Addressing Family Violence with Chelsey Handford

This month, mental health professionals and community partners gathered to learn from Chelsey Handford, Chair of the Billings Area Family Violence Task Force. Chelsey shared the powerful story behind the Task Force's creation, its mission to reduce family violence through education and collaboration, and the ways providers can help raise awareness in our community. The presentation offered valuable insight into local resources, the lasting impact of domestic violence, and the importance of working together to support individuals and families affected by family violence.

Building Safer Communities: The Role of the Family Violence Task Force

Chelsey Handford, Chair of the Billings Area Family Violence Task Force, provided an overview of the organization's history, mission, and ongoing efforts to reduce family violence through community education and collaboration. Attendees learned how the Task Force was established in 1990 following the tragic deaths of Isabel McGuire and her two daughters, a loss that inspired community members and professionals to come together to raise awareness about family violence and strengthen support systems for those affected.

Throughout the presentation, Chelsey highlighted the importance of education, coordination, and cross-sector collaboration in addressing domestic and family violence. She shared how the Task Force serves as a hub for professionals and community members by providing educational opportunities, maintaining resource guides, coordinating community efforts, and hosting the annual McGuire Conference. Please note that they are skipping 2026 to bring it back even better in future years. Participants also learned about the Task Force's commitment to supporting existing service providers rather than duplicating services, helping to strengthen the overall network of support available in our community.

Key takeaways included the critical role that mental health professionals play in identifying and responding to family violence, the importance of community awareness and prevention efforts, and the value of collaboration among agencies and providers. Attendees left with a greater understanding of local resources available to individuals and families impacted by violence, as well as opportunities to partner with the Billings Area Family Violence Task Force in creating a safer and more informed community.

Meet Chelsey Handford

Chelsey Handford serves as Chair of the Billings Area Family Violence Task Force and works for Child Protective Services, where she is dedicated to supporting the safety and well-being of children and families in our community. Through both her professional role and community leadership, Chelsey is passionate about increasing awareness of domestic and family violence, strengthening collaboration among service providers, and connecting individuals and families with the resources they need. Her work focuses on fostering education, prevention, and coordinated community responses that promote safer and healthier communities throughout the Billings area.

Lunch Sponsor:

Thank you Billings Area Family Violence Task Force for providing lunch at our monthly providers meet-up!

Helpful Links

BAFVTF website

BAFVTF Facebook page

Angela's Piazza website

Angela's Piazza Facebook Page

Announcements

The Shared Chapter meets on July 2nd

Next Provider Meet-up is July 8th at Noon (404 N. 30th)

Looking for More Opportunities to Connect?

The Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance launched the Montana Circle, a statewide community designed specifically for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals. Circle members gain access to exclusive networking events, peer consultation calls, book discussions, resource sharing, and meaningful connections with colleagues across Montana. If you're looking to expand your professional network, collaborate with other clinicians, and feel more connected in your work, learn more about joining the Montana Circle at montanacircle.com

About the Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance

The Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance brings together mental health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to strengthen connections, improve collaboration, and support mental health services throughout Yellowstone County.

Interested in Speaking at a Future Meet-Up?

We are always looking for speakers to present at our monthly meet-ups. We meet at noon on te second Wednesday of each month and would love to have you come share about your organization and how we can work together to serve those seeking mental health services! Email support@ycmentalhealliance.com