Decision details

The Chair welcomed Sally Allen, Interim Deputy Director of Children's Services; Tracy Poole-Nandy, Head of Service, Children's Social Care – Central; Rose Howley – County Manager MASH; Lesley Morville – Locality Manager, Children and Family Wellbeing Service; D.I. Allen Davies – Lancashire Constabulary; Debbie Thompson – Public Health Specialist – Safe and Healthy Travel and Partnerships; and County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Lead Member for Young People to the meeting.

The report presented provided an overview of the impact and prevalence of domestic abuse on children and families and the role of the county council and partner agencies in providing support and safeguarding children.

The committee was informed that the police were committed to embarking on a review of all domestic abuse processes and were moving towards focusing on the prevention and reduction of domestic abuse. It was confirmed that a review of their whole approach was being undertaken to ensure processes were efficient. And in the longer term, it was reported that there would be a full, comprehensive review of every aspect of domestic abuse.

An update was then provided to members on the Domestic Abuse Cabinet Working Group. It was highlighted that the group have identified a need for a holistic view of how the work was being delivered across the services and in particular from the perspective of preventing, protecting and promoting recovery from domestic abuse using a case study approach. It was anticipated that a report would be taken to Cabinet in autumn 2018.

Members were informed that workforce development was a priority and to have the skills in place to identify domestic abuse. The needs of the child had to be looked at holistically. Workforce development was also being looked at across the Multi Agency Partnership.

The committee requested that consideration should be given for signposting in every high school in Lancashire for children affected by domestic abuse, containing points of contact for them to get the right support.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The report be noted.

  ii.  Signposting be included in high schools in accessible areas for young people with details where they can contact the right services – to be identified through the task group and service.

  iii.  Further consideration be given to the use of media to raise awareness (through the Domestic Abuse Board and the police).

  iv.  A Bite Size Briefing be organised for members on the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme.