Cunninghame House, Irvine. 6 June 2013 Police and Fire and Rescue Committee You are requested to attend a Special Meeting of the above mentioned Committee of North Ayrshire Council to be held in the Council Chambers, Cunninghame House, Irvine on WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2013 at 2.00 p.m. to consider the undernoted business. Yours faithfully Elma Murray Chief Executive 1. Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda. 2. Minutes The Minutes of the Meeting of the Shadow Police and Fire Committee held on 27 February 2013 and the Special Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee held on 19 March 2013 will be signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copies enclosed). North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE
3. Performance Reports 3.1 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Submit report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (copy enclosed). 3.2 Police Scotland Submit report by Police Scotland (copy enclosed). 4. Finalised Local Policing Plan Submit the Finalised Local Policing Plan by Police Scotland (copy to follow). 5. Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team (MADART) Submit report by Police Scotland on the work of MADART (copy enclosed). 6. Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent. North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 2
Police and Fire and Rescue Committee Sederunt: Anthea Dickson (Chair) Marie Burns (Vice Chair) Robert Barr John Bell Jean Highgate Ruth Maguire Catherine McMillan Peter McNamara Ronnie McNicol Irene Oldfather 1 Vacancy Chair: Attending: Apologies: Meeting Ended: North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 3
4
Shadow Police and Fire Committee 27 February 2013 Agenda Item 2(i) Irvine, 27 February 2013 - At a Meeting of the Shadow Police and Fire Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. Present Anthea Dickson, Robert Barr, Jean Highgate, Ruth Maguire, Catherine McMillan and Peter McNamara. In Attendance E. Murray, Chief Executive, A. Fraser, Head of Democratic and Administration Services, C. Andrew, Senior Manager Legal Services and A. Little, Committee Services Officer (Chief Executive's). Also In Attendance Chief Inspector R. Newbigging and Temporary Area Commander R. Hogg (Strathclyde Police) and Area Commander H. Kerr (Strathclyde Fire and Rescue). Chair Councillor Dickson in the Chair. Apologies for Absence Marie Burns, John Bell, Ronnie McNicol and Irene Oldfather. 1. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 16 and Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct. 2. Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the previous meetings of the Shadow Police and Fire Committee held on 31 October 2012 was agreed and the minutes signed in accordance with paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 3. Local Plans 3.1 Local Policing Plans Chief Inspector Newbigging provided information on the draft Local Policing Plan. The draft Plan was prepared following consultation with communities, partner agencies and stakeholders and by evaluating the impact various crimes have on communities. The local priorities were detailed as:- serious crime; violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour; Page 1 5
housebreaking and theft; and road safety and road crime. Comments on the draft Plan have been fed back to Police HQ and the finalised Plan will be circulated as soon as it becomes available. Members asked questions and were provided with information in relation to:- the inclusion of housebreaking and theft in the local priorities despite a reduction in crime statistics for this category within North Ayrshire; separate ward plans for Arran and Ardrossan; the success of the Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team; and the creation of a new Trunk Road Unit that will incorporate motorways and A class roads. The Committee agreed to receive a report on the work of the Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team at the next meeting. 3.2 Draft Local Fire and Rescue Plan Submitted report by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on the North Ayrshire Local Plan 2012/13. The Plan provided information on the Strategic Assessment and set out the priorities, actions and outcomes for North Ayrshire. Six priorities and targets were highlighted:- reduction in dwelling fires; reduction in fire casualties; reduction in deliberate fire setting; reduction in fires in non-domestic properties; reduction in road traffic collisions; and reduction in unwanted fire signals. Members asked questions and were provided with information in relation to:- the impact of the wet weather on the number of outdoor fires in 2012; the recruitment of firefighters from existing retained firefighters; and successful partnership working. The Committee agreed to approve the Local Fire and Rescue Plan. 3.3 Fire Local Monitoring Plan Submitted report by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on the North Ayrshire Local Monitoring Plan 2012/13. Page 2 6
