Developing a ‘Whole Family’ approach to support for children & young people affected by domestic abuse

The Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council recognise the negative impact that domestic abuse has on families, children and communities. They are committed to working together through collaborative commissioning arrangements for all domestic abuse support services in North Yorkshire and the City of York to provide effective and consistent support and interventions to meet the needs of all those affected by domestic abuse.  

In order to achieve this vision, the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire have commissioned Independent Domestic Abuse Services (“IDAS”) to develop a ‘Whole Family Approach’ from 1 July 2021 providing support services for children and young people affected by domestic abuse in North Yorkshire and the City of York. 

In addition to providing tailored support directly to children, young people and their parent/s or guardian/s, IDAS will work in collaboration with York St John University and other key stakeholders to significantly improve the overall evidence base of actual needs of children and young people living in households where domestic abuse occurs, and identify the most effective interventions to meet these needs and inform future service development and strategic planning. 

It is anticipated that greater value for money will be achieved by ensuring the total local investment collectively prioritises the most effective interventions and services, with an emphasis on early-intervention and providing consistent services to meet current and potential future need of anyone affected by domestic abuse, thereby reducing demand on operational policing services and other related statutory services such as health, housing, children, young people and family prevention services as well as social care. 

Who can access support? 

Support will initially be available only for families living in the City of York from 1 July 2021.  

Support will be available for families living throughout the rest of North Yorkshire form 1 April 2022. 

Support is available for all families with dependent children and young people living in households where domestic abuse occurs. 

Support is available for all genders and regardless of sexual orientation. 

Referrals can be made by professionals working with families as well as self-referrals, and support is available whether they want to make a formal report to the police or not.   

Making a Referral - how does it work? 

Referrals for families can be made: 

• Online at https://www.idas.org.uk/contact/make-a-referral/ 
• Email to info@idas.org.uk 
• Phone on 03000 110 110 
• Live Chat web chat facility Monday to Friday early evenings via the IDAS website 

All referrals will initially be reviewed by specialist lead practitioner in a centralised referral hub who will complete an initial assessment looking at risk and need. Parent/s or guardian/s will be referred into the Domestic Abuse Victims Community Based Support services if not already being supported, before allocating the child to a specialist Young Person Domestic Abuse Practitioner to ensure a holistic assessment of the whole family is completed, alongside information about any other agency involvement, so that duplication is avoided and support is coordinated for the whole family. 

What help can they offer? 

• Intensive 1 to 1 emotional and practical support for C&YP aged 10yrs & over 
• Referrals for parents/guardians into and ongoing liaison with IDAS victim services to ensure that support plans are co-ordinated and support the family’s common goals 
• Supported group work and peer support networks 
• Onward referrals and/or liaison with other support services as appropriate.