Somerset review

All panel members to review their own response and activities with regards to the 3 themes. I.e. Risk Assessing, Multi Agency Engagement and Mental Health

Embed the principles of the ACPO DASH Risk Assessment process throughout all CSP agencies.

Review the systems, policies and procedures that ensure the completion of DASH Risk Assessments and ensure that MARAC referrals are completed when required

Develop a culture of ‘Professional Curiosity’ of frontline practitioners through on-going training and internal publicity

Encourage those who work within GP practices to ask Domestic Abuse screening/safety questions

The development of a robust quality assurance process for managing risk reports within the Lighthouse/Police Safeguarding Unit.

The down grading of all DASH Risk assessments must be reviewed and agreed by those supervising frontline practitioners.

All CSP practitioners and line managers to receive training regarding risk management in domestic abuse cases and subsequent information sharing

The South West Ambulance Service should enhance their training programme to encourage frontline practitioners to demonstrate more professional curiosity when receiving disclosures of domestic abuse from patients and their families

LSCB to review their approach to Child Protection Conferences to ensure that the learning, from this review, regarding trigger points for escalated risk of Domestic Abuse in the family environment are recognised and acted upon.

The Home Office Quality Assurance panel should direct police forces across the country to confirm that a Mental Health pathway of referral exists, allowing officers to refer those exhibiting symptoms to a framework of support including statutory, volunteer and charities service providers.

All self-harm matters should be considered for vulnerability assessment and followed up with a referral to MASH if appropriate

Somerset Local Safeguarding Children Board to improve knowledge amongst Children’s Services professionals of the available support for parents whose children have or are going through the process of formal adoption.

ASC to improve management of high risk perpetrators to increase the safety of high risk victims

ASC to ensure management of DA offenders is in accordance with best practice

Compliance by officers of policy to refer domestic abuse cases to Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit (LSU) to be reviewed

Probation Officers to ensure they are aware of the definition of a ‘significant event’ linked to reoffending and harm

Probation Officers to ensure that risk management prioritise victim safety

Ensure that information provided by service user is checked with partner agencies

Encourage those who work within GP practices to ask Domestic Abuse screening/safety questions

Access policy and children’s DNA policy to be revised to clearly describe process for maternity users.

Improve staff awareness of domestic abuse within organisation

Publicise help/support available for all forms of domestic violence within organisation

Devise a robust approach to risk assessment and management

Professionals are confident about sharing information and making informed decisions about actions

Ensure that the decision not to accept any referral (for voluntary perpetrator programme) is shared with key partners

Ensure timely closure of client files

Caseworkers to Intensify and record all methods of attempts to engage both client and other professionals during 1st month following allocation

CW to update other professionals and record in case notes this has happened following significant event during client engagement.

Effective Information sharing

Disseminate learning from DHR across Adult Social Care

Improve confidence of professionals in accessing all relevant support for clients

SCC Adult Social Care to review, alongside the SSAB Manager, engagement with future DHR and the cross over between other review mechanisms

Ensure completion of DASH Risk Assessments when ‘in-custody’ DA victims disclose abuse, and refer as appropriate

CAAS to consult with police officers once a prisoner presents as a domestic abuse victim. Discuss risk management plan and confirm actions required

All frontline community mental health service professionals are aware of the ‘Hidden Harm’ protocol, and use it

Ensure compliance with the statutory child protection process obligations