Turning Point for Families Inc., a program to reduce domestic violence on the Big Island, will become part of Child & Family Service at the beginning of next year.

The board of directors for the two nonprofits last week approved the merger, which will give the West Hawai'i Domestic Abuse Shelter operated by Turning Point the support it needs to continue, said Howard Garval, CFS chief executive officer. CFS operates a similar shelter in East Hawai'i.

CFS is Hawai'i's largest and oldest private nonprofit, with more than 600 employees and a $28 million budget. Turning Point has 40 employees and an annual budget of $1.6 million.