Repeat victims of domestic abuse are at high risk of serious injury and death. Local partnerships work together to identify and respond to these cases through the MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk-Assessment Conference) process. It is imperative that partners learn from these cases to improve their response to future victims.
Client
I was commissioned by Wakefield Community Safety Partnership, following a case audit referral to them by the Wakefield and District Safeguarding Adult Board.
The Problem
A case had been discussed multiple times at Wakefield MARAC but it didn’t meeting the threshold criteria for a Safeguarding Adult Review. MARAC partners wanted to learn lessons and identify effective practice to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable members of society. They also wanted to establish a model to be able to replicate this audit and learning process in the future.
The Solution
I worked with the MARAC Steering Group on the following activities:
- development of a case audit Terms of Reference
- development of a model for the case audit
- coordination of steering group members’ review of their data and organizational learning
- provision of independent facilitation of a case conference to discuss and learn lessons
- design, development and agreement of a blueprint for future audits with guidance and templates.
The Outcome
Partners learned lessons from a specific case to safeguard future domestic abuse victims, and were given a toolkit for future reviews that included a clear process and template documents for each step.
What the Client Said
I have worked alongside Nicola on several occasions, both in my capacity as Deputy Chair of the Safeguarding Adult Board, MARAC chair and Safeguarding Domestic Abuse Lead. Nicola is clearly committed to excellence, has a team approach and every contact I have had she has displayed a core dedication to protecting and safeguarding with passion and enthusiasm.
Nicola actively listens to all participants, understanding their own individual contribution and nuances, which has really supported the solid groundwork of a strategy that is both meaningful and realistic.
DI Kristy Wright
Detective Inspector, Wakefield District Safeguarding
Adult Safeguarding / Domestic Abuse / Partnerships / MARAC Chair
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