine his/her own level of safety based on personal experience. We can 
only offer safety options, and these options must be explained clearly to enable 
Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients to make person-centered decisions. Victim 
Safety will always be a guiding principle for PAH! as it crafts any procedures, 
policies, events, or services. Safety will be considered in all contexts; the Deaf 
Community; cultural issues; victims of domestic/sexual violence; and safety for 
victim advocates. 

 

Equality 

As a collaborative, no PAH! member will exhibit power over another member. 
PAH!.s collaborative will not be formatted on a traditional hierarchal corporate 
format. Each member is responsible to ensuring their ideas, thoughts and 
feelings are heard and integrated by the group. 

 


 

Diversity 

People are unique in race and ethnicity, spiritual beliefs and values, sexual 
orientations, educational backgrounds, interests and personalities. We are a 
multi-cultural collaborative, and as such, we value our cultural differences; we 
understand and appreciate our similarities and differences, and believe our 
diverse backgrounds and beliefs make us a stronger collaboration. 

 

4. COLLABORATION MEMBERS: CONTRIBUTIONS AND 
COMMITMENTS 

 

The three community resources representing PAH! are committed to increasing 
the responsiveness and accessibility of the service delivery system for Deaf and 
Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Members of PAH! are 
also committed to making the changes necessary to improve services for Deaf 
and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic and sexual violence. As the project 
advances from the planning to the implementation phases, the contributions and 
commitments of each entity may change, but for the planning stage, the 
partners have agreed to commit time and staff to the following: 

 

- Ensure consistent representation at collaboration meetings 

- Communicate PAH! activities and create interest in PAH! within their 

 respective agencies. 

- Communicate agency activities and updates back to PAH! 

- Work on homework deliverables between meetings 

- Participate in activities aimed at strengthening PAH! 

- Identify the focus of PAH! 

- Actively participate and communicate ideas to develop the PAH! 

 Collaborative Charter, Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. 

- Commit staff and time to attend the meetings sponsored by the 

 Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Vera Institute of 

 Justice (Vera). 

- Bring agency and system specific expertise and knowledge and share 

 these strengths within PAH! 

- Become change agents within their respective agencies, to amend 

 policies and procedures as a result of our work on this project. 

- Embrace a bi-lingual/bi-cultural approach to our collaboration, and 

 to the services provided by our organizations. 

 

 

 

 

 


In addition to the responsibilities stated above, HAVEN and the Project 
Director will: 

- Serve as the fiscal agents 

- Maintain compliance with grant requirements 

- Serve as the liaison between PAH! partners, OVW and Vera 

o Coordinate PAH! meetings and activities 
o Complete and submit grant deliverables 
o Complete grant reporting to OVW 
o Communicate between PAH! agencies 
o Provide meeting space and other accommodations for 
meetings and grant activities 




- Share HAVEN expertise of domestic and sexual violence with DEAF C.A.N.! 

 and DWAS including: 

o Emotional and Physical effects 
o Crisis and support services 
o Social Action Program 
o Counseling 
o Legal Process 
o Supervised Parenting 
o Prevention Education 
o Shelter Program 




- Conduct research for the Needs Assessment portion of the grant with 

 HAVEN.s Board of Directors, employees, volunteers, and past clients. 

o Host PAH! focus groups at HAVEN. 
o Create survey for HAVEN employee feedback. 
o Recruit volunteer members for PAH! focus groups. 
o Conduct one on one interviews with past clients. 
o Develop culturally understandable questions for the focus 
groups and surveys. 
o Identify community based organizations to host focus 
groups. 
o Compile all information received from the focus groups 
and present to the collaborative. 
o Help to interpret the information gleaned from the focus 
group. 
o Assist in the development of the Strategic Plan. 




 

DEAF C.A.N.! will: 

- Make awareness of and identification of Domestic and Sexual 

 Violence more at the forefront of service delivery to Deaf and 

 Hard of Hearing people. 

- Schedule and provide all interpreters for PAH! meetings and grant activities 

- Share resources in terms of space, staff time, and volunteer pool 

- Share DEAF C.A.N.! knowledge and expertise of the Deaf and 


 Hard of Hearing community 

o Deaf history and culture 
o Barriers to communication 




- Promote the work of the collaboration within the Deaf community and 

 within the DEAF C.A.N.! monthly newsletter. 

- Board training to ensure education, information and knowledge of 

 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 

- Staff Training to ensure education, information and knowledge of 

 Domestic and Sexual Violence. 

- Ensure that part of the goals and objectives of the agency 

 include identification of and services for victims of Domestic 

 and Sexual Violence. 

- On-going staff training on issues of Domestic and Sexual Violence. 

- Conduct research within the Deaf community for the Needs 

 Assessment portion of the grant. 

o Host PAH! focus groups at DEAF C.A.N.! 
o Conduct interviews with Deaf clients who have used 
HAVEN services in the past. 
o Recruit volunteer Deaf community members for PAH! 
survey.s and focus groups 
o Develop culturally understandable questions for the focus 
group/needs assessment 
o Identify Deaf and Hard of Hearing community based 
organizations to host focus groups 
o Set up focus groups with Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
community based groups 
o Conduct all interviews and focus groups with members of 
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities. 
o Compile all information received from interviews and 
focus groups and present to the collaborative. 
o Help to interpret the information gleaned from the focus 
group. 
o Assist in the development of the Strategic Plan. 




 

DWAS will: 

- Share Deaf culture and history and ensure the collaborative 

 has a good understanding of the specific needs of this community. 

- Bring expertise on the needs of Deaf survivors as they relate to Deaf culture 

- Provide the collaboration with a comprehensive view of the Deaf community 

 in Oakland County (i.e. demographics etc.). 

- Provide linkages to the Deaf community through grassroots networking, and 

 promote the collaboration as a hearing ally to the Deaf community. 

- Raise awareness, educate and explain to the Deaf community about 

 domestic and sexual violence 


- Provide contacts for nationwide Deaf resources for domestic and sexual 

 violence victims. 

- Keep an ongoing list of agreed upon, conceptually correct representations 

 of signs that symbolize the true ASL meaning and spoken English meaning 

 for common words used when discussing domestic and sexual violence. Words 

 on this list so far are vulnerable, victim, risk, exploit, abuse and confidentiality. 

 DWAS will be pioneers of new sign words and concepts for this grant project. 

- Review written documents to ensure they are accurate in terms of Deaf culture. 

- Conduct focus groups within the Deaf community for the Needs 

 Assessment portion of the grant. 

o Host PAH! focus groups at DEAF C.A.N.! 
o Recruit volunteer Deaf community members for PAH! 
focus groups. 
o Develop culturally understandable questions for the focus 
group/needs assessment. 
o Identify Deaf and Hard of Hearing community based 
organizations to host focus groups. 
o Set up focus groups with Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
community based groups. 
o Conduct all focus groups/needs assessment with 
members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities. 
o Compile all information received from the focus groups 
and present to the collaborative. 
o Help to interpret the information gleaned from the focus 
group. 
o Assist in the development of the Strategic Plan. 




 

LEAD AGENCY: 

 

HAVEN 

30400 Telegraph Road Suite 170 

Bingham Farms, MI 48025 

Phone: 248-334-1284 

Website: www.haven-oakland.org 

 

Christine Giresi, MSW Emily Matuszczak, LLP, MA 

Project Manager Senior Director 

Phone: 248-334-1284 x 359 Direct Service Programs 

 Phone: 248-334-1284 x380 

 

Emily Matuszczak 

Ms. Matuszczak is currently the Senior Director of Programs for HAVEN, is 
second in command to HAVEN CEO, and has spent the last 17 years in the field 
of domestic and sexual violence.. Ms Matuszczak received both her Bachelors 


Degree in Human Resources and her Masters Degree in Counseling from Oakland 
University. She is a licensed counselor within the state of Michigan. As the 
Senior Director of Programs, Ms. Matuszczak oversees the following: HAVEN.s 
quality assurance process; direct service programs; grant writing and funding 
requirements; Program Directors; the development and implementation of 
HAVEN.s systems change plan; and leadership to special projects. Ms 
Matuszczak is passionate about impacting crimes that affect women and 
operates on the belief that in time, we can create a culture where domestic 
violence and sexual assault are no longer tolerated. 

 

Christine Giresi 

Ms. Giresi is currently the Project Director at HAVEN, working specifically with the 
PAH! collaboration. Ms. Giresi received her Bachelor.s Degree in Economics from 
Rutgers University, and her Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University. 
She has over ten years experience in project management, as well as marketing 
and product development. Prior to coming to HAVEN, she was the patient 
services manager for the Michigan chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma 
Society. Ms. Giresi continues to be involved in oncology social work, serving as a 
support group facilitator for Gilda.s Club Metro Detroit. 

 

HAVEN believes that all people have a right to violence –free lives. Domestic 
violence, sexual assault and child abuse should not be tolerated or condoned. 
HAVEN believes these acts have a devastating effect on victims, their families 
and the entire society. HAVEN believes abusive acts are acts of power and 
control that the victim does not provoke, enjoy or deserve. Moreover, HAVEN 
believes victims can regain control of their lives through appropriate support 
services. 

 

HAVEN recognizes that women, children and men have a right to their own 
identities and need not define themselves according to cultural traditions, some 
of which tolerate abuse. The aim of HAVEN is to eliminate root causes of abuse 
and to believe education is a vital component in working toward the prevention 
of physical and sexual violence. 

 

 

Partner Agencies 

 

Deaf Community Advocacy Network (DEAF C.A.N.!) 

2111 Orchard Lake Road Suite 101 

Sylvan Lake, MI 48320 

Phone: 248-332-3331 

TTY: 248-332-3323 

Website: www.deafcan.org 

 


Marcy Warheit Colton, MA, LPC 

Executive Director 

Ms. Colton is the Executive Director if DEAF C.A.N.! and reports to the Board of 
Directors of DEAF C.A.N! Ms. Colton received her Master.s degree in Deafness 
Rehabilitation from New York University and her Bachelor.s degree in Sociology 
from the University of California, Berkeley. She has been the Executive Director 
of Deaf Community Advocacy Network since 1983 and has implemented a 
multitude of programs and services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
communities in southeastern Michigan. Ms. Colton was also a gubernatorial 
appointee to the Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.s advisory council and has 
held countless board positions in organizations of and for Deaf people 

 

 

DEAF C.A.N.! offers a wide range of services that focus on narrowing health, 
economic, legal, and educational disparities that occur due to the communication 
barriers that Deaf people face. The majority of DEAF C.A.N.! clients are 
chronically underserved and face discrimination based on their deafness. 
Services do not center on “fixing” the individual's deafness. The agency board 
and staff believe Deaf people are members of a linguistic minority, and as such 
services are provided from a cultural perspective utilizing American Sign 
Language. Wherever possible, staff works to create systematic, institutional 
change to better serve the community. 

 

 

Deaf Women’s Advocacy Service (DWAS) 

PO Box 721084 

Berkley, MI 48072-0084 

DWAS99@aol.com 

 

Kate Slosar, MA 

President, DWAS 

Kate Slosar is currently the President of the Deaf Women.s Advocacy Service 
(DWAS), and also serves as a pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Detroit, 
serving two Deaf Churches in Southeast Michigan. Ms. Slosar received her 
Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies in the Deaf Field from St. Thomas University, 
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and her Bachelors in History from Madonna University. 
Ms. Slosar has been a pastoral worker for the Deaf community for over 15 years, 
and is the past chairperson of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf. 

 

Marika Vorosmarty Blumerick, LPC 

Vice President, DWAS 

Marika Vorosmarty Blumerick is the Vice President of DWAS, and is currently an 
instructor at Macomb Community College where she has taught advanced 
American Sign Language classes for over 20 years. She became the first 


certified Deaf substance abuse counselor in the State of Michigan, where she has 
practiced for over two decades. 
Ms Blumerick was a gubernatorial appointee to both the Michigan Board of 
Mental Health and the Division on Deafness where she served for eight years. In 
addition, she has held many board positions in organizations of and for Deaf 
people. Besides being the Vice President of the DWAS Board, she is also a 
current board member of Deaf Community Advocacy Network (DEAF C.A.N.!), an 
active volunteer and Committee Chair for “Relay for Life” and an advisor for the 
American Sign Language Club at Macomb Community College. She is the proud 
mother of three children, the grandmother of three, and a sports-enthusiast with 
the Michigan Senior Olympics and the National Senior Olympics with over 100 
medals to her name. In her spare time, she travels abroad and has visited over 
20 foreign countries. 

 

DWAS is an all Deaf, all volunteer agency which provides services to Deaf and 
Deaf-Blind victims of domestic and sexual violence. Their mission is to provide 
empowerment to victims through a 24 hour crisis network, counseling, and 
medical, legal and systems advocacy. DWAS is also committed to changing 
attitudes which foster and perpetuate violence. 

 

 

5. COMMUNICATION PLAN (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL) 

 

The key to the success of PAH! will be our ability to communicate effectively 
with one another, within our respective agencies, with Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
individuals, with the media and other external entities. As mentioned in our 
values, we are a bi-lingual, multi-cultural collaboration, without absolute multi-
cultural, bi-lingual fluency. 

 

We know we will have challenges communicating due to our multi cultural, 
bilingual foundation. Not so much in conversing, but in the duality of perception 
and meaning. The meaning of a concept can be interpreted differently, for both 
hearing and Deaf people. In addition, interpretation of a concept can be 
influenced by many aspects, such as race and ethnicity, spiritual beliefs and 
values, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds, interests and personalities. 
Therefore, we are conscious of how Deaf people's lives are shaped by their 
identities and experiences as members of a cultural and linguistic minority group. 

 


Our internal communication process consists of the transfer of information 
between members of PAH!, and with PAH! members and their respective 
agencies, either through email, phone, text messaging or face to face meetings; 
whether they be group meetings or one on one meetings. 

 

Our external communication will take place with the Vera Institute, OVW, various 
media and community stakeholders. The following section describes how PAH! 
intends to communicate both internally and externally. 

 

ALL PAH! members will be proactive in seeking clarity of communications to 
reduce misunderstanding related to language differences. Members will use in 
person, professionally translated communication when discussing critical issues 
or items that must be agree upon. When secondary lines of communication are 
utilized, such as email, text, relay, etc. these items and focus of conversation will 
be reviewed at meetings for further clarification. The project director will assure 
on-going clarifying questions throughout the meetings to ensure the reduction of 
“assumptions of understanding”, and how words, ideas and concepts are 
interpreted by difference languages as well as individuals. 

 

 

Internal Communication 

 

PAH! Meeting Guidelines 

When communicating, PAH! members listen carefully and respect one another.s 
opinions and suggestions. The preferred mode of communication for PAH! is to 
have face to face meetings whenever possible. Face to face meetings decrease 
the probability of misinterpretation of information, and since we know 
interpretation is a challenge for all of us, we would like to limit other modes of 
communication when possible (email/texting). ASL certified interpreters will be 
present at all PAH! collaboration face to face meetings to ensure an accurate and 
precise language exchange between Deaf and hearing members of PAH!. The 
meeting environment is open and neutral to afford an easy exchange of ideas. 
During the meeting, the Project Director will frequently ask if everyone has a 
clear understanding of the each concept. If a member does not understand a 
concept, that member is responsible for raising a question, so the group can 
then discuss and explain the concept until a mutual understanding is reached. 

 

Due to the bi-lingual make-up of this collaboration, all members are responsible 
for asking clarifying questions such as: “What does this mean to you?”, “What 
impact might this have on victims?”, “What might that mean to a hearing ally 
working with a Deaf victim?”, “Is this an idea that is sustainable?”, “How does 
this concept relate to all PAH! agencies?”, “Do we need to bring in other people 
for a different perspective?”. 

 


During the planning phase, the four-person core of PAH! will meet once per 
week for two hours with the project director. These meetings will be held at 
HAVEN administrative offices and facilitated by the project director. This 
schedule is subject to change as we move into the implementation phase of the 
grant. Collaboration members may increase duration and frequency of meetings 
as necessary during the implementation phase. At any point, other members of 
our agencies besides PAH! members may attend meetings as necessary. At each 
meeting, minutes will be recorded and distributed to the collaboration. 

 

The project director is responsible for scheduling PAH! meetings, distributing 
minutes and ensuring all members understand all the concepts of discussion 
regardless of whether the information is signed, written or orally transferred. 

 

Between PAH! Members 

When not meeting as a group, PAH! members will engage in direct 

communication on an as needed basis through email, phone and one on one, 
face-to-face meetings. Subjects discussed will be distributed by email on an as 
needed basis by the participating PAH! members. If a hearing member is 
speaking with a Deaf member face to face, an ASL certified interpreter must be 
present. 

 

Modes of Communication 

As mentioned earlier, a face to face meeting in the presence of ASL certified 
interpreters is our primary choice for communicating. If we cannot meet face to 
face, we have determined that email is the most efficient communication tool for 
our collaboration. Email will be employed for the dissemination of information 
and documents, as well as questions and responses, meeting agendas, minutes, 
and any other information related to the collaboration. The Project Director is 
the primary contact for all information regarding the collaboration and is 
responsible for distributing relevant information to the group. As part of our 
communication access outside of meetings, we will use email as our first line of 
communication. From time to time, we will also employ text messaging and the 
videophone as a mode of communication. 

 

 

Collaborative Partner Agencies 

PAH! members serve as liaisons to staff, senior management and board 
members in our respective organizations. PAH! members will be responsible for 
regularly updating their respective agencies on our progress at staff and 
management meetings, and in any other arena that is deemed appropriate. 
PAH! members will also be responsible for sharing any feedback, suggestions, or 
other pertinent information from their agencies with the PAH! collaborative. 
During the Needs Assessment phase of this grant, PAH! members will also be 
surveying, interviewing and holding focus groups with their agencies and board 


members. Details of those interactions will be included in the PAH! Needs 
Assessment Plan. 

 

PAH! Members and their Agencies 

HAVEN: Emily Matuszczak is responsible for updating the CEO, Beth Morrison 
on the status of PAH!.and relaying PAH! status to HAVEN Board of Directors. 
Emily is also responsible for bringing any information and feedback to the group 
from the HAVEN CEO and its Board of Directors. Christine Giresi, is 
responsible for relaying PAH! status to the HAVEN staff at monthly all staff 
meetings; Direct Service meetings; and Director.s meetings. She is also 
responsible for bringing information back to PAH! from these sources. 

 

DEAF C.A.N.!: Marcy Colton is responsible for relaying PAH! information to and 
from her staff and Board of Directors. Marcy updates her staff at monthly staff 
meetings, and her Board of Directors through email and Board of Directors 
meetings. 

 

DWAS: Kate Slosar will be updating her Board of Directors and volunteers in 
regards to PAH! activities. She is responsible for bringing back information and 
feedback from her Board of Directors and staff to the PAH! collaborative. This 
information exchange will happen at monthly volunteer meetings and Board of 
Directors meetings. 

 

External Communication 

 

Vera Institute of Justice (Vera) 

The Project Director will be the key contact person for the Vera Institute and will 
communicate on a regular basis with the assigned Vera program associate. Other 
project partners can also initiate communication as needed. On occasion, our 
Vera program associate will participate in collaborative meetings to ensure that 
all project partners have opportunities for contact with her. 

 

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) 

The Project Director, the HAVEN Senior Director of Programs, and the CEO of 
HAVEN (the Fiscal Agent) will be the primary points of contact with OVW. 

 

With the Deaf Community 

The Southeast Michigan Deaf community is a major stakeholder in our 
collaborative. From what we have learned so far, this community is 
undereducated and apathetic, which is evidenced by it.s lack of volunteerism and 
support of efforts that would otherwise further enhance the lives of Deaf 
individuals living in Southeast Michigan. The issues in the Deaf community 
mirror the issues present in the hearing community here in Southeast Michigan 
(socioeconomic, cultural, racial, etc.), and segregation between African-American 


and Caucasian Deaf is extremely evident. The dynamics of this population will 
be taken into serious consideration during the Needs Assessment phase, in which 
PAH! will be interviewing and holding focus groups with Deaf individuals. 

 

When interacting with the Deaf community, Kate Slosar (DWAS), Marika 
Blumerick (DWAS) and Marcy Colton (DEAF C.A.N.!) will be the key contacts. All 
communication to the Deaf community pertaining to PAH! will originate from 
DEAF C.A.N.! and DWAS. Our HAVEN representatives are not fluent in ASL, and 
therefore when attending a Deaf event and representing PAH!, they will be 
accompanied by a representative of DEAF C.AN! or DWAS. All interviews and 
focus groups with Deaf participants will be produced and processed by DEAF 
C.A.N.! and DWAS. When the project director is present for the interviews or 
focus groups with Deaf participants, a certified ASL interpreter will also be 
present. 

 

 

Other stakeholders 

Our collaboration will communicate with additional stakeholders in the 
community as needed to maintain positive relationships with both the Deaf and 
hearing communities to support the work of the collaboration. The collaboration 
will potentially be communicating with the following hearing systems: the legal 
community; health and wellness community; criminal justice community; 
educational institutions and local government. Project partners will use PAH! 
talking points in communicating information about the project to additional 
stakeholders. 

 

 Media Relations 

 

Talking Points 

The collaboration has developed jointly agreed upon, uniform messaging for 
responding to media and information requests regarding the PAH! collaborative. 
These talking points are heavily influenced by Deaf culture, and encompass the 
mission and vision of PAH!, our respective agencies, and our collaborative goals. 

 

Media Contact 

When proactively contacting the media, we will determine the best PAH! 
designate depending on the media source. HAVEN media designates are Beth 
Morrison (CEO) and Christine Giresi (Project Director). Deaf community experts 
are Kate Slosar and Marcy Colton. Any comments made to the media should be 
based on the agreed upon Talking Points and the mission, vision, and values of 
the collaboration. 

 

When responding to media requests, Beth Morrison (HAVEN CEO) will be the 
primary contact for media requests. If Beth is unavailable, Christine Giresi 


(Project Director) or Emily Matuszczak will respond. If the request is from a Deaf 
publication, but pertaining to HAVEN, Beth Morrison (HAVEN CEO) will be the 
primary contact. If the inquiry is pertaining to the Deaf community and domestic 
violence, both Beth Morrison and Kate Slosar (DWAS) will be media designates. 
Media designates will always follow PAH! Talking Points. 

 

If the media inquiry is pertaining to general disability, the HAVEN media plan will 
be in effect. The first line of contact in the HAVEN media plan is Beth Morrison, 
HAVEN CEO; second is Emily Matuszczak, Senior Director of Programs; third is 
Tracey Thomas, Director of Development. 

 

After contact with the media, the media designate will inform collaboration 
members of media communication. An email will be sent by the designate to the 
collaboration by end of business day. As mentioned earlier, email is our chosen 
mode of communication and allows all members of PAH! equal access to 
receiving information. 

 

Contact Documentation 

When media contact is made by any PAH! media designate, information 
regarding the contact and any resulting articles should be sent to the Project 
Director. Any noted issues about the contact, such as unknown information or 
misquotes, should be included as well. 

