Focus
There are a number of activities that Dumfries & Galloway has undertaken over the last two years that have contributed to implementing the Safe & Together model. At the beginning of their journey, a multi-agency steering group was set up that focussed on Safe & Together. Staff have given a considerable amount of their time to attending this steering group to determine the direction of Safe & Together implementation in Dumfries & Galloway. The steering group has proven key in driving this work forward as it has helped obtain high levels of buy in across the area.
Other activities that have been focussed on include the development of domestic abuse guidance, providing dedicated time and organising training for staff, and raising awareness and understanding of the Safe & Together model by providing inputs at strategic meetings.
In addition to the training, online perpetrator mapping tools have been purchased for use by staff within children and family social work. Staff are being encouraged to use the tool for domestic abuse cases to encourage greater understanding of the actions being taken by the non-abusing parent to create safety for children as well as identifying the impact of perpetrators’ actions. It is anticipated that the mapping tools will further embed the use of the model for the future, which Dumfries & Galloway intends on evaluating.
Outcomes
It is becoming evident in meetings that there is an increased understanding of domestic abuse-informed approaches, particularly during discussions at knowledge transfer sessions. This is indicating that practitioners across organisations and systems are more likely to have a shared approach to the families they work with. Furthermore, a change in the language used in baseline case file audits has been recognised in those that have completed the overview session. The local Women’s Aid has recorded the use of Safe & Together tools in their work.
Training evaluations that have taken place have suggested there is a greater understanding and use of the Safe & Together model, however there have been no further formal assessments to date. For the longer term, the ongoing development of domestic abuse guidance will be in place to assist the workforce. Additionally, staff have reported more supportive language in discussions, which is hoped to expand and continue.
Enablers
Dumfries & Galloway has a strong, collective leadership in place that have a shared vision for embedding domestic abuse-informed approaches, such as Safe & Together, in its local area. As a result of this, joined up working across local partners, as well as local and national strategies and agendas, is supported and promotes collaboration in the implementation process.
Barriers
A lack of confirmation for long term funding is considered as a significant barrier for Dumfries & Galloway as this impacts sustainable planning for the implementation of Safe & Together, which currently cannot be proposed beyond 2024. This is particularly relevant as there are ongoing costs for resources, training and copyright for local policies, further affecting embedding the model as these additional costs need to be resourced.
It was noted that a national approach to Safe & Together would be useful. The national purchase of licenses would be beneficial as it is currently unclear where the funding will come from once the DES fund comes to an end. Furthermore, a national policy framework would have been helpful for local leads.