The aim of the plan is to set out the priorities and objectives for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue activities in North Ayrshire over the coming year. The Community Planning Structure within North Ayrshire is clearly aligned to the plan and demonstrates how to address local issues through analysing historic data and trends to target resources where they are most required. It balances the corporate direction of the Fire and Rescue Service against the local requirements of North Ayrshire s Single Outcome Agreement and Community Planning Partnership and identifies areas of commonality where joint activity may be appropriate. The report set out the eleven priorities for North Ayrshire, provided statistical performance and target information. Details of engagement activities programmes such as Home Fire Safety Visits, post domestic incident responses, public engagement, education programmes, development programmes, intervention programmes were also provided. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have a statutory duty to enforce fire safety legislation and promote fire safety. A Fire Safety Audit Programme for non-domestic premises is in place to reduce the risk and impact of fire on the community, to safeguard firefighters, local heritage and the environment, to reduce the loss of life, injuries and reduce commercial, economic and social costs. Noted. 4 Performance Reports 4.1 Strathclyde Police Chief Inspector Newbigging circulated a statistical report for quarter 3 of 2012 The report provided information on the targets for U Division and North Ayrshire for violence, disorder and anti social behaviour, public protection and road safety and road crime. Target totals were shaded in traffic light colours to illustrate whether the target level of performance had been achieved. The majority of targets were coded green and three categories, serious assault, robbery and public protection group 2 crimes coded red for the North Ayrshire area. In terms of violent crimes, overall there have been 61 less victims than in 2011. Members asked questions and were provided with information in relation to:- the use of electronic technology to detect uninsured and underinsured drivers; positive feedback received in respect of the Show Bigotry the Red Card campaign that took place in Kilwinning last year and further work with schools by the Campus Cops and Community Education Workers in this area; encouraging feedback from the public following the Myriad Campaign that targeted anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, road safety and road crimes; Page 3 7
work that will be undertaken by the Multi Agency Problem Solving Group in the Blacklands, Woodwynd and town centre areas of Kilwinning; and the Scottish Youth Parliament's "We-CTV" anti-knife competition and the success of Irvine Royal Academy in reaching the finals of this competition. Noted. Councillor McNamara left the meeting. 4.2 Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Submitted report by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on the quarterly performance for North Ayrshire and current activity by ward area. The report provided a range of statistical information for Quarters 1-3, the targets for 2012/13 and comparison statistics for 2011/12. Target totals were shaded in traffic light colours (red, amber and green) to show whether the target level of performance had been achieved. The majority of targets were coded green. The category, accidental dwelling fires, was shaded amber, with an explanatory paragraph detailing the main causes as distraction and occupiers with alcohol/mental health issues. Unwanted fire alarm signals had been shaded as red and work is ongoing to find solutions to the higher than targeted unwanted fire alarm signals that have been received during quarter two. The Committee noted the report and that future reports would use electoral ward numbering and naming. 5. Scottish Police Authority - Consultation on the Draft Strategic Police Plan Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Scottish Police Authority's Draft Strategic Police Plan and the Council's response. The Draft Strategic Police Plan prepared by the Scottish Police Authority is intended to provide clear strategic direction to policing in Scotland which will form the basis for the Chief Constable to develop specific activities to deliver the outcomes described in the Strategic Police Priorities. A consultation on the SPA's Draft Strategic Police Plan was published on 23 January 2013 with a deadline for responses of 22 February 2013. The Police Plan consultation was contained at Appendix 1 and the Council's response at Appendix 2 to the report. The Committee agreed to (a) homologate the Council's response to the Scottish Police Authority's Draft Strategic Police Plan submitted for the deadline date of 22 February 2013; and (b) invite a Member of the Scottish Police Authority to the next meeting of the Committee. Page 4 8
6. Consultation on a Draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Council's response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013. The Scottish Government's consultation on the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The document set out the priorities and objectives for the new Scottish and Fire Rescue Service (SFRS) with guidance and support on the carrying out of its functions, in terms of public safety, efficiency and effectiveness. Consultation responses required to be submitted to the Scottish Government by 18 February 2013. A copy of the consultation paper was circulated to members of the Committee and comments were sought to inform the Council's response. The Council's response was attached at Appendix 2 and was submitted by the deadline of 18 February 2013. The Committee agreed to homologate the Council's response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013. 7. A Collaborative Statement of Good Scrutiny and Engagement - Non Statutory National Guidance Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Guidance recently published by the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Improvement Service. On 17 January 2013 the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Improvement Service published non-statutory guidance for those involved in implementing the new Local Scrutiny and Engagement arrangements created by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. The Guidance is aimed primarily at local authorities. The Collaborative Statement of Good Scrutiny and Engagement was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. It promotes five principles for good scrutiny and engagement, based on good practice. Characteristics of good and best practice were set against each principle and a checklist question for scrutineers provided. The Committee agreed (a) that consideration be given to the completion of the checklist of questions to evaluate the extent to which arrangements can be shown to demonstrate the characteristics of good or best practice at the meeting in October; and (b) to otherwise note the report. 8. Scheme of Administration - Police and Fire and Rescue Committee Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the proposed replacement of the Shadow Police and Fire Committee by a Police and Fire and Rescue Committee. In June 2012 the Council agreed to set up a Shadow Police and Fire Committee which would discharge all duties of the Council in connection with provision of Police Page 5 9
and Fire Services in the run up to the new Services being created. On 31 March 2013 the existing Strathclyde Police and Fire Boards will be disbanded. In their place the Council will have to make arrangements for scrutiny of Police and Fire and Rescue Services in their area. The report provided information on the functions which will require to be carried out by the Council in relation to the Police and Fire and Rescue Services. Some local authorities have chosen to form a Police and Fire Committee of the Council not dissimilar to North Ayrshire's Shadow Police and Fire Committee and others have chosen to place these duties with the Community Planning Partnership. The Shadow Police and Fire Committee arrangements have worked well and the creation of a Police and Fire and Rescue Committee would essentially be a continuation of the work of the Shadow Police and Fire Committee. The alternative of exercising these functions via the Community Planning Partnership has the disadvantage that two members of the Partnership (Police and Fire) would be scrutinised by the other members of the Partnership who would not be subject to scrutiny. The Committee agreed to recommend to Council that (a) the existing Shadow Police and Fire Committee be replaced by a Police and Fire and Rescue Committee; (b) the existing members of the Shadow Police and Fire Committee are appointed to serve on the new Police and Fire and Rescue Committee; and (c) after 6 months to review the effectiveness of the governance arrangements relating to Police and Fire and Rescue, both in relation to the Committee and Community Planning arrangements. 9. Urgent Items The Chair agreed that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to allow the Committee to be provided with an update. 9.1 Local Scrutiny and Engagement Event - 20 February 2013 A Local Scrutiny and Engagement Event was held in Edinburgh on 20 February 2013. Justice Kenny MacAskill advised the event that local arrangements for Police and Fire and Rescue are making excellent progress ahead of new single services going live on 1 April 2013. The key messages of the event were:- ambitious reform; protecting frontline services; keeping services local; and community engagement and multi-agency working. Noted. The meeting ended at 3.25 p.m. Page 6 10
Police and Fire and Rescue Committee 19 March 2013 Agenda Item 2(ii) Irvine, 19 March 2013 - At a Special Meeting of the Police and Fire Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 11.30 a.m. Present Anthea Dickson, Marie Burns, Ruth Maguire, Catherine McMillan and Irene Oldfather. In Attendance A. Fraser, Head of Democratic and Administration Services and A. Little, Committee Services Officer (Chief Executive's). Also In Attendance Chief Superintendent J. Thomson, Chief Inspector R. Newbigging and Chief Inspector T. Ross (Strathclyde Police). Chair Councillor Dickson in the Chair. Apologies for Absence Robert Barr, John Bell, Jean Highgate, Peter McNamara, Ronnie McNicol and Area Commander H. Kerr (Strathclyde Fire and Rescue). 1. Procedural Note The Committee was advised that the Special Meeting had been called in terms of Standing Order 3. In terms of Standing Order 5, the meeting had been convened at a shorter notice than the three clear days before the meeting and that a notice of the meeting had been published on the Council's website on 15 March 2013. 2. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 16 and Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct. 3. Local Policing Plan Submitted report by Chief Executive on the North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan 2013-14. Chief Superintendent Thomson provided information on the Local Policing Interim Plan. The Interim Plan sets out the local policing priorities and objectives for North Ayrshire for 2013/14. It takes account of the Scottish Government's overarching vision for public services, the draft Strategic Police Priorities set by Scottish Ministers and the priorities previously identified by Strathclyde Police. The Interim Plan also takes account of the results of local, public consultation and the work currently undertaken and planned in support of the Single Outcome Agreement under the auspices of the Community Planning Partnership in North Ayrshire. Page 1 11
The local priorities were detailed as:- serious crime; violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour; housebreaking and theft; and road safety and road crime. The Committee was advised that further changes had been made to the Interim Plan. Target data will be replaced by increase or decrease targets in the Interim Plan for the first year. Target information will however continue to be provided to the Committee via performance reports. Members asked questions and were provided with information in relation to:- ongoing work to co-ordinate information from the existing Scottish force divisions into a common format in order to prepare targets; evaluation of performance information for 2012/13 to inform the percentage increase and decrease targets; the provision of performance information to future meetings of the Committee to allow scrutiny by members; the provision of Ayrshire data for comparative purposes and the future provision of data for Scotland; public consultation through a variety of methods with 672 people across the eight multi-member wards of North Ayrshire to inform the priorities and objectives of the Plan and the percentage of respondents identifying specific issues as a priority; and the overarching responsibility of the national Police Authority for complaints. The Committee agreed to approve the Local Policing Interim Plan subject to submission of the final version to the Chair of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee for approval. The meeting ended at 12.30 p.m. Page 2 12
Police & Fire Committee Report - North Ayrshire 12 th June 2013 13
14
Scottish Fire & Rescue Operational Activity and Progress Against Targets Reporting Period April 1 st 2012 31 st March 2013 Fire Fatalities Fire Casualties Accidental Dwelling Fires Deliberate Primary Fires Deliberate Secondary Fires Accidental Non Domestic Fires Deliberate Non Domestic Fires Malicious Calls Unwanted Fire Signals Road Traffic Collisions Home Fire Safety Visit Fire Safety Enforcement Audit 2011/12 2012/13 2012/13 2012/13 2012/13 2012/13 2012/13 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Target 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 8 3 8 15 34 30 117 43 33 32 38 146 130 88 26 11 9 9 55 95 648 228 127 172 163 690 782 25 7 6 13 7 33 24 25 5 1 5 2 13 27 89 9 19 16 9 53 81 628 155 186 152 168 661 594 56 8 12 11 9 40 48 1286 325 393 398 464 1580 1310 200 61 52 59 60 232 210 Reporting Period April 1st 2012-31st March 2013 Fire Fatalities Fire Casualties Accidental Dwelling Fires Deliberate Primary Fire Deliberate Secondary Fires Accidental Non Domestic Fires Deliberate Non Domestic Fires Malicious Calls Unwanted Fire Signals Road Traffic Collisions Home Fire Safety Visits 363 Fire Safety Enforcement Audit Ward Analysis of Operational Activity Ward 1 Ward 2 Ward 3 Ward 4 Ward 5 Ward 6 Ward 7 Ward 8 2012/13 2012/13 Dalry & North Ardrossan & Irvine Irvine Kilbirnie & Saltcoats & Total Target West Kilwinning Coast & Arran East West Beith Stevenston Kilbride Cumbraes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 4 3 6 1 5 1 7 34 30 18 14 13 32 11 19 12 27 146 130 6 2 6 6 10 5 4 16 55 95 61 56 86 91 55 113 21 207 690 782 8 0 1 9 2 4 2 7 33 24 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 4 13 27 5 4 4 8 10 4 4 14 53 81 66 44 81 181 30 67 69 123 661 594 4 10 5 4 4 5 6 2 40 48 481 41 151 407 137 See Ward 6 1580 1310 Fire Safety Audit Activity Currently Not Gathered on a Ward Basis 232 210 Accidental Dwelling fires and casualties rose during the year and did not meet the target set. There were 146 dwelling fires across the area, a rise of 29 from the previous year and above the last three year average of 134. The Scottish Goverment has changed the definition of the indicator and this has led to an increase in this number, however the target would still not have been met had the previous criteria been applied Predominant areas of activity for accidental dwelling fires during the year were: Fullarton St, Irvine and Glasgow St, Ardrossan with 4 fires in each street. Afton Crt, Stevenston, Dalrymple Pl, Irvine and Mains Ave, Beith were next highest with 3 fires in each street. The main causes of such fires were: Kitchen fires related to cooking (48%) most of which were either out on arrival of Fire and Rescue Service or required removal of grill/pot/pan to outside to resolve the situation. Alcohol, distraction and smoking remain the three prevalent contributory factors to dwelling fires. The above streets are prioritised for home fire safety advice and visits Casualties from dwelling fires rose during the year previous and did not meet the target set. There were 34 casualties from dwellings compared to 31 the year previous. Although not meeting the reduction target this figure is below the three year average of 35. The number attending hospital for precautionary check-up was 14 forming 42 % of the total. No fire fatalities occured over the last fiscal period UFAS attendances increased during the year and did not meet the target. The number rose to 661 a rise of 33 from the previous year. This figure is just at the three year average of 660. The main offenders of UFAS within the area are: Dalrymple Sheltered Housing complex, Irvine (27), Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine (23), Currie Court sheltered Housing complex, Ardrossan (22), Wheatley Gdns Sheltered Housing complex, Saltcoats (18), Greenwood Academy, Dreghorn (16) and Cheviot Way Sheltered Housing complex (15). Between these premises the total attendances amount to 121 which is 19% of all UFAS. There are also 146 dwellings (22%) in the total figure and 54% having <2 attendances. In total the Fire and Rescue Service attended 2138 incidents across North Ayrshire which accounted for 5.2% of all activity within the former Service area of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue. Completing the review period with no fire fatalities was much welcomed. A range of good interagency CPP work has all contributed towards exceeding targets in areas such as deliberate primary fires, malicious calls, secondary fires, road traffic collisions and the combined total for other building fires. The number of homes fire safety visits across North Ayrshire has increased by 23%, and although the number of dwelling fires has increased, the severity of these incidents has decreased with many fires out before the arrival of the Fire and Rescue Service. A contributiry factor to mitigating the effects of fire is attributed to the installation of smoke and heat detectors giving occupiers the early warning they need to alert them to the fire and to be able to take appropriate action. The number of enforcement audits has increased thus assisting make premises safer for employees and visitors, particularly where sleeping accommodation is provided. At the present time privisional targets for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service in line with the Scottish Government's Fire and Rescue Framework 2013 document have been drafted and are currently being reviewed in respect of the period 1st April 2013-31st March 2014. The Fire & Rescue Service is currently developing new performance management tools and it is anticpated that these tools will support the local performance reporting process. Analysis of these new indicators in relation to ward based activity is being conducted in order to identify key engagment areas for the year ahead. 15
The operational information contained within this report is based upon operational activity summarised on a Electoral Ward basis. A brief overview of incident classifications are included within this section Fatality & Casualty Reports Fire fatality and casualty data relates to incidents attended by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service where cause of death or injury is directly attributable to fire Fire Related Activity Dwelling' means a property that is a place of residence i.e. occupied by households, excluding hotels, hostels and residential institutions and includes non-permanent structures used solely as a dwelling, such as houseboats and caravans Non-Domestic fires include offices, shops, factories, warehouses, restaurants, cinemas, public buildings, religious buildings, agricultural buildings railway stations, sheds etc Secondary fires are reportable fires that were not chimney fires and did not occur at primary locations and did not involve casualties, rescues or escapes and were attended by four or fewer appliances (an appliance is counted if either the appliance, equipment from it or personnel riding on it, were used to fight the fire) False Alarms Malicious False Alarms - are calls made with the intention of getting the FRS to attend a non-existent incident, including deliberate intentions and suspected malicious False Alarm due to Apparatus - are calls initiated by fire alarm and fire-fighting equipment operating including accidental initiation of alarm apparatus by persons. 16
Police Scotland, North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan: Performance update 03 June 2013 The information in the following table summarises performance in relation to the specified objectives. The figures provided reflect performance to the week ending Sunday 2 June 2013, other than those objectives highlighted ( 1 ), which reflect performance to 30 April 2013. Performance Priority Objective 2012/13 2013/14 Change Tackle drug supply and misuse by increasing detections for the supply of drugs 1 15 12-3 Priority 1: Serious Crime Priority 2: Violence, Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour Priority 3: Housebreaking and Theft Priority 4: Road Safety and Road Crime Tackle misuse of drugs by increasing detections for possession of drugs 1 45 36-9 Deprive organised crime groups of resources by increasing seizures of assets through the use of relevant legislation (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002) Increase our detection rate for robberies 71.4% 71.4% 0 Increase our detection rate for serious assaults 83.3% 66.7% -16.6% Tackle domestic abuse by increasing detection rates 85.6% 74.9% -10.7% Decrease the number of complaints regarding disorder 2744 1867-877 Reduce thefts by housebreaking at domestic properties 1 62 46-16 Maintain our detection rate for crimes of housebreaking 1 6.5% 19.6% +13.1 Increase detections for dangerous driving offences 8 20 +12 Tackle dangerous and careless driving by increasing detections for speeding offences 163 416 +253 Tackle the criminal use of the roads by increasing detections for driving licence offences 35 44 +9 Tackle the criminal use of the roads by increasing detections for insurance offences 70 87 +17 17