 

 

6. DECISION MAKING STRATEGY 

 

Consensus Decision Making 

Consensus and equal distribution of representation in the decision making 
process is very important to the group. PAH! will strive to achieve unanimous 
approval about issues affecting the group. To achieve this consensus, we will 
use a gradient scale to assess the degree of support or opposition. 

 

The gradient scale will range from one through five, with one signifying full 
support and five signifying no support. The following is a breakdown of the 
gradient scale we will use: 

 

1. Yes, I am in full support 
2. Yes, I can tolerate it. 
3. I.m not sure. I need more information 
4. No. But I.m willing to continue discussion on the topic, and it.s 
possible I will change my decision. 
5. No Way. I will not support. 


 


If all members register at a one or two, consensus is achieved and the group will 
move forward with the decision. If any members register at a three or a four, 
we will continue to discuss until we reach consensus. If for any reason a group 
member registers a five, the group will then look at recommendations and 
alternatives, and ensure that the idea being considered is represented clearly. A 
decision will not be made final until there is total consensus. The main focus of 
this decision-making strategy is to provide an environment where all members 
are satisfied and feel they are being represented equally and fairly. 

 

Decision Making Authority 

 

Collaboration Authority 

The collaboration will have a primary role in decisions that impact the vision or 
mission of the collaboration. The collaboration will also be able to provide input 
in regards to budget revisions, technological equipment needs, travel and 
attendance at OVW sponsored meetings. The collaboration will also have input 
on the collaboration charter, needs assessment plan and report, and the 
strategic plan. 

 

Fiscal Agent Authority 

HAVEN, acting as fiscal agent, has the authority to employ and supervise the 
project director. HAVEN also manages the OVW grant budget through the OVW 
Grant Management System, and submits the required financial reports to OVW. 
HAVEN is also the authority on creating grant change requests to alter the 
allocation of funds within the grant. HAVEN, acting as fiscal agent, has the 
authority to employ and supervise the project director with feedback from the 
collaborative. 

 

Project Director Authority 

The project director is the point of contact for OVW and the primary contact for 
the Vera Institute. The project director has the authority to drive the daily 
functional decisions of the grant such as setting agendas and logistics for 
meetings, summarizing meeting outcomes and circulating information to 
partners. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


7. CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGY 

 

If the collaboration reaches an impasse or is unable to reach a consensus, 

PAH! will follow the following formal conflict resolution strategy: 

 

1. Discuss the disagreement, being guided by our vision, mission and values. 
2. Discuss aspects of the conflict upon which we agree. 
3. Review our opinions, then five business days we will revisit our positions. 
If we still disagree; 
4. Move to mediation 


 

The mediator for this grant period will be our Vera associate. If an agreement 
cannot be reached through mediation, our Vera associate will decide if the Office 
on Violence Against Women will need to be contacted. 

 

8. CONFIDENTIALITY 

 

Client 

PAH! believes in the survivor.s right to confidentiality – it is an individual.s choice 
who knows his/her story of domestic and/or sexual violence. Any personal 
information about individuals beings served by any of the agencies in the 
collaboration will remain confidential and will be exchanged within the 
collaboration only as necessary and as allowed by any policies governing the way 
in which the information was procured (under Michigan Law, communications 
between a victim and a domestic violence or sexual assault counselor are 
protected under MCL600.2157(a) . Records containing the identity, case notes, 
treatment plan, historical or situational status of any client, past or present, of 
HAVEN, DEAF C.A.N, or DWAS shall be confidential and shall be disclosed only 
for the purposes of advancing the work of the collaboration in creating systems. 
change. None of the aforementioned, private information will be shared beyond 
the boundaries of the collaboration without the full and formal, written consent 
of the client. 

 

To further ensure confidentiality, the group will never use „name signs. when 
discussing a client. Initials or a code name will be developed for text email, and 
demographics will not be communicated in writing. All serious issues will need to 
be discussed face to face. Furthermore, if a videophone is utilized with a client, 
all numbers will be erased and deleted. 

 

The needs assessment survey and report will contain only measureable data and 
information necessary to meeting the needs of the participant. Any information 
from which a client could be potentially identified will be kept within the 
collaboration and not shared beyond its boundaries. Further, participants will be 
made aware of all procedure and confidentiality guidelines, and their 


participation will in no way affect access to services from partner agencies at any 
time. 

 

If a participant discloses in an interview or group setting, ALL survivor 
information collected and recorded will be protected to the fullest extent, as all 
survivor/client information is kept confidential at HAVEN, DWAS and DEAF 
C.A.N.!. All confidential data collected during our needs assessment phase will 
be kept at HAVEN. HAVEN.s confidentiality clause is as follows: 

 

Communications between a victim and a domestic violence or sexual assault 
counselor are protected under MCL600.2157(a): 

 

Except as provided by section 11 of the child protection law, Act No. 238 of the 

Public Acts of 1975, being section 722.631 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, a 
confidential communication, or any report, working paper, or statement 
contained in a report or working paper, given or made in connection with a 
consultation between a victims and a sexual assault or domestic violence 
counselor, shall not be admissible as evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding 
without the prior written consent of the victim. 

 

Records containing the identity, case notes, treatment plan, historical or 
situational status of any client, past or present, of HAVEN shall be confidential 
and shall be disclosed only for the purposes so authorized by this policy 
statement. All materials in the case record, and knowledge of clients not held in 
the record, regardless of its source, are subject to this policy. 

 

This policy shall apply to all persons who perform services for this agency: 
counseling, therapy, advocacy, clerical, administrative, students and volunteers. 
No rule or regulation can take the place of a conviction on the part of each staff 
person and volunteer that scrupulous protection of client information is a 
fundamental obligation. 

 

 

If the participant utilizes HAVEN.s services after disclosure, and requires HAVEN 
to advocate for them to acquire other services outside of HAVEN, HAVEN 
requires a written release of information signed by the participant. Clients 
should be informed at the time the release is signed that it can be revoked at 
anytime. Such revocation should be in writing whenever possible. When possible, 
a HAVEN release form should be used and witnessed by a HAVEN staff person. 

 

Consent must be sought each time additional information is released and must 
state the specific information that can be released. “Blanket” consents, either 
expressed or implied, are not acceptable. HAVEN staff may release only the 
specific information, which is contained in the client.s release of information form 
for the period of time specified. Information can only be released to the person 


or position within an agency as identified in the release form. Staff may not 
release information which was gathered from another agency or any other 
information contained in the client.s file except that which originated with 
HAVEN. 

 

**Concerns** 

During the needs assessment phase, we will encounter situations in 
which confidentiality will not be under our full control. For example, 
during a focus group, a survivor discloses an experience. PAH! 
advocates can assist victims that disclose within the group setting by 
processing in private the pros/cons of their disclosure and the need for 
safety planning and/or further follow up. But, the PAH! collaborative 
cannot guarantee another participant in the group will not share the 
information outside of the focus group. And due to the small size of 
the Deaf community in general, it is most likely the survivor.s 
disclosure may become public knowledge among the Deaf community. 

 

It is also possible that an interpreter may discuss their experience with 
another interpreter, or Deaf individual. Although PAH! only utilizes 
Certified Interpreters, and they are held to very high standards of 
professionalism and ethical conduct, we cannot 100% guarantee their 
confidentiality. 

 

PAH! Member 

If Collaboration members share any personal information in our meetings and 
request confidentiality, this information will not be shared with anyone outside of 
the collaboration. PAH! members are expected to respect the privacy of other 
members, and this information is to be kept within the group. 

 

Participating Agencies 

Potentially sensitive information (such as client information, funding, etc.) 
regarding our respective agencies that is discussed in PAH! meetings will not be 
discussed outside of the group. As a cooperative coalition, the work we do is to 
ensure a safe environment in which services can be provided to our clients. As 
we work toward this goal, we will amass and investigate information about our 
procedures and policies with the goal of improving delivery, accessibility, safety 
and efficacy. It is possible an exception will be made if Vera or OVW need to be 
informed of a particular situation, but otherwise all information deemed sensitive 
will remain within the collaboration. 

 

Certified Interpreters 

To facilitate effective communication, PAH! will only utilize certified/qualified 
Interpreters. Interpreters must be certified or qualified as recognized by the 
National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and the Registry of Interpreters for the 
Deaf, Inc (RID) and the Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Michigan 


Department of Labor and Economic Growth. The National Association of the 
Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) uphold high 
standards of professionalism and ethical conduct for interpreters. As 
certified/qualified interpreters, they must abide by the RID code of ethics. 

Please refer to Appendix I for specifics on NAD-RID code of professional conduct. 

 

Mandatory Reporting 

Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults 

In the state of Michigan, under the Social Welfare Act (Act 280 of 1939) 
mandatory reporters are defined as, “An employee of an agency licensed to 
provide health care, educational, social welfare, mental health or other human 
services.” All five members of PAH! are licensed, social welfare professionals, 
and as such, we are all considered by the state of Michigan as mandated 
reporters. Under the Social Welfare Act and the Child Protection Law (Act 238 of 
1975) we are required to report to Michigan Child Protective Services (CPS) any 
suspected or witnessed child abuse (under section 400.115b(2)), and the 
Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) to report any abuse, neglect or 
exploitation of a vulnerable adult (under section 400.11a-f). A vulnerable adult is 
defined by Michigan legislature as “a person over the age of 18 years who is 
unable to protect him or herself from abuse, neglect or exploitation because of a 
mental or physical impairment or because of advanced age.” 

 

Our collaboration believes that Deaf, Deaf-Blind, deaf and Hard of Hearing 
people over the age of 18 should not be considered vulnerable adults solely on 
the basis of being Deaf, Deaf-Blind, deaf or Hard of Hearing. This population is 
not considered to have a disability, but culturally and linguistically different. 
However we understand that members of this community may be determined 
vulnerable based upon other factors. Therefore, we will determine who is a 
vulnerable adult on a case by case basis in accordance with Michigan Law. 

 

Mandated reporting will become paramount when we enter our needs 
assessment and implementation phase. Therefore, before any issues of 
domestic and/or sexual violence are disclosed by a client, he/she will be clearly 
and effectively informed of applicable mandatory reporting requirements and 
their implications so as to continue in an informed and comfortable manner. 

 

If for any reason during our needs assessment or implementation phase, a 
member of our collaborative does encounter a case of child abuse or vulnerable 
adult abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, local child or adult protective services 
will be contacted immediately if risk is current. If past incident is disclosed, a 
report will be made within 24 hours. A hard copy of the report will be maintained 
by HAVEN. Follow up referrals and services will be provided for all involved as 
appropriate. 

 


This process is only utilized in the case of suspected abuse while engaged in 
PAH! activities. Outside of the collaborative, each member will follow their 
agency guidelines on mandatory reporting. 

 

Please refer to Appendix II and III for definitions outlining the abuse and neglect 
of children and the abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults, as stated under 
Acts 238 and 280. 

 

9. LANGUAGE / KEY TERMS 

 

PAH! has identified the following terms that we feel are important to our work. 
Some definitions from the Accessing Safety Initiative website truly reflected our 
own definition of a term, so we chose to use the ASI definition; others we 
defined on our own. Any term marked with an asterisk denotes an ASI 
definition. 

 

Accessibility 

For Deaf victims, it is very important to consider language and Deaf culture and 
how these aspects affect access to services. Accessibility to services should be 
equal for all people, not just the hearing. Services should be easy to approach, 
enter, operate, participate in, and/or use safely and with dignity by a person 
regardless of cultural differences. Limiting the barriers to technology, language, 
culture and community resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients is a core 
goal of the collaboration. 

 

Advocacy 

This is defined as any activity that a person or organization undertakes to 
influence policies. This includes intervening on behalf of, or representing another 
person or cause. We will raise awareness and we will advocate for our Deaf and 
Hard of Hearing survivors to remove barriers to service. 

 

Advocate Safety 

When we discuss Advocate Safety, we mean creating a secure working 
environment and taking measures to ensure the advocates. safety at all times. 

 

Change Agent 

A change agent is a person who indirectly or directly causes change. A change 
agent may initiate change, assist others in understanding the need for change 
and what is entailed, recruit support, manage the change process and/or assist 

in resolving conflict 

 

Confidentiality* 

This pertains to the ethical principles and legal rights regarding the 
confidentiality of all client information unless he/she permits disclosure or unless 


disclosure is required by law. This pertains to the agency aiding the Deaf client, 
as well as interpreters, advocates, hospital staff, police and any other community 
professional involved in the client.s case. 

 

Collaboration* 

According to the Fieldstone Alliance, collaboration is "a mutually beneficial and 
well-defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve 
results they are more likely to achieve together than alone.” This relationship 
includes commitment to mutual relationships and goals; a jointly developed 
structure and shared responsibility; mutual authority and accountability for 
success; and sharing of resources and awards. 

 

Deaf Culture* 

Deaf and hard of hearing people do not identify as having a disability or see 
themselves as experiencing a limitation. Instead, they identify as a member of a 
cultural and linguistic group. This group of people use the term Deaf with a 
capital “D” to reflect their cultural identification. Their culture, known as Deaf 
culture, was developed based in part on a shared language, which in the United 
States, is American Sign Language (ASL). Like any other culture, Deaf culture 
has its own values, norms, community institutions, and history that are important 
to understand and incorporate when serving Deaf survivors. While not everyone 
who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing identifies with Deaf culture, many members of 
the Deaf community do. 

 

Domestic Violence (IPV – Intimate Partner Violence) 

Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in an 
intimate relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not 
married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. 
Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, 
etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although 
emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are 
forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence 

 

Diversity 

Diversity is defined as the inclusion of people from different races and cultures in 
a group or organization. For our collaboration, our diversity underscores our 
strength as a group. 

 

Equality 

As a collaborative, no PAH! member will exhibit power over another member. 
PAH!.s collaborative will not be formatted on a traditional hierarchal corporate 
format. Each member is responsible to ensuring their ideas, thoughts and 
feelings are heard and integrated by the group. 

 


Hard of Hearing* 

Individuals who experience hearing loss from a physical or audio-logical 
perspective. An individual who is hard of hearing may primarily use spoken 
language (their residual hearing and speech) to communicate. 

 

Hearing Ally 

Hearing allies work with, not for the Deaf community to improve services. Allies 
believe in taking direction from the Deaf community and providing culturally and 
linguistically accessible services. 

 

Person Centered Planning 

Person-centered planning is a process-oriented approach to empowering people 
with disability labels. It focuses on the people and their needs by putting them in 
charge of defining the direction of their lives, not on the systems that may or 
may not be available to serve them. This ultimately leads to greater inclusion as 
valued members of both community and society. 

 

Self- Actualization 

This refers to an individual.s self-reliance in making independent choices, 
predicated on their strong, confident belief in themselves. We believe 
empowerment and increased self-esteem lead to self-actualization. 

 

Sexual Violence / Rape 

Defined as sexual contact which includes the intentional touching of the victim.s 
or actor.s intimate parts or the intentional touching of the clothing covering the 
immediate area of the victim.s or actor.s intimate parts, if that intentional 
touching can reasonably be construed as being for the purpose of sexual 

arousal or gratification, done for a sexual purpose, or in a sexual manner. 

 

Rape is considered a continuum of criminal sexual behavior, including forcible 
sexual penetration against (and between) females, forcible sexual penetration 
against (and between) males, non-forcible sexual assault against minors (and the 
physically helpless and the mentally incapacitated), sexual penetration of the 
vagina and anus with an object or body part other than the penis, marital rape, 
statutory rape, incest, fellatio, and anal intercourse. 

 

Value 

Values will be defined as strong beliefs one is willing to fight for or take a stand 
to support. 

 

Victim/Survivor 

A phrase that recognizes two perspectives on the experiences of people who 
have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. While some 


agencies might refer to someone as a victim, others prefer to use a word that 
feels more empowering to them. 

 

Vulnerable Adult 

A person over the age of 18, who is unable to protect him or herself from abuse, 
neglect or exploitation because of a mental or physical impairment or because of 
advanced age. This person is truly vulnerable and is under full guardianship. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


10. WORK PLAN 

 

Date/ Time Frame 

Key Activities 

Deliverable 

October 2008 

HAVEN receives DOJ/OVW Grant 

none 

 

November 2008 

New Grantee Orientation meeting in San Jose, 
CA. 

none 

December 2008 

Project Manager hired 12/8/08 

none 

January 2009 

Vera/OVW Site Visit (1/5-6/09) 

none 

January –August 2009 

Collaboration Building: 

-Members and Agencies 

-Develop Vision, Mission and Values 

-Communication Strategies and Rules of 
engagement 

Collaboration Charter Draft 

May 2009 

Vera Meeting in Indianapolis, IN 

none 

September 2009 

Collaboration Charter to Vera and OVW 

 

Collaboration Charter Final 

 

September 2009- June 2010 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Needs Assessment Phase 

- Develop methodology for needs assessment 

- Conduct needs assessment with the 
collaboration; our agencies; Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing community; and Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing survivors of domestic violence. 

 

Needs Assessment Proposal 
and Tools 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2010 –August 2010 

 

 

 

Needs Assessment Report 

- Analyze data and write report based on 
findings 

 

Needs Assessment Report 

 

 

 

Sept. 2010-March 2011 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategic Plan: 

-Review findings from needs assessment 

-Flag priority areas where gaps of service exist 

-Develop plan for systems change 

- Draft and finalize plan 

Strategic Plan 

 

 

 

 

April 2011 – October 2011 

 

Implementation Phase 

 

None 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

PAH! Talking Points 

 

Who: 

PAH! is collaboration between three community agencies in Oakland County, 
Michigan: HAVEN, DEAF C.A.N!, and Deaf Woman.s Advocacy Services (DWAS). 
HAVEN is a nationally recognized non-profit leader in Oakland County, Michigan 
providing comprehensive solutions and innovative programs that promote 
violence-free homes and communities. DWAS is a Deaf organization dedicated 
to ending domestic violence within the Michigan Deaf community. DEAF C.A.N.! 
is a community agency which offers a wide range of services that focus on 
narrowing health, economic, legal, and educational disparities that occur due to 
the communication barriers experienced by the Deaf . Together, these three 
agencies bring the experiences and traditions of Deaf culture, as well as the 
expertise of domestic and sexual violence advocates to create PAH! – Partners 
Advocating for Healing. PAH! is funded by a three year grant from the Office on 
Violence Against Women with a mission of creating fully accessible and 
responsive services for Deaf survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. 

 

Why: 

The obvious answer is that domestic violence and sexual assault is wrong. 
Research reveals that 1 in every 3 women will experience domestic violence 
and/or sexual assault in their lifetime and the number may actually be higher 
among underserved populations. The Deaf community is considered an 
underserved population for a plethora of reasons. First, the Deaf community is 
very small, and disclosing abuse is a risk to privacy. Therefore, many cases of 
domestic and sexual violence among Deaf victims are not reported. Secondly, 
budgetary constraints in domestic and sexual violence agencies do not allow for 
the cost of ASL interpreters to be on call for Deaf survivors. Finally, Deaf service 
providers may not know where proper services reside, and “hearing” service 
providers may not understand Deaf culture or provide adequate communication 
resources. 

 

How: 

The agencies that comprise PAH! are dedicated to the internal system changes 
deemed necessary to meet the needs of the Deaf community. These needs will 
be determined after a lengthy planning and research period, which will 
eventually lead to modifying the delivery of existing services so they are more 
accessible and responsive. 

 

PAH! agencies are committed to creating policies and procedures that build trust, 
and increasing our capabilities to serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors. Our 
collaboration between hearing and Deaf service providers will ultimately allow us 


to better serve Deaf survivors. Through the improved service, we hope to 
increase trust levels required for Deaf survivors to disclose their experiences and 
utilize services. 

 

When: 

Currently PAH! is in the planning phase. After completing a needs assessment 
study, existing services of all three agencies will be evaluated. A strategic plan 
will be developed incorporating the findings from the needs assessment, and will 
include any necessary changes to enhance the service delivery system for Deaf 
survivors. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Appendix I 

 

NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 

Scope 

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. 
(RID)uphold high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct for interpreters. Embodied in 
this Code of Professional Conduct (formerly known as the Code of Ethics) are seven tenets 
setting forth guiding principles, followed by illustrative behaviors. 

 

The tenets of this Code of Professional Conduct are to be viewed holistically and as a guide to 
professional behavior. This document provides assistance in complying with the code. The 
guiding principles offer the basis upon which the tenets are articulated. The illustrative behaviors 
are not exhaustive, but are indicative of the conduct that may either conform to or violate a 
specific tenet or the code as a whole. 

 

When in doubt, the reader should refer to the explicit language of the tenet. If further 
clarification is needed, questions may be directed to the national office of the Registry of 
Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. This Code of Professional Conduct is sufficient to encompass 
interpreter roles and responsibilities in every type of situation (e.g., educational, legal, medical). 
A separate code for each area of interpreting is neither necessary nor advisable. 

 

Philosophy 

The American Deaf community represents a cultural and linguistic group having the inalienable 
right to full and equal communication and to participation in all aspects of society. Members of 
the American Deaf community have the right to informed choice and the highest quality 
interpreting services. Recognition of the communication rights of America.s women, men, and 
children who are deaf is the foundation of the tenets, principles, and behaviors set forth in this 
Code of Professional Conduct. 

 

Voting Protocol 

This Code of Professional Conduct was presented through mail referendum to certified 
interpreters who are members in good standing with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 
Inc. and the National Association of the Deaf. The vote was to adopt or to reject. 

 

Adoption of this Code of Professional Conduct 

Interpreters who are members in good standing with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 
Inc. and the National Association of the Deaf voted to adopt this Code of Professional Conduct, 
effective July 1, 2005. This Code of Professional Conduct is a working document that is expected 
to change over time. The aforementioned members may be called upon to vote, as may be 
needed from time to time, on the tenets of the code. 

 

The guiding principles and the illustrative behaviors may change periodically to meet the needs 
and requirements of the RID Ethical Practices System. These sections of the Code of Professional 

Conduct will not require a vote of the members. However, members are encouraged to 
recommend changes for future updates. 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Function of the Guiding Principles 

It is the obligation of every interpreter to exercise judgment, employ critical thinking, apply the 
benefits of practical experience, and reflect on past actions in the practice of their profession. 
The guiding principles in this document represent the concepts of confidentiality, linguistic and 
professional competence, impartiality, professional growth and development, ethical business 
practices, and the rights of participants in interpreted situations to informed choice. The driving 
force behind the guiding principles is the notion that the interpreter will do no harm. 

 

When applying these principles to their conduct, interpreters remember that their choices are 
governed by a “reasonable interpreter” standard. This standard represents the hypothetical 
interpreter who is appropriately educated, informed, capable, aware of professional standards, 
and fair-minded. 

 

Tenets 

1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication. 

2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting 

situation. 

3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation. 

4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers. 

5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession. 

6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices. 

7. Interpreters engage in professional development. 

 

Applicability 

A. This Code of Professional Conduct applies to certified and associate members of the Registry 
of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., Certified members of the National Association of the Deaf, 
interns, and students of the profession. 

B. Federal, state or other statutes or regulations may supersede this Code of Professional 
Conduct. When there is a conflict between this code and local, state, or federal laws and 
regulations, the interpreter obeys the rule of law. 

C. This Code of Professional Conduct applies to interpreted situations that are performed either 
face to-face or remotely. 

 

Definitions 

For the purpose of this document, the following terms are used: 

 

Colleagues: Other interpreters. 

 

Conflict of Interest: A conflict between the private interests (personal, financial, or 
professional) and the official or professional responsibilities of an interpreter in a position of trust, 
whether actual or perceived, deriving from a specific interpreting situation. 

 

Consumers: Individuals and entities who are part of the interpreted situation. This includes 
individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and hearing. 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0 CONFIDENTIALITY 

Tenet: Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication. 

Guiding Principle: Interpreters hold a position of trust in their role as linguistic and cultural 
facilitators of communication. Confidentiality is highly valued by consumers and is essential to 
protecting all involved. Each interpreting situation (e.g., elementary, secondary, and post-
secondary education, legal, medical, mental health) has a standard of confidentiality. Under the 
reasonable interpreter standard, professional interpreters are expected to know the general 
requirements and applicability of various levels of confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality 
include, for example, federal and state laws requiring mandatory reporting of abuse or threats of 
suicide, or responding to subpoenas. 

 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

1.1 Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “as-needed” basis (e.g., 

supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities). 

1.2 Manage data, invoices, records, or other situational or consumer-specific information in a 

manner consistent with maintaining consumer confidentiality (e.g., shredding, locked files). 

1.3 Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential 

information. 

 

2.0 PROFESSIONALISM 

Tenet: Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific 
interpreting situation. 

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to stay abreast of evolving language use and 
trends in the profession of interpreting as well as in the American Deaf community. 

Interpreters accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, communication mode, 
setting, and consumer needs. Interpreters possess knowledge of American Deaf culture and 
deafness-related resources. 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

2.1 Provide service delivery regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, 
disability, sexual orientation, or any other factor. 

2.2 Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and 

make adjustments as needed. 

2.3 Render the message faithfully by conveying the content and spirit of what is being 
communicated, using language most readily understood by consumers, and correcting errors 
discreetly and expeditiously. 

2.4 Request support (e.g., certified deaf interpreters, team members, language facilitators) when 

needed to fully convey the message or to address exceptional communication challenges (e.g. 

cognitive disabilities, foreign sign language, emerging language ability, or lack of formal 

instruction or language). 

2.5 Refrain from providing counsel, advice, or personal opinions. 

2.6 Judiciously provide information or referral regarding available interpreting or community 

resources without infringing upon consumers. rights. 

 

3.0 CONDUCT 

Tenet: Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting 
situation. 


Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to present themselves appropriately in demeanor 
and appearance. They avoid situations that result in conflicting roles or perceived or actual 
conflicts of interest. 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

3.1 Consult with appropriate persons regarding the interpreting situation to determine issues 
such as placement and adaptations necessary to interpret effectively. 

 

3.2 Decline assignments or withdraw from the interpreting profession when not competent due 
to physical, mental, or emotional factors. 

3.3 Avoid performing dual or conflicting roles in interdisciplinary (e.g. educational or mental 

health teams) or other settings. 

3.4 Comply with established workplace codes of conduct, notify appropriate personnel if there is 
a conflict with this Code of Professional Conduct, and actively seek resolution where warranted. 

3.5 Conduct and present themselves in an unobtrusive manner and exercise care in choice of 
attire. 

3.6 Refrain from the use of mind-altering substances before or during the performance of duties. 

3.7 Disclose to parties involved any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. 

3.8 Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that might cause harm or interfere with the 

effectiveness of interpreting services. 

3.9 Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for personal, monetary, or 
professional gain. 

3.10 Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for the benefit of personal or 
professional affiliations or entities. 

 

4.0 RESPECT FOR CONSUMERS 

Tenet: Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers. 

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to honor consumer preferences in selection of 
interpreters and interpreting dynamics, while recognizing the realities of qualifications, 
availability, and situation. 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

4.1 Consider consumer requests or needs regarding language preferences, and render the 
message accordingly (interpreted or transliterated). 

4.2 Approach consumers with a professional demeanor at all times. 

4.3 Obtain the consent of consumers before bringing an intern to an assignment. 

4.4 Facilitate communication access and equality, and support the full interaction and 
independence of consumers. 

 

5.0 RESPECT FOR COLLEAGUES 

Tenet: Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns and students of the profession. 

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to collaborate with colleagues to foster the 
delivery of 

effective interpreting services. They also understand that the manner in which they relate to 
colleagues 

reflects upon the profession in general. 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

5.1 Maintain civility toward colleagues, interns, and students. 

5.2 Work cooperatively with team members through consultation before assignments regarding 

logistics, providing professional and courteous assistance when asked and monitoring the 

accuracy of the message while functioning in the role of the support interpreter. 

5.3 Approach colleagues privately to discuss and resolve breaches of ethical or professional 

conduct through standard conflict resolution methods; file a formal grievance only after 

such attempts have been unsuccessful or the breaches are harmful or habitual. 

5.4 Assist and encourage colleagues by sharing information and serving as mentors when 


appropriate. 

5.5 Obtain the consent of colleagues before bringing an intern to an assignment. 

6.0 BUSINESS PRACTICES 

Tenet: Interpreters maintain ethical business practices. 

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to conduct their business in a professional manner 

whether in private practice or in the employ of an agency or other entity. Professional 
interpreters are entitled to a living wage based on their qualifications and expertise. Interpreters 
are also entitled to working conditions conducive to effective service delivery. 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

6.1 Accurately represent qualifications, such as certification, educational background, and 
experience, and provide documentation when requested. 

6.2 Honor professional commitments and terminate assignments only when fair and justifiable 

grounds exist. 

6.3 Promote conditions that are conducive to effective communication, inform the parties 

involved if such conditions do not exist, and seek appropriate remedies. 

6.4 Inform appropriate parties in a timely manner when delayed or unable to fulfill assignments. 

6.5 Reserve the option to decline or discontinue assignments if working conditions are not safe, 

healthy, or conducive to interpreting. 

6.6 Refrain from harassment or coercion before, during, or after the provision of interpreting 

services. 

6.7 Render pro bono services in a fair and reasonable manner. 

6.8 Charge fair and reasonable fees for the performance of interpreting services and arrange for 

payment in a professional and judicious manner. 

 

7.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Tenet: Interpreters engage in professional development. 

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to foster and maintain interpreting competence 
and the stature of the profession through ongoing development of knowledge and skills. 

 

Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 

7.1 Increase knowledge and strengthen skills through activities such as: 

. pursuing higher education; 

. attending workshops and conferences; 

. seeking mentoring and supervision opportunities; 

. participating in community events; and 

. engaging in independent studies. 

7.2 Keep abreast of laws, policies, rules, and regulations that affect the profession. 

 

 

CODE OF 

PROFESSIONAL 

CONDUCT 

Registry of Interpreters 

for the Deaf 

333 Commerce Street 

Alexandria, VA 22314 

703/838-0030 (V) 

703/838-0459 (TTY) 

703/838-0454 (Fax) 

www.rid.org 

© Copyright 2005 the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 5 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Appendix II 

 

THE SOCIAL WELFARE ACT (EXCERPT) 
Act 280 of 1939 

400.11 Definitions. 

Sec. 11. 

As used in this section and sections 11a to 11f: 

(a) “Abuse” means harm or threatened harm to an adult's health or welfare caused 
by another person. Abuse includes, but is not limited to, nonaccidental physical or 
mental injury, sexual abuse, or maltreatment. 

(b) “Adult in need of protective services” or “adult” means a vulnerable person not 
less than 18 years of age who is suspected of being or believed to be abused, 
neglected, or exploited. 

(c) “Exploitation” means an action that involves the misuse of an adult's funds, 
property, or personal dignity by another person. 

