Update on Barnardos domestic violence work in London

Presenter : Vivienne Springer (Lead Domestic Violence Learning and

Development consultant)

Tel: 020 8981 4924leasedomesticviolence@barnardos.org.uk

Objectives•Agree that there is more to the Domestic Violence Risk Identification Matrix model than just the matrix;•Know the scope of our current work;•Know what the challenges are to our work;•Know what is working; and •Know some of the new initiatives that have evolved from the rolling out of this model.

Development Packages

1) Multi Agency Awareness Briefing

2) Initial Assessment

3) Core Training & Mentoring

4) Safety Planning

SCOPE 14 London Boroughs

Barking and DagenhamBarnetBrentBromleyCroydonEnfieldGreenwichHammersmith & FulhamLambethHaringeyHarrowSuttonTower HamletsWaltham Forest

Types of work

Presentations of the model to stakeholders;Consultations including responding to enquiries as how the model is working in other places;Delivery of the full or parts of the model; Evaluations; andFollow up developmental work.

Break down of work to date

6 the full model;2 part of the model;1 Training for Trainers;2 are getting ready to buy full and part; and3 consultations only.

Challenges of embedding model in partnership with LSCBs

• Competing needs;• National campaigns that don’t address the whole;• Assessments based on resources as oppose to

needs;• Low representations from faith groups;• The confidence of practitioners to intervene early;• The confidence of practitioner to safety plan with

mother and child;• Working towards promoting a workforce of social

workers trained in working with domestic violence;

• Securing interest and commitment across a Borough at senior level; and

• Keeping the momentum.

What is working

•Presentation to Local Safeguarding Children Board;•Formation of steering group;•Ownership and commitment from the higher levels of the organisations;•Promoting a child focused agenda;•Integrated CAF system with an active CAF Co-ordinator;•Worker’s good working knowledge and ownership of the MARAC system;•Multi-agency ownership and commitment; and•Healthy directives and support from managers for staff to attend and follow through training.

What’s new

•Accredited Training for Trainers;

•PQ Award at Specialist and Masters level with Kingston University; and

•Publication.

Outcomes of the Domestic Violence Risk Assessment Model

•Increased staff awareness and understanding of the dynamics of DV and the risks it poses;•An improvement in Social workers ability to respond more effectively;•Increased safety measures for children and young people;•Non-abusing parent will be more aware of the risks;

More Outcomes

•More accurate risk assessments - core and initial;•More children needing support, will be identified;•Children/ YP and the non-abusive parent skilled up; and•Parallel domestic violence risk assessment process alongside adult risk assessment– MARAC, SPECCS and CAADA assessment.

Suggestions

•Two Boroughs buying into one programme

•Regular conference calling - Q&A sessions on how the model is going in other Boroughs