CA11 - page 1

ANNEX A

Community Safety Scrutiny Review of Domestic Violence

Scrutiny Recommendations

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Comments

/ County
Funding / County
No funding / Other Organisations /

Time table

County Council & Community Safety

R1)The Committee RECOMMEND the Executive, in conjunction with the ‘Action For Safer Communities Domestic Violence Group’, to increase understanding by:
  1. establishing a County Council D.V. Policy – supported by proper action plans, measured by improved Performance Indicators, and linked to the D.V. Coordinator’s work programme, the OCP’s commitments on domestic violence, & the county-wide strategy coordinated by the ODVSG, and including targets for the percentage of staff to train (to be monitored through appraisals and reported annually).
/ An OCC policy and training package is in place.
A county wide multi agency strategy has been developed which incorporates:
  • Awareness raising and signposting
  • Staff training
  • Integrated multi agency advice and support services for victims of domestic violence
A strategy is being developed for:
  • Improved services to protect and support children affected by DV
To come:
  • Strategy for work with perpetrators
  • Education (preventative) strategy
Specific elements of the county-wide DV strategy are supported by action plans, performance indicators and monitoring - variously through the coordinator’s work programme, county community strategy priority action framework and CDRP action plans / Cost of training for OCC managers - absorbed within OCC training budgets already allocated.
OCC contributes to coordinator’s salary and provides management support
For 2006/7 administrative support will be required to sustain current work and develop the strategy further. £25,000
2006/7 Funding for further training for Champions also required – to be determined / Identifying funding for administrative support is a multi agency task
As it is for any further resources for champions / ongoing
  1. Implementing an action plan to increase access to information for the public, by putting D.V. help-line numbers on the back of car-park tickets, improving the County Council’s web-site, placing adverts on buses and in taxis, and ensuring all councils in Oxfordshire are actively promoting the White Ribbon campaign held on 25th November.
/ Resource mapping completed (Key activity in Community Strategy Priority Action Framework).
New resource directory and web page, new cards and ‘user friendly information and advice leaflets’ in place/distributed October 05.
Publicity campaign led by OCC media/ Community Safety team and supported by local DV fora planned for November.
ODVSG will plan and review ongoing publicity in light of feedback, local expertise, effective practice elsewhere, and value for money. / OCC has input current staff time and skills into the web site.
Current county publicity budget for campaign
Possible future costs for ongoing campaigning – to be determined following evaluation of current campaign. / Part of GOSE allocation used for materials and training.
District CDRPs
Additional funding for some publicity materials.
We are likely to be looking to key partners for contribution either directly or through funding bids for ongoing costs of publicity, materials leaflets etc / Oct 05
Nov 05
Ongoing
  1. making information on how to get an injunction (non-molestation, protection from harassment, and new ‘stay away’ orders) more widely available, by circulating a leaflet that sets out the process in easy to follow steps, making this available on the web-site, periodically placing advertisements in the local press and in the Oxfordshire magazine, and exploring with Community Legal Services ways to map and promote legal support resources.
/ This information is included in new leaflets.
Civil law remedy is included in core training for frontline staff (DV ‘Champions’) who provide expertise within their agencies and form multi agency networks.
Access to legal advice has increased significantly in Cherwell as a result of the DV Champions pilot and the ‘Champion’ training and approach is being rolled out across the county.
Community Legal Service is funding an innovative pilot in Oxfordshire through Turpin Miller and Higgins to make free legal advice available to vulnerable adults through web cams in accessible venues across the county. / GOSE allocation
Training costs for champion pilot from PCT and for county from GOSE
CLS and District councils / Autumn 05
Pilot completed and evaluated. Scheme rolled out Autumn 05
Ongoing from summer 05

Schools

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This section might usefully be broadened out to include all Learning and Culture; eg the Youth Service has a lead officer for DV. Informal engagement with young people is an important way to address prevention issues

R2)The Committee RECOMMEND the Executive, in conjunction with the ‘Action For Safer Communities Domestic Violence Group’, to address prevention by:
  1. devising an action plan for teaching respectful relationships and communication life-skills in all Oxfordshire schools by September 2005 – as a minimum the County Council’s PSHE Co-ordinator should be required to ensure a copy of the ‘Family Links’ video is sent to every school with a follow up letter or visit to discuss the school’s reaction to it.
/ ODVSG will facilitate development of an inter agency strategy for DV awareness/prevention, as part of relationship education for young people. The earliest timetable for development would be 2006/7 – after the restructuring of children’s services. It will need to be co-ordinated at county level and delivered locally.
The strategy will be based on identifying current resources (eg Family Links), and building on local pilot projects (eg Leys) and on good practice from elsewhere. It is likely to include a range of materials and interactive approaches. It will need to take into account pressures on teaching staff and varying circumstances of schools / Implications for 2006/7
We envisage that we will need additional executive capacity – the level of which to be determined in conjunction with relevant bodies. / 2006/07
  1. writing a teachers’ handbook and issuing fresh guidance to schools about the importance of providing better support to meet the needs of children affected by D.V, and to require L&C to look at the expansion of Family Centres’ capacity.
/ A strategy for protecting and supporting children affected by DV is currently being developed and implemented.
The first priority is work with S & HC, and particularly ACPC, on their policies, training and capacity.
Work is also in hand integrating SWs and ESWs in the multi agency networks of DV champions - and implementing policies in family centres.
CAMHS resources have been identified to provide therapeutic support for children not on the child protection register. NCH are working with us on additional dedicated provision
Policies and training for family centres are in hand
A more comprehensive strategy to include work with schools will follow. / Absorbed within Area Child Protection Committee costs.
Core child protection will be built into CYPP capacity and we will use teaching staff time for training
Additional funding is likely to be needed for dedicated therapeutic services / CAMHS
NCH
Additional funding needed for therapeutic services / Ongoing
2005/6
2006/7
  1. refreshing the system for a designated named contact within schools, preferably by establishing counsellors in every school (shared between schools where appropriate), and to ensure S&HC work more closely with L&C so that schools are better informed when domestic violence issues may be affecting a pupil’s performance.
/ The vulnerability of children affected by DV is specifically identified in OCC Best Value Review of Children’s Services and in Every Child Matters outcomes.
ODVSG and the county coordinator are working with the children’s and young people’s planning process to help identify resources and best practice for next year.
The restructuring of Children’s Services and emphasis on local networks should enhance capacity for integrated support. / As above / Ongoing planning for 2006/7 onwards

Police

R3)The Committee RECOMMEND Thames Valley Police force agree to improve their overall performance in this area (and to support the County Council representatives on the Police Authority in monitoring their progress) by: / The Oxfordshire BCU and significantly expanded DVU capacity provides a basis for more efficient strategic partnership and improved operational performance
  1. establishing specific monitoring of compliance with CPS policy though their SLA; and to set specific targets for increasing the number of officers completing Centrex training modules.
/ A new TV Police DV Policy is being developed, and interface can be picked up through OCP and local LCJB.
Oxfordshire Police Training strategy comprises both training based on the Centrex modules and specific training associated with the implementation of the new police risk assessment protocol, piloted in Oxford, which is being rolled out across the county and forms the backbone of the new police approach to DV intervention / Nil / TVP / Ongoing
  1. setting targets to help them implement a pro-arrest policy, for both initial assaults and breaches of civil orders.
/ There is ongoing close liaison about effective policy and targets. / Nil
  1. having one of their three Oxfordshire area D.V. Units on call until 2 a.m. every day.
/ DV Units are now on call until 10 pm
ODVSG identified the need for:
  • a dedicated reliable 24 hour local help line /crisis number. Oxfordshire now has two - provided by Oxfordshire and Berkshire Women’s Aid respectively.
  • effective police response to 999 – now provided by immediate response integrated with risk assessment process and next day appropriate follow up by specialised DV Unit
/ Nil / OWA and BWA
TVP / Ongoing
From summer 05 and ongoing

Safe housing and refuge

R4)The Committee RECOMMEND steps are taken to ensure housing support improves by:- / The principle obstacle to expansion of safe supported accommodation for victims is the uncertainty in Supporting People Funding.
  1. writing into the County’s Supporting People strategy that it is a priority to have a 24-hour referral system for refuge accommodation in place, by having more staff on call, and using the Supporting
  2. People initiative to extend the number of refuge spaces in the County by 100% by September 2006.
/ Already recognised with the Supporting People strategy, and there is a 24 hour call system accessible by duty social workers for access to OWA and a direct 24 hour number for crisis support and access to BWA.
Although Oxfordshire does not meet BVPI targets, cuts/ uncertainties about Supporting People funding for 2006 has affected scope for expansion. Support for limited additional spaces specifically in South and Vale where there is no refuge accommodation at present is being pursued. The outcome is unclear - a number of funding options are being pursued. / Revenue costs of £50k being sought.
  1. working with District Council partners and refuge providers to create a capacity for expansion in emergency accommodation at known ‘pinch’ points (such as Christmas & football World Cup finals) and providing a special fund of £10,000 to pay for such extra staff cover & longer opening hours.
/ Planning for pinch points is integral to emergency planning: though additional resources probably more aspirational than real.
In general the policy is to reduce the time in B & B and increasing the pool of ‘transitional ’housing; and also to increase the support for those victims in emergency accommodation.
  1. ensuring District Councils designate a particular house for women only, and to phase out the use of B&B emergency accommodation for women fleeing from domestic violence.
/ Funding streams and in particular Supporting People funding uncertainties have placed constraints on new projects.
B & B accommodation is regarded by all housing depts as provision of last resort.
Where B & B is used it is important that victims should be supported and not left isolated.
Oxford city has a B&B specifically for women – plus has outreach worker to support them. In Oxford, South and West Oxfordshire, there is outreach support available for people placed in emergency B&B accommodation.
The health service has now also introduced a protocol for anyone made homeless for any reason: there should be health visitor follow up within 2 – 3 days whether or not there are children.

Outreach, advocacy & support

R5)The Committee RECOMMEND the ‘ODVSG’ & the ‘Action For Safer Communities Domestic Violence Group’ expand outreach, advocacy and support by:
  1. (in the short term) the provision through the Supporting People initiative of a floating support service for victims & their children resident in B&B whilst waiting to be re-housed.
/ As outlined in R4iii, there is provision, but total capacity is insufficient.
  1. (in the medium term) getting the D.V. Coordinator to find a way for victims to be put in touch with each other, so that they feel less alone, isolated and unique.
/ A strategy for providing support groups for victims is part of the Champion initiative. Interested practitioner champions can be trained to facilitate groups. Successful pilots have been run in Cherwell and will be rolled out across the county next year.. / Training strategy already funded by GOSE allocation / County and District may be approached about suitable group meeting place / Element of training strategy funded this year by GOSE / Pilots 2005
County strategy 2006
  1. (in the long term) replicating something equivalent to best practice elsewhere (such as Hammersmith & Fulham’s ‘Standing Together Partnership’ or Northampton’s ‘Sunflower Project’), which would produce a domestic violence outreach and advocacy team; a one-stop, multi-agency team of social workers, nurses, Police, housing, etc.
/ Research has established that independent advocates are particularly effective in increasing the safety and well being of victims at high risk, and reducing repeat incidents
One stop shops are established good practice for urban areas.
The Oxfordshire strategy has an additional innovative element to meet the needs of a mixed urban/rural population where a one stop shop may not be accessible to all: ie
  • establishing multi agency networking teams of frontline staff (Champions) across the county who both cascade expertise within their own agency and develop integrated multi agency practice together as a ‘virtual’ one stop shop
  • incorporating dedicated advocates working closely with the police and Champions as resource for women at high risk
  • and possibly integrating this with a one stop shop in Oxford.
OSVSG has commissioned CRARG (national centre of expertise on advocacy) to provide a detailed proposal for an advocacy service to meet Oxfordshire’s specific needs and profile and to assist in implementation. / Current nil.
Expansion of advocacy service represents a multi agency funding priority for 2006/7. CRARG will provide an assessment of effective provision and work with us on cost efficient implementation including possible use of existing staff posts – see also input from other agencies. To be determined / Current outreach funded by CDRPs. Police & trusts and managed by voluntary sector : BWA, OWA, VS
Significant expansion and increased funding likely to be needed. / Develop from 2006/7 onwards - dependent on funding.

Joint working and inter-agency co-ordination

R6)The Committee RECOMMEND the ‘ODVSG’ improve joint-working by:
  1. establishing a county-wide, multi-agency D.V. strategy, which re-aligns the various D.V. Fora and other groups into an integrated structure and ensures they all work within a context set by the ODVSG, and encourages those previously reluctant to participate (e.g. NHS and L&C) to start taking part in this changed structure.
/ There is an integrated multi agency structure in place comprising ODVSG, and three local multi agency fora integrated respectively with OCP/Community Strategy and with district CDRP action planning and monitoring processes.
We would like to suggest the obstacle to full NHS participation has been less reluctance than complex structures - and ongoing reorganisation. Currently:
  • PCTs are committed members of ODVSG and other Health Trusts participate in multi agency initiatives;
  • S&HC are increasingly involved;
  • Probation involved at local level and soon at ODVSG;
  • L & C less fully engaged: for future discussion in context of restructuring.
/ Nil / Occasional meeting facilities
  1. setting up an information sharing scheme (such as a database of commonly requested assessment fields) to which people experiencing domestic violence can opt-in, in order to save them repeating their story to each agency they see.
/ Information sharing protocols are in place.
The Champions’ scheme includes a multi agency referral policy and common form for recording key information ( including risk indicators aligned to police risk assessment ) which the victim can carry with them or it can be forwarded with the victim’s consent. / Being developed with champion scheme 2005/6 onwards.
  1. using the next Safer Communities Conference to encourage all agencies to adopt a single shared definition of domestic violence, to include reducing D.V. as a Performance Indicator for their performance monitoring, and to develop a timetable for introducing a single shared risk-assessment tool that they can all use.
/ A new Home Office definition has been promoted since this scrutiny review, which ODVSG has discussed and disseminated. OSVSG and local DV fora have concluded it is not practicable to require all agencies to work to one definition but clarity about the basis on which any data is collected is vital.
Reducing the risk is a priority for county and local community safety partnerships and for District Councils through the BVPI.
The new police risk assessment model is now being rolled out across the county and the multi agency training strategy includes training on risk indicators aligned to this

Health Services

R7)The Committee RECOMMEND that all Health Services ensure they are working to DoH best practice guidelines by:
  1. producing local guidance to ensure DoH guideline are translated into meaningful action plans by each acute trust and PCT, this should include instigating routine screening & proactive ‘asking’ about domestic violence, and renewed D.V. Fora membership at a more strategic level with designated routes for information to be disseminated into health structures.
/ PCTs are currently revising their policies. These include routine questioning – and are supported by the county training programme strategy.
PCT and acute services staff (JR and Horton) are participating in the multi agency Champions training which incorporates proactive ‘asking’ and good practice with ‘hostile’ victims.
Strategic links with NHS Trusts are through ODVSG, local partnerships and close liaison by county coordinator. / Implementation
05
  1. improving the training of staff, raising awareness of referral options, and ensuring specific designated S&HC contacts are created, to improve health referrals to personal social services and give referees better feedback.
/ The principal mechanism for developing and improving interagency referrals and gaining feedback is through the multi-agency champion networks. Additional interagency feedback processes could also be considered.
In addition to interagency feedback ODVSG are considering ways to develop service user feedback as key to monitoring and service improvement / ongoing
  1. ensuring Oxfordshire Mental Health Care Trust, Public Health Directors and PCTs work in partnership with ODVSG to provide a non-court mandated perpetrator programme so as to ensure we see a significant increase in the number of perpetrators attending programmes.
/ ODVSG in liaison with Health Trusts and other partners will draw on the expertise of Thames Valley Partnership and RESPECT (who are regarded as standard setters for perpetrator programmes), and consult through a multi agency conference, to
  • agree the most appropriate programmes
  • establish means for quality assured, safe delivery
  • and identify funding resources.
In co-ordinator’s work program for longer term (2006/7). / Significant funding implications
2006/7 onwards
Business plan required. / Structures, and business plan – including financial strategy - in place 2006/7.

Courts and legal system