(d) “Neglect” means harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by the inability of 
the adult to respond to a harmful situation or by the conduct of a person who 
assumes responsibility for a significant aspect of the adult's health or welfare. 
Neglect includes the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical 
care. A person shall not be considered to be abused, neglected, or in need of 
emergency or protective services for the sole reason that the person is receiving or 
relying upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with 
the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination, and this 
act shall not require any medical care or treatment in contravention of the stated or 
implied objection of that person. 

(e) “Protective services” includes, but is not limited to, remedial, social, legal, health, 
mental health, and referral services provided in response to a report of alleged harm 
or threatened harm because of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 

(f) “Vulnerable” means a condition in which an adult is unable to protect himself or 
herself from abuse, neglect, or exploitation because of a mental or physical 
impairment or because of advanced age. 

 
History: Add. 1982, Act 519, Eff. Mar. 30, 1983 ;-- Am. 1990, Act 122, Imd. Eff. 
June 26, 1990 
Compiler's Notes: Former MCL 400.11, creating an irrevocable medical assistance 
account within the general fund, was repealed by Act 321 of 1966. 
Popular Name: Act 280 


 © 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan 


 

Appendix III 

CHILD PROTECTION LAW (EXCERPT) 
Act 238 of 1975 

 
722.622 Definitions. 

Sec. 2. 

As used in this act: 

(a) "Adult foster care location authorized to care for a child" means an adult foster 
care family home or adult foster care small group home as defined in section 3 of the 
adult foster care facility licensing act, 1979 PA 218, MCL 400.703, in which a child is 
placed in accordance with section 5 of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.115. 

(b) "Attorney" means, if appointed to represent a child under the provisions 
referenced in section 10, an attorney serving as the child's legal advocate in the 
manner defined and described in section 13a of chapter XIIA of the probate code of 
1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 712A.13a. 

(c) "Central registry" means the system maintained at the department that is used 
to keep a record of all reports filed with the department under this act in which 
relevant and accurate evidence of child abuse or neglect is found to exist. 

(d) "Central registry case" means a child protective services case that the 
department classifies under sections 8 and 8d as category I or category II. For a 
child protective services case that was investigated before July 1, 1999, central 
registry case means an allegation of child abuse or neglect that the department 
substantiated. 

(e) "Child" means a person under 18 years of age. 

(f) "Child abuse" means harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare that 
occurs through nonaccidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual 
exploitation, or maltreatment, by a parent, a legal guardian, or any other person 
responsible for the child's health or welfare or by a teacher, a teacher's aide, or a 
member of the clergy. 

(g) "Child care organization" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1973 PA 
116, MCL 722.111. 

(h) "Child care provider" means an owner, operator, employee, or volunteer of a 
child care organization or of an adult foster care location authorized to care for a 
child. 


(i) "Child care regulatory agency" means the department of consumer and industry 
services or a successor state department that is responsible for the licensing or 
registration of child care organizations or the licensing of adult foster care locations 
authorized to care for a child. 

(j) "Child neglect" means harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare by a 
parent, legal guardian, or any other person responsible for the child's health or 
welfare that occurs through either of the following: 

(i) Negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, 
shelter, or medical care. 

(ii) Placing a child at an unreasonable risk to the child's health or welfare by failure 
of the parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for the child's health or 
welfare to intervene to eliminate that risk when that person is able to do so and has, 
or should have, knowledge of the risk. 

(k) "Citizen review panel" means a panel established as required by section 106 of 
title I of the child abuse prevention and treatment act, Public Law 93-247, 42 U.S.C. 
5106a. 

(l) "Member of the clergy" means a priest, minister, rabbi, Christian science 
practitioner, or other religious practitioner, or similar functionary of a church, 
temple, or recognized religious body, denomination, or organization. 

(m) "Controlled substance" means that term as defined in section 7104 of the public 
health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7104. 

(n) "CPSI system" means the child protective service information system, which is an 
internal data system maintained within and by the department, and which is 
separate from the central registry and not subject to section 7. 

(o) "Department" means the family independence agency. 

(p) "Director" means the director of the department. 

(q) "Expunge" means to physically remove or eliminate and destroy a record or 
report. 

(r) "Lawyer-guardian ad litem" means an attorney appointed under section 10 who 
has the powers and duties referenced by section 10. 

(s) "Local office file" means the system used to keep a record of a written report, 
document, or photograph filed with and maintained by a county or a regionally based 
office of the department. 

(t) "Nonparent adult" means a person who is 18 years of age or older and who, 
regardless of the person's domicile, meets all of the following criteria in relation to a 
child: 

(i) Has substantial and regular contact with the child. 


(ii) Has a close personal relationship with the child's parent or with a person 
responsible for the child's health or welfare. 

(iii) Is not the child's parent or a person otherwise related to the child by blood or 
affinity to the third degree. 

(u) "Person responsible for the child's health or welfare" means a parent, legal 
guardian, person 18 years of age or older who resides for any length of time in the 
same home in which the child resides, or, except when used in section 7(2)(e) or 
8(8), nonparent adult; or an owner, operator, volunteer, or employee of 1 or more of 
the following: 

(i) A licensed or registered child care organization. 

(ii) A licensed or unlicensed adult foster care family home or adult foster care small 
group home as defined in section 3 of the adult foster care facility licensing act, 1979 
PA 218, MCL 400.703. 

(v) "Relevant evidence" means evidence having a tendency to make the existence of 
a fact that is at issue more probable than it would be without the evidence. 

(w) "Sexual abuse" means engaging in sexual contact or sexual penetration as those 
terms are defined in section 520a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 
750.520a, with a child. 

(x) "Sexual exploitation" includes allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to 
engage in prostitution, or allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging in the 
photographing, filming, or depicting of a child engaged in a listed sexual act as 
defined in section 145c of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.145c. 

(y) "Specified information" means information in a children's protective services case 
record related specifically to the department's actions in responding to a complaint of 
child abuse or neglect. Specified information does not include any of the following: 

(i) Except as provided in this subparagraph regarding a perpetrator of child abuse or 
neglect, personal identification information for any individual identified in a child 
protective services record. The exclusion of personal identification information as 
specified information prescribed by this subparagraph does not include personal 
identification information identifying an individual alleged to have perpetrated child 
abuse or neglect, which allegation has been classified as a central registry case. 

(ii) Information in a law enforcement report as provided in section 7(8). 

(iii) Any other information that is specifically designated as confidential under other 
law. 

(iv) Any information not related to the department's actions in responding to a report 
of child abuse or neglect. 


(z) "Structured decision-making tool" means the department document labeled 
"DSS-4752 (P3) (3-95)" or a revision of that document that better measures the risk 
of future harm to a child. 

(aa) "Substantiated" means a child protective services case classified as a central 
registry case. 

(bb) "Unsubstantiated" means a child protective services case the department 
classifies under sections 8 and 8d as category III, category IV, or category V. 

 
History: 1975, Act 238, Eff. Oct. 1, 1975 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 252, Eff. Mar. 30, 1979 
;-- Am. 1980, Act 511, Imd. Eff. Jan. 26, 1981 ;-- Am. 1984, Act 418, Eff. Mar. 29, 
1985 ;-- Am. 1988, Act 372, Eff. Mar. 30, 1989 ;-- Am. 1990, Act 212, Imd. Eff. 
Sept. 27, 1990 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 251, Imd. Eff. Nov. 24, 1993 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 
581, Eff. Mar. 31, 1997 ;-- Am. 1998, Act 428, Eff. Apr. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 1998, Act 
483, Eff. Mar. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 1998, Act 484, Eff. July 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 1998, Act 
531, Eff. July 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 45, Imd. Eff. Mar. 27, 2000 ;-- Am. 2002, 
Act 661, Imd. Eff. Dec. 23, 2002 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 693, Eff. Mar. 1, 2003 ;-- Am. 
2004, Act 563, Imd. Eff. Jan. 3, 2005 

 
© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan