Page 44 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

The MADART screen and initially assess all domestic abuse incidents in the first instance. By having access to a variety of information systems under the one roof (Police, Housing, ASBIT and Social Services), the MADART is able to effectively assess, quickly, what follow-up action, if any, is required. A range of options are available to MADART. In cases where it is felt that the incident itself or the impact on children is serious enough to potentially require statutory measures of intervention, the children concerned will be referred to SCRA. For all other incidents a variety of responses can be taken: – • Information shared with Named Person as per the Getting It Right For Every Child approach • Request to Women’s Aid for involvement of advocacy worker or request for a place on the Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery programme (CEDAR) • Input from the Housing Officer to look at alternative housing options or home security measures for victims and their children • Follow up visit and further assessment by the Social Worker • Request to addictions services where substance misuse is assessed as a contributory risk factor • Linking in with adult services where victims may have additional vulnerabilities such as mental health issues, learning disabilities etc. The above list is far from exhaustive and some cases will be supported using a combination of responses dependent on the assessment. Overall, the MADART team have a suite of responses available to them that ensures that the right response can be made at the right time and that those victims (and their children where they have them) can be assisted to be safe. The Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team features as a key part of the strategic shift towards earlier identification and intervention. The prevalence of domestic abuse within North Ayrshire remains at levels far higher than comparable local authorities elsewhere. Likewise, the impact of that prevalence upon child protection processes, mental health and addictions services as well as the Criminal Justice system cannot be understated. The service that the MADART is now delivering is designed to reduce, in the longer term, the incidence of domestic abuse in North Ayrshire making it a safer place to live in and ensuring that our children have the best possible start in life. This is in keeping with the Single Outcome Agreement and National outcomes. It is anticipated that the timely and effective interventions provided by the MADART, and wider partners delivering services beyond the initial response, will reduce longer-term demands on all services. Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire Live V1.2 April 2014 Page No:44