Glossary of Terms
Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Committee
Glossary of Terms
Introduction
This Glossary of Terms is intended to provide an initial guide to commonly used terms (in alphabetical order) in the key areas of Child Protection, Adult Protection and Violence Against Women and Girls.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
ACEs are stressful events that happen in childhood including abuse; separation from parents (due to a parent being in prison or divorce) and parental substance abuse. Further information can be found at: http://www.healthscotland.scot/population-groups/children/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces/overview-of-aces
- Adult Protection Case Conference
A multi-disciplinary meeting convened to discuss concerns regarding an adult believed to be at risk. This meeting takes place where there are complex concerns about an adult or where it is believed that it may be necessary to put a protection plan in place. Adults are invited to their meeting although under some specific circumstances it may not be appropriate for them to do so and this should be discussed and agreed with the chair in advance. The meeting has no legal powers although there may be recommendations as a result of the plan for an application for a legal order. These meetings are not prescribed in legislation.
- Adult Protection Investigation
An Adult Protection Investigation is defined under Part 7 of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. An Investigation will take place where it is felt that an adult is at risk of harm and may need to be considered at Adult Protection Case Conference and this investigation must be undertaken by a Council Officer. The purpose of an investigation is to gather and analyse information from the adult, any carer or relative where appropriate, and from practitioners involved with the adult to better understand the risk and protective factors for them.
The Council Officer will make a recommendation as to whether or not an Adult Protection Case Conference is required and this will be signed off and agreed by the Senior Social Worker and the Chair of the Conference.
- Adult Protection Legislation
The legislative framework for the protection of adults in Scotland includes the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, The Adults With Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Scotland Act 2003. All legislation passed through Scottish Parliament is required to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and, when intervening to protect adults, consideration must always be given to whether or not there is a clear legal basis to proceed. Issues of consent, capacity and ability to protect must be primary to any decision making where an adult is at risk of harm.
- Adult Support and Protection - Three-Point Test
The three-point test is the legislatively defined criteria which identifies when an adult can be considered under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. An adult must meet all three points of the test for them to be assessed under adult protection and for a risk management plan to be put in place. Under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 an adult is defined as someone who is aged 16 and over.
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines an adult at risk as:
An adult who;
(a) is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests,
(b) is at risk of harm, and
(c) because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.
It is important to note that guidance to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 has been specific in relation to problematic drug and alcohol use. It states:
"Vulnerability or a lack of ability to safeguard, which is due to temporary problematic alcohol or drug use, would not by itself result in an individual being considered an "adult at risk". Adults have the right to make choices and decisions about their lives, including the use of alcohol and drugs, even if that means they choose to remain in situations or indulge in behaviour which others consider inappropriate. Without any additional vulnerability, such as an illness or disability, adult protection intervention would not normally be appropriate. Young people aged 16-18 can be particularly easily influenced and legislation places limits on children not in place for adults such as access to alcohol. However, the ongoing problematic use of drugs or alcohol may take place alongside (and on occasions contribute to) a physical or mental illness, mental disorder or a condition such as alcohol related brain damage. If this is the case an adult may be considered an "adult at risk". It must be stressed, however, that it is the co-existing illness, disability or frailty, which would trigger adult protection considerations, rather than the substance use itself."
An Appropriate Adult is a trained individual who facilitates contact between an adult whom the police require to interview as part of their inquiries and who may have vulnerabilities which mean they require support. The adult may be interviewed as victim, suspect, witness or accused. An Appropriate Adult will be called to the police station to provide independent support to detainees and a Solicitor will also be asked to present.
- Their role is:
- To facilitate communication for an individual with a mental disorder, aged 16 and over and the police
- To ensure the individual understands and continues to understand their legal rights throughout the process
- Helping the person to understand why they are being interviewed and the questions they are being asked.
- Ensuring, as far as possible, the individual understands the explanation for, and gives informed consent to, any examination or other police procedure
- To reassure and put the individual at ease
- To advise police if at any time the individual does not appear to understand
- Ensuring that the process is paused where necessary to discuss concerns about the welfare of the person and the need for a break.
