14 Domestic Violence and Abuse Services in Dorset PDF 266 KB
The People Scrutiny Committee
is asked to consider the recommissioning approach set out in the report and
recommend the approach to Cabinet for approval.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The
committee received a report that set out the issues around the recommissioning
approach for Domestic Violence and Abuse Services In Dorset.
Councillors
considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion the
following points were made:
·
A comment was made that the committee may need additional information in
order to fully consider the issues in this area including an explanation of
acronyms, a copy of the previous contract and information around the increasing
numbers of people presenting to the service
·
In order to provide an integrated service in a rural area, a comment was
made that there was a need to look at more than just pattern changing services
but also include a focus on issues around children in this area including
whether the contract could provide for a children’s worker and the issue of
stalking. The role of and funding
provided by external organisations was recognised and it was felt, should be
part of the contract. Although the
report suggested a like for like service, it was felt that more was required in
order to provide support to all that required it
·
The Domestic Violence and Abuse service was a demand led service and it
had been noted where the highest incidences were. However there was a need to ensure that there
was service coverage for the whole area
·
A point was raised with regard to spaces available in refuges and it was
noted that a provider would be expected to find refuge accommodation elsewhere
if there was none available locally.
People may also be moved out of the area due to safety issues
·
In respect of the impact on children in this area, close working was
undertaken with Children’s Services. A
point was raised that children in these situations were not always identified
and that this should be a priority in the new contract
·
A discussion was held with regard to the availability of refuge
accommodation
·
It was important to have a whole system approach in this area, working
alongside non statutory agencies who provided support
·
Through the procurement process, there was a need to ensure that
providers understood the direction of travel and the current issues
·
It was noted that the approach set out in the report allowed the council
to provide a service. However, there
needed to be work undertaken to look at how all partners, including the
council, health, police and voluntary organisations, came together and
developed the support available. It was
recognised that this would take some time to develop
·
A question was raised with regard to pilot projects to be undertaken and
information was provided on some projects being undertaken
·
There was a need to do more work on the referral process and to evidence
the success of interventions and measure outcomes beyond crisis intervention
· A provider engagement event had been held and those attending had been happy with the approach, which allowed further work to develop good practice. It was noted that there were already good examples of innovation in ... view the full minutes text for item 14