18
MULTI AGENCY DOMESTIC ABUSE RESPONSE TEAM The Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team (MADART) was implemented to improve the service provided to victims of domestic abuse in North Ayrshire. It is based in Kilmarnock Police Office and includes police personnel, a Social Worker, a Housing Officer and NAC administrator. In addition, a named health visitor is attached to the unit on a part time basis. How does it operate? When the police attend a domestic incident, a report is completed, which details the circumstances. The report includes information on family composition, whether charges/arrests were made, children present, alcohol is a factor and so on. In the past, the reports where children were involved sent automatically to the Scottish Children s Reporters Authority (SCRA) and Social Services for information/assessment/further action as appropriate. This is no longer the case. The MADART now screens and makes an initial assessment of all domestic abuse incidents in the first instance. By having access to a variety of information systems under the one roof (Police, Housing, ASBIT and Social Services), MADART is able to effectively and quickly assess what follow-up action, if any, is required. A range of options is then available to MADART. In cases where it is felt that the incident itself or the impact on children is serious enough to potentially require statutory measures of intervention, the children concerned can still be referred to SCRA. For all other incidents a variety of responses is available, e.g. Information shared with named person as per the Getting It Right For Every Child agenda. Referral to Women s Aid for involvement of advocacy worker or request for a place on the Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery programme (CEDAR) Input from the Housing worker to look at alternative housing options or home security measures for victims Follow up visit and further assessment by the social worker Referral to addictions services where substance misuse is assessed as a contributory risk factor Linking in with adult services where victims may have additional vulnerabilities such as mental health issues, learning disabilities etc. The above list is far from exhaustive and some cases will be supported using a combination of responses dependent on the assessment. 19
Benefits MADART has improved the response to domestic abuse incidents in North Ayrshire by ensuring that it is Quicker: The ability to share information at source as referrals are received, and calling on the expertise of staff in a multi disciplinary environment, has led to a quicker evidence-based response. Proportionate: Only children assessed as most at risk are now referred to SCRA. This is far more effective (and efficient) that the previous practice of blanket referral and it avoids adding to victims concerns by unnecessarily challenging them about how they will protect their children. Effective: The suite of responses available to the team ensures that the right response can be made at the right time and that victims (and their children) can be assisted to be safe. In addition to these immediate operational benefits, it has yielded A reduction in the number of referrals to SCRA A reduction in the number of formal Report requests on children who are witness to domestic violence A faster response to the needs of children impacted by the effects of domestic violence As MADART develops, it is anticipated that it will play a key role in delivering longer term benefits, i.e. A reduction in the number of repeat victims A more effective response to victims who do not have children An overall reduction in the number of domestic incidents across North Ayrshire Conclusion The Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team is a key part of the strategic shift towards earlier identification and intervention. The prevalence of domestic abuse within North Ayrshire remains at levels far higher than comparable local authorities elsewhere. Likewise, the impact of that prevalence upon Child Protection processes, mental health and addictions services as well as the Criminal Justice system cannot be understated. 20
There is no doubt that MADART has been a success story. It is now securely established and plans are being put in place to implement appropriate performance measuring and analysis systems to inform the team s ongoing development. The Team will be pivotal over the next few years in attempting to develop and deliver an effective response to the significant problem of domestic abuse in North Ayrshire. 21