Domestic Abuse Family Recovery Service

It is recognised that young people and families affected by domestic abuse experience poorer outcomes and may be subject to additional risk and vulnerability. As such, responding to the needs of families affected by domestic abuse is a strategic priority.

This Contract recognises the important role which preventative approaches play in improving outcomes for children and combatting the cycle of domestic abuse. This Contract intends to contribute to resources available for the recovery of young people and families whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse. The objective of this contract is to enhance the safety, education and emotional wellbeing of survivors of domestic abuse.

Leicestershire County Council funds/commissions the following services in contracts in Leicestershire:

• A Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support contract is available locally, serving primary victims/survivors over the age of 13 living in Leicester, Leicestershire. This service provides a single front door for professionals and survivors for the sub-region. The offer includes a public and professional helpline as well as face to face support services, group work and therapeutic support.

• A Domestic Abuse Family Recovery Service contract which will conclude on 30th September 2018. This service is provided by a voluntary sector specialist domestic abuse provider and delivers one-to-one support for young people affected by domestic abuse as well as interventions with parents/carers which are designed to support whole family recovery.

• A pilot service for families at risk from child on parent abuse/adolescent to parent violence which will conclude on 30th September 2018. This service provides whole family interventions for young people aged 10-16 and their parents/carers, using the Respect Young People's Programme (RYPP) model.

In addition, the following specialist services are in place across Leicestershire:

Harborough and Oadby and Wigston Borough Councils commission support and advocacy for children whose parents are high risk survivors (including MARAC cases). In April 2018, the same specialist provider commenced delivery of an independent service for families at risk from domestic abuse, pregnant survivors and vulnerable parents who within have recently exited abuse

The Domestic Abuse Family Recovery Service is to work closely with the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Support service for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, which provides support to primary victims aged 13 and over.

This contract will primarily replace the existing Domestic Abuse Family Service (see above).