Decision details

1.      Therapeutic support for children - pilot  

BMBC Contribution = £95k 2021-2023

The Domestic Abuse Act amends the definition of domestic abuse to include children exposed to domestic abuse as victims/survivors in their own right, highlighting the importance of adopting a whole family approach when responding to domestic abuse. Early findings from the needs assessment highlight that domestic abuse is a risk factor in nearly three-quarters of cases coming to child protection conferences, indicating a significant cohort of children affected by domestic abuse. The needs assessment also identified that support for children who are residing in the refuge with their parent is limited. 

We propose using funding to develop an increased offer of therapeutic trauma informed support to children who have been affected by domestic abuse, working with colleagues in Children’s Social Care to ensure that the offer of therapeutic counselling is the norm for all children affected by domestic abuse and not just those residing in the refuge.  

2.      Matched contribution to OPCC funding given to IDAS for Young person’s IDVAand LGBT+/BME communities development posts 

BMBC Contribution = £52,500k

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have recently awarded IDAS approximately £70k funding to develop a Young Person’s IDVA, and half of the post for an LGBT worker and half of the post for a BME worker. We propose increasing our core service funding to enhance this provision and enable the service to create two full posts working with LGBT+ and BME victims/survivors.  
 
The needs assessment identified that 2.4% of IDAS clients identify as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual, and 1.2% of clients are transgender, and that 7% of IDAS clients are from non-White British backgrounds. Enhancing this provision contributes to the inclusivity of IDAS’ services and ensures that LGBT and BME victims/survivors can access appropriate support. 

Total BMBC Contribution = £147,500k (for the period of 2021 – 2023)

Following on from the contract extension till 31 March 2023 and in line with recommendation from the local assessment of need we plan to initiate trials of the above plans.