Practice Implications

Response to families where there was domestic violence or substance misuse

• Police and health were the main sources of referral

• The volume of referrals from the police concerning domestic violence was sometimes overwhelming for social care agencies

• Parents were not always informed of the referral – though the police and health usually did inform the families of the referral

• A quarter of the sample children were living in families where there were both domestic violence and parental substance misuse

• Parenting capacity was severely affected in 71% in these particular families

• Less than half the initial assessments were completed in the required time

• While some, as one would expect, led to no further action, three quarters of the cases resulted in some service delivery – in some cases a range of services

• Following an initial assessment, one in five cases where there was evidence of domestic violence was referred to a domestic violence team, and over a quarter where there was evidence of parental substance misuse were referred to services for substance misuse

• A core assessment was carried out in just over a quarter of the cases.

What improves the chances of effective inter-agency practice?

• Understanding and respecting the roles and responsibilities of other services

• Good communication

• Regular contact and meetings

• Common priorities

• Joint training

• Knowing what services are available and whom to contact

• Clear guidelines and procedures for working together

What would make a difference to parents?

• Paying attention to ensuring that families understand what is happening and consult them through the process of assessment planning and review

• A more honest, open and respectful approach

• Longer-term service provision

• Linking effectively with other service providers.