Mission: "To reduce the employment barrier of domestic violence and sexual assault victims by enhancing the safety of abused families receiving TAF."

Is someone hurting you and keeping you from getting a job? Will you be safe if SRS pursues child support? OARS is a collaborative project between the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV). 

SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT:

• Does your current or former partner call, harass or stalk you at work or training classes?
• Does your partner keep you awake all night so you will miss work or classes?
• Are you feeling overwhelmed with the trauma of a rape or sexual assault?
• Are you involved with the court system due to domestic violence or sexual assault?

If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, OARS may be for you.

ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT

If you have been victimized by domestic violence or sexual assault; currently or in the past, if you need special help with work program activities, if you are afraid to seek child support, if you need safe shelter, if you just need someone to talk to, contact the OARS advocate or your caseworker at the Salina SRS Office. Call: 785-826-8000 ext. 294

MORE INFORMATION

Work Program Requirements: All cash assistance recipients must participate in work activities such as job search, education, and training. But, if working, looking for a job, or going to school or job training may put you or your family in danger of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, we have help available. Your case manager can place you in a special work program called OARS where you can find out how to become both safe and employed.

Child Support: If giving information about the parent of your child may put you or your family in danger of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, we may be able to excuse you from giving us this information.

OARS Activities: If you and the OARS advocate determine that OARS is appropriate for you, then you will have taken what's known as The Family Violence Option. As a survivor, you are entitled to this option. While in OARS, you may choose to participate in one or more of the following activities: safety planning, counseling, support groups, court advocacy, shelter, economic advocacy and referrals. The OARS program is an individualized component and will be based on your individual needs.

Confidential and Voluntary: This information is confidential and voluntary.  If you decide not to tell us today, you can tell us another day...it's your choice.  We will keep this information confidencial with SRS. We will only use this information to help you develop a plan that gets you a job and helps you support your family without public assistance.
If you tell us that any children are being abused, we must report that information to Children and Family Services or a law enforcement agency.  We can help you find safety from the abuse. We can help you even if you want to participate in work or child support requirements.