Support for Bucks parents affected by domestic abuse
Funding has been given to the Family Drug & Alcohol courts to bridge a gap in support for families dealing with domestic abuse.
After a gap in services was identified Buckinghamshire Family Drug & Alcohol Courts have received funding to provide more services surrounding domestic abuse.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has given £48,500 to the courts to hire a key worker and forensic psychologist.
Matthew Barber, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, said:
"We are impressed with the work that has been taking place in the Family Drug & Alcohol Courts and were delighted to be able to support them with this funding.
"It will pay for a specialist key worker who will support families where domestic abuse has been a factor in their case. This role will work across all cases held by FDAC in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire.
"Domestic abuse should never be tolerated and we appreciate that quite often these sort of cases are complex. We hope that by giving this funding we can stop domestic abuse happening and support families thereby enabling children to live safely and not in fear.
"We are passionate about helping victims which is why we run our Victims First service. Victims of domestic abuse, or any other crime for that matter, are encouraged to get in touch with us for help. More information on how to refer into Victims First can be found on our website victims-first.org.uk."
The FDAC aims to enable more children to remain or return to their parents and be caref for safely.
Initially the focus is to work on the issue that prevented this, for example alcohol use, and then addressing other issues impacting parenting.
Work is then done with the parent to change patterns and build a child centered lifestyle.
Around 40-45% of parents working with FDAC have children returned to their care.
Jenny Swift, Team Manager - Milton Keynes and Bucks FDAC, said:
"Previously we have been entirely funded by Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire councils but this year we have OPCC funding to expand the team which is brilliant news. This new role will include work with those who have experienced domestic abuse and those who perpetrate it.
"There are occasionally cases where a more specialist assessment is needed by a forensic psychologist to help make decisions and understand risks. The funding will also cover these assessments as well as the key worker.
"FDAC runs in a very different way to the usual family court proceedings and we aim for a less adversarial and more problem solving approach to resolve issues of child safety. Intensive support is offered to parents whose use of drugs and/or alcohol has significantly impacted their ability to care for their children.
"Parents usually have a variety of other difficulties which also impact on their parenting, such as experience of mental health problems, domestic abuse, loss and past trauma. The team aims to offer a holistic approach to supporting parents, first to achieve abstinence and then to recognise and understand the other issues affecting them and their ability to meet Ttheir children's needs.
"The funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley will allow us to expand the support we can give and we're hugely grateful to be given it. It will directly have a positive effect on families across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire."