The policy framework for managing domestic violence and
children’s issues.
The government has produced several key documents that
underpin the policy framework within which health professionals
should operate.
- The Children Act 1989 (3). This
document establishes the legal framework for child protection and
the key principle that the welfare of the child is the paramount
consideration. It affirms that children should usually be cared for
within their own home, but that children should also be safe and
protected if they are at risk of significant harm. Section 17 makes
provision for local authorities to provide support, care and
services to safeguard and promote the welfare and development of
the child.
- Messages from Research 1995 (4). This document
concluded that Social Services Departments were focusing their
efforts on child protection investigations rather than on
supporting mothers. It called for resources to be used to provide
proactive services for mothers and children in need, so that the
need for child protection procedures might be reduced.
- Working together to safeguard children 1999
(5). This document recognises the co-existence of domestic
violence and child abuse and recognises the significance of the
impact of witnessing domestic violence on children. It also gives
advice about protecting the mother. (See Appendix 2)
- Domestic violence: a resource manual for health
care professionals 2000 (6). This
document gives specific guidance on key issues for health
professionals in caring for families experiencing domestic
violence. It emphasises the need to provide local information and
support and encourages inter-agency working, particularly between
Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs) and Domestic Violence
Fora. (See Appendix 2)
- Framework for the assessment of children in need and
their families 2000 (7). This document builds on
previous policy by adopting a holistic approach to assessing risk
to children using three dimensions: the child’s developmental
needs, the parenting capacity and the family and environmental
factors. An initial information record, which can be completed by
health professionals and is shared between agencies, gathers
together this information