Chelmsford review

Review how awareness of the new definition of Domestic Violence is being introduced into statutory and voluntary agencies and provide an update to the Chelmsford Community Safety Partnership within six months of receipt of the report

Review current domestic abuse training in light of the new definition and ensure that it now includes reference to sexual exploitation and provide an update to the Chelmsford Community Safety Partnership on progress within six months of receipt of the report.

Share the report with relevant partners and confirm to the Chelmsford Community Safety Partnership that the lessons learnt have been disseminated as appropriate within three months of receipt of the report

To have in place a clear contact strategy between CSC and UKBA for each young UASC to ensure that information between the two agencies is shared, as the UASC travels through the asylum process.

To have in place a clear contact strategy between UKBA and CSC for each young UASC to ensure that information between the two agencies is shared, as the UASC travels through the asylum process.

Police to be notified when a student is expelled due to assault regardless of whether or not Social Services are involved. To ensure that the incident is logged by the police in case of future incidents.

The UK Border Agency should make immediate efforts to re-document failed asylum seekers in an effort to facilitate the removal. This will result in the timely removal of immigration applicants from the UK, and will evidently reduce any risk of eventual domestic violence.

Completion of the review of the NELFT policies and procedures on domestic violence.

There is a need for interagency agency working and information sharing to be improved. Where there are formal meetings, minutes and documentation should be provided in a secure way to ensure this information is received.

Ensure that local Schools and Colleges consider the findings of this DHR and review how they currently advise/support young people about domestic abuse within relationships. This should include the role of friends and the issue of breaking a confidence when risk is known. Provide an update to the Chelmsford Community Safety Partnership after six months of receipt of the report.

Other statutory agencies, whether responsible for the victims or perpetrators, should routinely and immediately contact the UK Border Agency to share information and intelligence. This will allow the UK Border Agency to focus on cases where there is a need for immediate or swift intervention in relation to immigration matters; whether to assist the victim or to deal appropriately with the perpetrator. This should also apply to information sharing to other agencies by the UK Border Agency.

Domestic Abuse Training to be included in the core training skills programme for all clinical staff.

There are gaps in communication between the UKBA and CSC. Consideration needs to be given to regular liaison and updates between the UKBA and CSC.

Havering CAMHS staff to attend DA training.

There is a need for interagency agency working and information sharing to be improved. Where there are formal meetings, minutes and documentation should be provided in a secure way to ensure this information is received.

Implement a system to identify/flag all LAC with an open referral on the CAMHS case load.

Consideration to be given to DASH training being made available to all practitioners but essentially to those involved in the initial assessment and intervention process and those working with young people.

To raise awareness of CAMHS staff in relation to requirements for escalation and management in the event of increased risk factors

Consideration needs to be given to additional training and workshops for practitioners working with this user group to assist them in their assessment of need, including where therapeutic interventions are required.

Health LAC team to receive notification of all LAC children placed in borough from Essex County Council within 5 working days of placement change

Consideration needs to be given to the formulation of policy and procedure in relation to domestic violence amongst and between young people.

Given the level of involvement and work undertaken with UASC in CSC, consideration needs to be given to the availability of legal support and guidance to the L&ACT working with UASC and young people.

UASC and young people do not often have any one to advocate for them, consideration should be given to UASC being provided with an advocate.

The Assessment of Need and Pathway Plan is currently devised with the young person by the Personal Advisor and reviewed every six months. More consideration could be given to this being a joint meeting with all professionals involved in the young person’s life and chaired by an independent person equal to the Statutory Childcare Reviews undertaken when a LAC.

Given the uncertainty around the immigration status of UASC and young people, they should not be provided with a stand-alone independent living accommodation. Consideration should be given to placement within supported Living, Supported Accommodation with Sharing Housing being considered the least favourable and last option.

There needs to be a balance of UASC and young people remaining in Essex and having their cultural, diversity needs met. Where possible efforts should be made to provide placements in Essex as this will ensure there is more accessibility and greater contact to the provision of service provided by Essex County Council.

More focus and attention should be given to the view of foster carers when considering a move onto semi-independent/independent living.