- Child Protection Register
All local authorities are responsible for maintaining a central register of all children - including unborn children - who are the subject of an inter-agency Child Protection Plan. This is called the Child Protection Register. The register has no legal status but provides an administrative system for alerting practitioners that there is sufficient professional concern about a child to warrant an inter-agency Child Protection Plan. The decision to place a child's name on the register should be taken following an Initial Child Protection Case Conference where there are reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that a child has suffered or will suffer significant harm from abuse or neglect, and that a Child Protection Plan is needed to protect and support the child. Only when the practitioners who are working with the child and family decide that the risk of significant harm to the child has been sufficiently reduced and the child or young person is no longer in need of a 'Child Protection Plan', the local authority should remove the child from the Child Protection Register. The decision to remove a child's name will be made by a Review Child Protection Case Conference at which all the relevant agencies are represented, as well as the child and their family.
- Caldicott Guardian
The December 1997 Caldicott Report (named for its author Dame Fiona Caldicott) identified weaknesses in the way parts of NHS handled confidential patient data. It is now a requirement for every NHS organisation to have a Caldicott guardian. The Guardians are responsible for ensuring that their organisation adheres to the Caldicott principles. (see below)
- Caldicott Principles
- Principle 1Justify the purpose(s)
- Principle 2Don't use patient-identifiable information unless it is absolutely necessary
- Principle 3Use the minimum necessary patient-identifiable information
- Principle 4Access to patient-identifiable information should be on a strict need to know basis
- Principle 5Everyone should be aware of their responsibilities
- Principle 6Understand and comply with the law
- Principle 7The duty to share information can be as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality
- Caledonian System
Is an integrated approach operated by Criminal Justice Social Work to address male domestic abuse perpetrators and to improve the lives of women, children and men. It does this by working with men convicted of domestic abuse related offences on a programme to reduce their re-offending while offering integrated services to women and children. Working with men in isolation is potentially dangerous as it may raise the risk of harm to women partners. For example, women may continue the relationship when they might otherwise have ended it or men may resent having to attend and blame partners while not having yet learned how to stop their abuse. Because of the potential dangers the Caledonian men's programme is accompanied by a service which addresses the safety of women and children.
Intervention system comprises:
The Men's Service - which provides a programme of work with men lasting at least two years, comprising preparation and motivation sessions; a group-work programme of twenty-five sessions and post group work.
The Women's Service- provides safety planning, information, advice and emotional support to women partners and ex-partners.
The Children's Service - ensures that the needs of the children whose parents are involved with the Caledonian are met and their rights upheld.
- Incapacity in Adults
Understanding whether an adult has the ability to make decisions and to consent to certain actions is a vital aspect of work undertaken under the auspices of Adult Protection.
Part 6 of The Adults With Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 states that capacity in those over 16 means incapable of
(a) acting; or
(b) making decisions; or
(c) communicating decisions; or
(d) understanding decisions; or
(e) retaining the memory of decisions
Capacity is issue specific and often adults retain the ability to make some decisions but not all and any assessment needs be specific about where capacity is lacking. Capacity is assessed and defined by medically qualified staff; GP's or psychiatrists.
Under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 an adult does not have to have a medical diagnosis of incapacity to meet the three-point test. The three-point test relates to wider issues around decision making and an adults ability to protect themselves. When working with adults it must always be assumed they have capacity unless otherwise diagnosed. (For more information please see 'Three Point Test' on page 16).
- Care Inspectorate
The Care Inspectorate regulates and inspects care services and social care services in Scotland to make sure that they meet the right standards. They also jointly inspect with other regulators to check how well different organisations in local areas work to support adults and children. Accountable to ministers, its job is to assure and protect everyone that uses these services. 600 staff inspect thousands of services each year. It is necessary to inform the care Inspectorate if a regulated service is involved in any abuse or care incidents. Website: http://www.careinspectorate.com
- Child Protection Planning Meeting (CPPM)
CPPM's are a core feature of inter-agency co-operation to protect children and young people. Their primary purpose is to consider whether the child - including an unborn child - is at risk of significant harm and if so, to review an existing Child's Plan and/or consider a multi-agency action plan to reduce the risk of significant harm. CPPMs are formal multi-agency meetings that enable services and agencies to share information, assessments, and chronologies in circumstances where there are suspicions or reports of child abuse and neglect. CPPM's are chaired by locality childcare manager for the area concerned. There are four types of CPPM: initial; pre-birth; review; and transfer.
The function of all CPPMs is to share information in order to identify risks to the child collectively and the actions by which those risks can be reduced.
- The participants should maintain an outcome-focused approach:
- ensuring that all relevant information held by the Named Person and each service or agency has been shared and analysed on an inter-agency basis;
- assessing the degree of existing and likely future risk to the child;
- considering the views of the child or young person
- considering the views of parents or carers;
- identifying the child's needs and how these can be met by services and agencies;
- developing and reviewing the Child Protection Plan;
- identifying a Lead Professional;
- deciding whether to place or retain a child's name on the Child Protection Register; and
- considering whether there might be a need for Compulsory Measures of Supervision and whether a referral should be made to the Children's Reporter if this has not already been done.
- The participants should maintain an outcome-focused approach:
- Children's Hearing
A children's hearing (sometimes called a children's panel) is a legal meeting arranged to consider and make decisions about children and young people who may be having problems in their lives. Children's hearings are held in private and only those people who have a legal right to be there or are allowed to be there by the chairing member, will be present.
The hearing consists of three members of the local community who act as lay tribunal members, called panel members. They give their time freely (they are not paid a fee) to sit on hearings. The hearing listens to the child's circumstances and then decides whether compulsory measures of supervision are needed for the child and, if so, what they should be.
Panel members undertake training and development activities in their own time to make sure they are equipped to make decisions in the best interests of children and young people and that the hearings are conducted fairly.
- What decisions can be made at a hearing?
The hearing can make a number of different decisions:
- that formal, compulsory supervision measures are not required and discharge the case
- that the panel members need more information to help them make a decision about what is best, and they can defer (postpone) the hearing until a later date and in this case they can make decisions about what should happen to the child or young person in the meantime if this is necessary as a matter of urgency
- that compulsory measures of supervision are needed to help the child or young person and can make a compulsory supervision order. This will have measures attached to it which can include where the child or young person is to live, (for example with foster carers or a relative) or who the child should see and when.
- Child Protection Investigation
The Children and Families social worker will, in partnership with relevant agencies, continue to consider the necessity of any protective or other wellbeing considerations required throughout the investigation. The outcome of the investigation will be incorporated into any agency records/computer systems and a child protection investigation form will be completed. All relevant information gathered during the investigation will be recorded on the child protection investigation form including, details of the initial referral, family background, strengths and areas of concern, assessment of risk and the needs of the child. It will also include a recommendation of any further action required to protect the child and whether a child protection conference is necessary to and ensure their safety and wellbeing in the future.
Assessment is an ongoing process and continues once the investigation is complete. Information gathered during the investigation will support ongoing assessment processes which will consider the needs of the child and future risk and the information can support any integrated assessment processes.
The National Practice Model and National Risk Framework provides a structure and tools for helping to collect and analyse information obtained within the child protection investigation. It involves assessing the needs of a child and the capacity of their parents or carers or wider family networks adequately to ensure their safety, health and development.
The Childcare Locality Manager will decide whether a Child Protection Conference is required.
- Child Protection Order (CPO)
This is an emergency measure which aims to protect children and young people who are at risk of significant harm and should only be applied for when there is an urgent need for protective action. It authorises the applicant to remove a child from circumstances in which he or she is at risk, or retain him or her in a place of safety.
A child subject to a CPO is not technically a looked after child under the terms of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 however the Authority has the same obligations to such a child as they would to a looked after child. The Sheriff may make directions as to contact with the child for any parent, relevant person or other specified person or class of person. They may alternatively prohibit contact by such a person. They may also direct that medical or psychiatric examination or other assessment or interview of the child or treatment arising out of the examination or assessment take place.
The duration of the order is limited initially to a maximum of 2 working days. When a CPO is implemented a Children's Hearing must be held on the 2nd working day after implementation or the CPO will fall. If the Children's Hearing continue the CPO then a further hearing must be held by the 8th working day. At this Hearing legal documents drafted by the Reporter and which set out the grounds for referral and supporting statements of the facts of the case will be put to the child and any relevant persons.
- Conditions to be satisfied
There are two separate bases on which an application for a Child Protection Order can be made (Sections 38 and 39 of the 2011 Act). The grounds available under s38 only apply when the local authority is making the application. The grounds under s39 apply irrespective of who makes the application to the court.
In respect of an application made by a local authority under section 38, the sheriff may make a child protection order if satisfied:
- That the authority has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is being or will be so treated (or neglected) that he is suffering or will suffer significant harm;
- That they are making, or causing to be made, enquiries to allow them to decide whether they should take any action to safeguard the welfare of the child; and
- That those enquiries are being frustrated by access to the child being unreasonably denied and the authority has reasonable cause to believe that such access is required as a matter of urgency.
In terms of section 39 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, a child protection order may be granted by the sheriff if he/she is satisfied that
- There are reasonable grounds to believe that a child;
- Has been or is being so treated (or neglected) that he is suffering significant harm or is likely to suffer significant harm; or
- Is likely to suffer such harm if he is not removed to and kept in a place of safety, or if he does not remain in the place where he is then being accommodated (whether or not he is resident there); and
- An order under this section is necessary to protect that child from such harm (or such further harm).
- Coercive control
Coercive control is a term developed by Evan Stark to help improve the understanding of domestic abuse as a pattern of behaviour that takes away the victim's freedom and their sense of self. Stark argues that it is first and foremost a liberty crime. Physical violence is not always used (although it can be) and there is likely to be a range of other tactics in which the perpetrator micro regulates and constantly monitors the victim. The rules are based on the perpetrator's views as to how the partner should behave. Experiencing coercive control is like being taken hostage: the victim becomes captive in an unreal world created by the partner/abuser, entrapped in a world of confusion, contradiction and fear. Coercive control can happen anywhere: literally in that technology allows for surveillance. Where there are children they are also frequently impacted by the control.
- Chief Officers Group (COG)
The Public Protection Chief Officers Group (COG) oversees all public protection work across the partnership. The Chief Officers Group includes the Dumfries and Galloway Council Chief Executive; Chief Executive NHS Dumfries and Galloway; Chief Superintendent Police Scotland (V Division); Chief Officer Integration Joint Board Chief Social Work Officer; Locality Reporter Manager; Public Protection Manager
- Core Group (Children & Adult)
A core group is a group of identified individuals, including the Lead Professional for children, the Council Officer for adults, the child or adult and their parents/carers, who have a crucial role to play in implementing and reviewing the Protection Plan. The core group is responsible for ensuring that the plan remains focused on achieving better outcomes for the individual by reducing the known risks. The initial core group meeting should be held within 15 calendardays of the initial CPCC/APCC.
- The functions of a core group include:
- ensuring ongoing assessment of the needs of, and risks to, a child, young person or adult who has a Protection Plan;
- implementing, monitoring and reviewing the Protection Plan so that the focus remains on improving outcomes for the individual. This will include evaluating the impact of work done and/or changes within the family or circumstances in order to decide whether risks have increased or decreased;
- maintaining effective communication between all services and agencies involved with the child or adult and any parents or carers or other relevant persons;
- activating contingency plans promptly when progress is not made or circumstances deteriorate;
- reporting to review CPCCs and APCCs on progress; and
- referring any significant changes in the Protection Plan, including non-engagement of the family/adult, to the Case Conference chair.
- Council Officer
The role of the Council Officer is defined in the guidance to the Adult Support Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 which states that individuals undertaking this role should have the appropriate skills, training, and experience of working with adults who may be at risk, to be authorised to carry out the important and often sensitive work required by this legislation. In Dumfries and Galloway all a Council Officer must be a qualified Social Worker who has practiced in adult services for at least one year and who has received the specific training for this role.
- Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS)
The scheme aims to prevent domestic abuse by empowering both men and women with the right to ask about the background of their partner, potential partner or someone who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive.
The scheme aims to enable potential victims to make an informed choice whether to continue the relationship, and provides further help and support to assist the potential victim when making that informed choice.
People can make an application on line, at a Police office, by speaking to a member of the Police and by phoning 101.
Someone who has concerns about another person can also make an application. They will check that it is safe to make contact with you again.
The Police will undertake initial checks and an initial risk assessment. The Police may take immediate action if they believe there is immediate risk and a need to protect from harm.
Once the Police have undertaking initial exploration they will meet to establish details about the application and establish proof of identity.
The Police will run checks and speak to other agencies (e.g. Social Work).
There will be a multi-agency meeting with agencies including social work, Women's Aid to discuss whether it is necessary to disclose information and to develop a safety plan and what information to disclose if that is agreed.
There is also the Power to Tell whereby someone who hasn't requested information may be given information about their partner if they are at risk of harm. The decision to tell someone information will be agreed at a multi-agency meeting.
If police checks show that the individual has a record of abusive behaviour; or there is other information to indicate the person is at risk, the police will consider sharing this information with the person(s) best placed to protect the potential victim. The police will discuss the concerns with the referrer and decide whether it is appropriate for them to be given more information to help protect the person who is in the relationship with the individual they are concerned about.
http://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/disclosure-scheme-for-domestic-abuse-scotland/
- The Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (2018)
The Domestic Abuse Law came into force on 1 April 2019. It recognises domestic abuse as a pattern of behaviour and the potential impact on children. Further information can be found at: https://www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/news/news/7-things-to-know-about-scotlands-new-domestic-abuse-law/
The Duluth Model or Domestic Abuse Intervention Project is a program developed to reduce domestic abuse against women. The project provides a variety of wheels to explore various ways domestic abuse works. They are useful for use with survivors of abuse to recognise some of the ways abuse happens. https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/
- Dumfries and Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
Rape Crisis provides support to people over the age of 12 who have experienced sexual violence/abuse or rape.
https://www.rape-crisis.org.uk/
- Duty to Inquire
A Duty to Inquire relates to the duty of the council under Section 4 of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 to make inquiries where it knows or believes that an adult may be at risk of harm and the council may be required to intervene. In adult protection processes in Dumfries and Galloway a decision to undertake a Duty to Inquire should be made within two working days of a referral being made and should be completed within 5 working days.
The Council Officer, in undertaking a Duty to Inquire, will gather information to inform the decision as to whether the adult meets the three-point test and whether it is necessary to continue to Investigation.
- Emotional Abuse in a Domestic Abuse Setting
Emotional, psychological and mental abuse are often closely linked terms that are often used interchangeably.
Emotional abuse, as well as other forms of abuse (physical, sexual, economic) are better understood in the context of Coercive Control (page 7).
- Gender Based Violence / Violence Against Women and Girls
The term Gender Based Violence (GBV) is an umbrella term that incorporates several forms of violence that are mainly experienced by women and girls (VAWG) and which are mainly perpetrated by men and boys. However, men and boys experience gender-based violence but in different ways.
- These forms of violence include:
- Domestic Abuse;
- Rape and Sexual Assault;
- Revenge Porn;
- Childhood Sexual Abuse;
- Harassment;
- Stalking;
- Commercial Sexual Exploitation including Prostitution, Sex Trafficking and Pornography;
- Harmful Traditional Practices like: Forced Marriage; So-called "Honour" Crimes; Female Genital Mutilation; Dowry Related Crimes.
For more information go to:
http://www.healthscotland.com/equalities/gender-based-violence.aspx
- Harm - for adults as defined under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
Harm is defined in section 53 and includes harm inflicted by the adult themselves on themselves or by another individual. It includes all harmful conduct and, in particular,
(a) conduct which causes physical harm,
(b) conduct which causes psychological harm (for example: by causing fear, alarm or distress),
(c) unlawful conduct which appropriates or adversely affects property, rights or interests (for example: theft, fraud, embezzlement or extortion),
(d) conduct which causes self-harm,
The act makes it clear that all types of harm can be considered and there are no limitations.
- Initial Referral Discussion (IRD) Child
Undertaken within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the IRD is the initial decision-making process which allows for information to be gathered and shared in order to inform decision making as to whether or not a child or adult is in need of protection.
The three key agencies who take part in IRDs are Police, Social Work and Health. Where a child is of school age then Social Work has the responsibility to consult with Education as part of their information gathering. This should be an integral part of the process however if information is not immediately available this will not delay the process for IRD.
For children, the immediate safety of a child must always be considered at an IRD. The IRD will come to a decision as to whether or not to proceed to Child Protection Investigation. The IRD should take place and decisions/actions and outcomes recorded within 24 hours of the referral being received/the concern being raised.
- Initial Referral Discussion (AIRD) Adults
An Adult Initial Referral Discussion (AIRD) is part of the Duty to Inquire process and it can take place at any point during this process. It takes place within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub and it differs from the IRD for children as not every referral is considered through AIRD. An AIRD will take place where there are significant concerns or a complex referral which require to be discussed and recorded in this forum. An AIRD should always consider the immediate safety of the adult and ensure that if required actions are taken to secure their safety.
The AIRD is a multi-disciplinary discussion and will always include the key agencies, Social Work, Health and Police, who will share relevant information to inform decision making. Where deemed appropriate, this meeting can also include other practitioners who have detailed knowledge about the adult such as a Mental Health Officer or a drug and alcohol worker. It may be that agencies need to come together on more than one occasion during the Duty to Inquire to share and analyse information.
The outcome of the AIRD should be a decision as to whether or not the adult meets the three-point test and whether or not the concerns merit continuing to adult protection investigation. The Senior Social Worker in the MASH, as council officer, legislatively has the final decision as to how to proceed. Where an adult does not meet the three-point test consideration must be given as to what other measures can be taken to protect them and the AIRD will identify the actions required.
Where an adult is not deemed to be in need of protection the AIRD will consider what other referral/intervention may be required.
- Independent Advocate (both children and adult)
Legislation in place to protect adults identifies that all adults have the right to access an independent advocate. An independent advocate is able to give support and will help to enable a person to express their own views about their care, treatment and risk.
In Dumfries and Galloway we have separate advocacy services for adults (over 18) and children. An adult who is aged 16 would access advocacy through children's advocacy services.
- Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
The Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) established by section 10 of the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, provide a national framework for jointly establishing arrangements to assess and manage risks posed by certain categories of offender, namely;
- Registered Sex Offenders
- Those offenders assessed as posing a risk of serious harm to the public
- Restricted Patients
Therefore, MAPPA brings together the expertise and resources of key agencies to develop and deliver plans to protect the public from being harmed by individuals who may pose a risk. Further information on MAPPA can be found within the MAPPA Guidance 2016. http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0049/00495086.pdf
- Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
- The 4 aims of MARAC are:
- To safeguard victims (and any children)
- To manage perpetrators behaviour
- To safeguard professionals
- To make links across public protection processes
The 10 principles of an effective MARAC can be found on the Safe Lives website: http://www.safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/Dash%20with%20guidance%20FINAL.doc
One of the key principles is that victims (who do not attend) are offered advocacy. An advocate should represent the victim's views and feedback on decisions after the meeting.
- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Based at Police HQ Dumfries, it consists of two distinct groups who undertake processing of either child or adult referrals. The groups consist of members of Police, Social Work and Health who undertake initial screening of new referrals for individuals at risk and coordinate IRD's as described above.
Chaired by the Police the MATAC was set up to tackle high risk domestic abuse
Perpetrators. Attendees include: Police, V Division Domestic Abuse Unit, Domestic Abuse Task Force, Women's Aid (Dumfriesshire and Stewartry and Wigtownshire), Scottish Prison Service, relevant housing provider and Social Work.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. These symptoms can be severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life. The symptoms may appear sometime after the original events.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Post-traumatic-stress-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- Police Public Protection Unit
Are a specialist part of the police involved in protecting adults and children at risk and are the key officers and staffs involved in CP and ASP work including domestic violence.
- Public Protection Committee legislative role in oversight of Adult Protection
Under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 each council must establish an Adult Protection Committee (APC) and the Public Protection Committee will take on this role. Its remit is to keep under review the procedures and practices of the public bodies and officeholders which relate to the safeguarding of adults at risk. To give information or advice, or make proposals, and to improve the skills and knowledge of officers who have responsibilities relating to the safeguarding adults. It is for the council to appoint the independent chair and other members and this must include the council, NHS, police, Care Commission and others. A biennial report to the Minister must be provided by the APC convener.
- Safe Lives DASH Risk Checklist
A form used to help front line practitioners identify high risk cases of domestic abuse, stalking and 'honour'-based violence. The form can be used by any agencies working with "victims". If there is a score of 14 or over a referral can be made to the local MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference). The form consists of 24 individual questions that are asked of the victim Answers are yes, no or don't know. The more yes answers are indicative of higher level of concern, but professional judgment is also emphasised with regards to risk to the victim as answers are not necessarily truthful. There is a Scottish version of this.
There are multiple versions of the checklist including versions in many languages and for young people between 13 -17 years old.
Police Scotland use this checklist with an additional 3 questions - this is referred to as the DAQ.
- Signs of Safety
Dumfries and Galloway want all our children and young people to be happy, healthy and safe, and to be able to live a life that is full of fun with opportunities to learn and develop. In order to achieve this, the Public Protection Committee have a duty and responsibility to work together to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
We believe that adopting Signs of Safety will help us to deliver high quality practice, by empowering practitioners and families to work in partnership to achieve strong and sustainable outcomes for children and young people and their families.
Signs of Safety' is an innovative, solution-focused, strengths and risk-based approach to working with children, young people and families. It provides a clear framework for how to do the work within children's services and provides a range of tools to help build relationships with families and supports working effectively with them to achieve better outcomes for children and young people. It includes:
• principles for practice which underpin the work;
• ways of working - what to do, how and when;
• a range of tools to support engagement with families, strong assessments and plans, and for capturing the voice of the child or young person; and
• ways to support learning, reflection and development, such as supervision and evaluation of practice that is aligned with the approach
- Spousal Assault Risk assessment (SARA)
Is a checklist which assists criminal justice professionals in determining risk for violence that might occur in the context of spousal assault. It is a risk assessment used for perpetrators and is carried out by trained members of staff (usually CJSW). It has three possible answers for each question absent, possible partial and present. Risk is summarised as low, moderate or high by the assessor.
- Sex Offender Register
Anyone who has been convicted of a sexual offence which is listed within Schedule 3, Sexual Offences Act 2003 automatically becomes subject of notification requirements. In addition, if a Sheriff or Judge deems there to be a significant sexual element to any crime not already listed in Schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, they can utilise paragraph 60 of that Schedule to make that person subject of notification requirements. If an offender fails to comply with these notification requirements, then they commit a criminal offence and are liable to a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. Each sex offender is ultimately responsible for their own behaviour, but MAPPA (see above) and the involved agencies of Police, Prison Service, Local Authorities and Social Work Services has a responsibility to manage sex offenders to reduce the risk of harm.
- The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009
The act came into force on 1st December 2010, bringing with it a number of significant changes to the law on sexual offences in Scotland.
The definition of rape is now wider than was previously the case, reflecting a recognition within the law that men as well as women can be victims of rape.
Consent is now defined in statute in Scotland for the very first time. Under the new law, consent is defined as 'free agreement' and this is supported by a non-exhaustive list of circumstances which, if proved, will indicate that consent was not present. People with a limited or no capacity to consent (for example the very young, or those with a mental disorder) are also better protected within the terms of the new Act. The new law legislates on a number of related offences. These include sexual coercion, voyeurism, sexual exposure, and sending indecent images by email or text. This Act also extends its jurisdiction beyond the UK in cases where offences against children are committed abroad. These can now be prosecuted In Scotland irrespective of where the offence was committed, or of laws which pertain in that country. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2009/9/contents
SAM is a set of comprehensive structured professional judgment (SPJ) guidelines for assessing and managing risk for stalking. The SAM incorporates the latest advances in the SPJ approach to risk assessment, including methods for violence risk formulation and scenario planning. It is primarily a tool used by Criminal Justice Social Work in D&G, although available to others.
http://proactive-resolutions.com/shop/guidelines-for-stalking-assessment-and-management-sam/
- Victim Support
Victim Support Scotland provides support and information services to victims and witnesses of crime in Scotland.
- Women's Aid
In Dumfries and Galloway there are 2 women's aid organisations who provide support to women and children who have been impacted by domestic abuse. This includes outreach services, safe accommodation and general support to recover from their abuse. Wigtownshire Women's Aid (www.wigtownshirewomensaid.co.uk) covers the area of Wigtown and they can be contacted on 01776 703104.Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women's Aid (www.dumfriesshireandstewartrywomensaid.co.uk) cover the remainder of the region. They can be contacted on 01387 263052.
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