Domestic violence services failing children

Services for children affected by domestic violence are “patchy” and their funding is insecure, the conference heard.

Launching guidance for commissioners, Margaret McGlade, the Association of Directors of Social Services spokesperson on domestic violence, said children were not linked into mainstream services and mainly relied on the voluntary sector.

There are around 23,000 children in refuges and 106,000 children in the community who have been affected by domestic violence, according to research presented at the seminar by charity Women’s Aid.

The guidance, launched by the ADSS, Women’s Aid, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service and the Local Government Association, focuses on improving Every Child Matters outcomes for children affected by domestic violence.

It is designed for use by directors of children’s services, cabinet members with lead responsibility for children, and local safeguarding boards.

The guidance is open for consultation until 31 January 2006. Vision for Services for Children and Young People Affected by Domestic Violence from www.lga.gov.uk