Working Group 3 – Prevention and Early Detection Wednesday 30th September 2009 Llanddewi Village Hall, Llandrindod Wells
Present Sara Humphreys Hafan Cymru Wendy Madge Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre Lynne Jones LHB Lettie Francis Powys LEA (representing Yan James) Sue Burke Brecknock Womens Aid Margaret Richards Co-ordinator 1. Apologies Joyce Hughes IDVA Ceri Wood BWA Lynette Evans CAFCASS Angela Wragg LHB Philippa Frost Mediation Angela Morgan Independent Chair PDAF
2. Introductions All those present introduced themselves.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting MAR reported that the meeting with Juliet Still had still not taken place, though meetings with PDAC had proved very successful and their representative was now sitting on the MARAC. There is a distinct lack of funding for SM training but PDAC will deliver training for organisations or groups of 12 people or more. Hafan Cymru have delivered sessions to PDAC staff on DA and the SM/DA Framework. MAR had contacted IT and apparently the default Home Page on schools computers is down to individual schools to organise. LF confirmed that schools computers defaulted to ‘Google’ as the Home Page and it would need each computer to be programmed to bring up a bespoke Home Page. It was agreed to investigate further whether links, such as Kooth.com were readily available and whether DA page links could be added too. If some success with schools could be achieved this should be pursued for Collages, etc. LF suggested speaking to Governor’s sessions, either in the evening or at weekend meetings, may be a way of getting schools to be more receptive. There was a general request for more cards and posters promoting Kooth.com. MAR apologised for not having sent out any data reports. SH suggested that the reports presented to the IDVA Steering Group could be circulated once they had been approved.
4. Action Plan
‘To help ensure that children and young people affected by domestic abuse either as a single factor or together with other contributory factors, such as problematic use of alcohol and/or drugs, mental health issues, or disabilities, are identified and protected from further harm in a multi-agency arena.’ It was agreed that Children’s Services need representation on the Working Group and on the Forum. A discussion ensued around the ‘carrot/stick’ approach that was used on children being taken into care, etc. It was agreed that it would be useful to have a CS representative to talk to the group regarding resource issues and options.
‘To help enable children and young people affected by domestic abuse to develop to their full potential.’ MAR stated that the latest LSCB report showed that 100% of children on the ‘At Risk’ Register had DA as a significant element in the reason why they were registered.
‘To promote resources to support the development of services specifically for children and young people who are the victims of domestic abuse.’ It was agreed that it would be extremely useful to have sample cases of young people who had grown up with DA and to say what would have helped/what did help. It was also suggested that some members of staff in Provider organisations may be willing to share their experiences, thus showing that positive outcomes can be achieved.
‘To promote the training of any professionals working with children and young people in education, youth work, social care and the voluntary sector to give them the skills necessary to enable them to recognise domestic abuse and respond appropriately.’ Training for student Social Workers and Teachers should be investigated, so that they were fully aware of the effects DA can have on children and families before they operate as professionals in the field.
‘To deliver an annual programme of awareness raising events, involving the media wherever possible and to ensure that raising awareness is an ongoing process.‘
MAR reported that she had attended the Powys Youth Festival in July where the Internet Counselling service for young people had been launched. She had also attended the ‘Big Do’ in Machynlleth and been one of the exhibitors in the ICC section of the event. She would also be attending the Launch of Kooth.com at Newtown High School on Friday, 9th. Working with the WWA Children’s worker she had also delivered two sessions to young people on the Wild Camp.
‘To support the development of agency’s capabilities to collect information on domestic abuse and for them to commit to share this as part of ongoing monitoring to establish the true extent of the problem.’
5. Actions MAR to meet with Phil Robson to discuss possibility of speaking to School Governors on Domestic Abuse and hopefully get support for incorporating more ‘Healthy Relationships’ sessions into Powys schools. Also speak to PR regarding an appropriate representative from SS and CS to sit on the Forum, the MARAC and on the respective Working Groups. MAR to source more promotion material for Kooth.com. MAR to send out more data reports and the reports from the IDVA Steering Group around the work done by the IDVA. MAR to investigate whether a sampling exercise was feasible.
6. AOB
Margaret thanked all those present for attending and making such a valued contribution. The meeting closed at 12.00. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 25th November 2009 at Llanddewi Village Hall, Llandrindod Wells at 10 am.
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