5.3 Domestic Violence Protocol |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
This protocol is drafted in conjunction with the Assessment Framework and cover the action that must be taken by social work teams on receipt of a referral or other information regarding an incident of domestic violence. This action must be considered in the context of the severity of each incident and its likely impact on the child/ren.
Also see the following guidance: ‘Domestic Violence: Moving Forward’ a good practice guide for professionals working with children and families.
Contents
- First Reported Incident of Domestic Violence
- Second Reported Incident of Domestic Violence
- Third Reported Incident of Domestic Violence
1. First Reported Incident of Domestic Violence
Initial Screening Officer receives Police Form 78 or other information/referral detaining an incident of domestic violence
Initial Screening Officer completes ‘Contact In’ or RICCS, forwards to Duty Social Worker and copy of P78 to Named Nurse – Child Protection
Social Worker contacts Community Safety Unit (CSU) within 48 hours of referral and ascertains:
- Background information to reported incident
- Details of any follow up by CSU with family and outcome
- Details of any previous incidents known to CSU
If the Community Safety Unit CSU informs that previous incidents of domestic violence are known, then decide whether to follow Section 2 or Section 3 below.
Social Worker decides on what action to take to safeguard and promote child/children’s welfare.
Send ‘Initial Response Letter’ within 24 hours of contact with CSU. An ‘Initial Response Letter’ must be sent to the ‘victim/survivor’ of a domestic violence incident unless another means of contact will be established (e.g. Home visit, office appointment by the Social Worker).
Social Worker either closes case or completes referral details and Initial Assessment.
2. Second Reported Incident of Domestic Violence
Initial Screening Officer receives Police Form 78 or other information/referral detailing an incident of domestic violence
Initial Screening Officer completes ‘Contact In’ on RICCS, forwards to Duty Social Worker and copy of P78 to Named Nurse – Child Protection
Social Worker contacts Community Safety Unit (CSU) within 48 hours of referral and ascertains:
- Background information to reported incident
- Details of any follow up by Community Safety Unit (CSU) with family and outcome
- Details of any previous incidents known to Community Safety Unit (CSU)
If Community Safety Unit (CSU) informs that previous incidents of domestic violence are known, then decide whether to follow Section 3 below.
Social Worker decides on what action to take to safeguard and promote child/children’s welfare
Send ‘Second Response Letter’ within 24 hours of contact with Community Safety Unit (CSU). This must offer an appointment with the Social Worker within 5 working days of contact with Community Safety Unit (CSU) – Worker should also consider joint appointment with Health/Education Services
Case remains open as ‘child in need’ pending appointment.
If parent attends and receives services case details must be recorded as a referral and an Initial Assessment completed
If parent does not attend appointment or make contact decide whether to send further appointment or close.
3. Third Reported Incident of Domestic Violence
Initial Screening Officer receives Police Form 78 or other information/referral detailing an incident of domestic violence
Initial Screening Officer completes ‘Contact In’ on RICCS, forwards to Duty Social Worker and copy of P78 to Named Nurse – Child Protection
Duty Social Worker to complete Referral screen on RICCS
Allocate within team to complete Initial Assessment
Social Worker contacts Community Safety Unit (CSU) within 48 hours of referral and ascertains:
- Background information to reported incident
- Details of any follow up by Community Safety Unit (CSU) with family and outcome
- Details of any previous incidents known to Community Safety Unit (CSU)
Social Worker decides on what action to take to safeguard and promote child/children’s welfare
Send ‘Third Response Letter’ within 24 hours of contact with Community Safety Unit (CSU). An appointment must be arranged within 7 working days of contact with Community Safety Unit (CSU). This letter must state that a home visit has been arranged and who will be attending. The Social Worker should consider the advantages of visiting with the family’s Health Visitor, EWO, Voluntary organisations etc., or a colleague.
Case remains open as child in need pending home visit.
The child(ren) must be seen during the visit
If no one is at home, arrange a further appointment by letter within 5 working days
If the parent rings to cancel the appointment at any stage, then negotiate another time and/or venue
If the parent fails a second appointment, the Social Worker must review what action to take to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare and the Initial Assessment must be completed
Social Worker to advise all agencies, as appropriate.
- Description and details (including family tree) of the birth family and household
- Photographs, certificates and other significant personal mementos
End