Domestic violence guidance published

New guidance on protecting children affected by domestic violence is published today.

It is aimed at directors of children’s services and was jointly produced by the Association of Directors of Social Services, Women’s Aid, the Local Government Association and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support.

ADSS lead on domestic violence Margaret McGlade, who chaired the inter-agency group, said the guidance, “provides a clear framework for developing comprehensive services for children affected by domestic violence, and brings these children into mainstream planning for all children.

“It shows how existing services can be adapted to meet the needs of the many children affected but also identifies where specialist services are needed. And it shows where multi-agency risk assessment procedures should be used to identify children most at risk, where safety plans are needed.

“It also brings together evidence from research and recommends standards for service planning and development. It will help identify gaps in current services and priorities for future development.”

Domestic violence costs social services departments an estimated £250 million a year, with most funds spent on children, according to government research.

http://www.lga.gov.uk/Publication.asp?lSection=0&id=SX796C-A783A8D6