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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0173 2018/19

Executive Portfolio:
Community Based and Focused Services (Place Based)
Decision Number:
0173 2018/19
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Domestic Abuse Support Service
Summary of Decision:
To fund additional posts in the Domestic Abuse Support Service to the end of 2019/20
Proposed Decision:
To fund from the Community Improvement Reserve additional posts in the Domestic Abuse Support Service, Safe2Speak to the end of 2019/20 as identified in Appendix 1.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
To address current demand pressures on the Domestic Abuse Support Service
Reason for Decision:
The latest crime data from Merseyside police identifies that levels of domestic abuse have risen in each of the last 4 years creating additional demands on all services. This increase in recorded crime is also reflected in the demand pressures on the Domestic Abuse Support Service, Safe2Speak services which is provided on behalf of the Council by Helena Partnerships. Since the start of 2018/19, Safe2Speak has received more than 670 referrals requesting support from those experiencing domestic abuse. Of these, 432 referrals relate to requests for support from the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) Service which supports high risk victims of domestic abuse whilst 242 referrals have been requests for support from the Domestic Abuse Outreach Service which supports those who have been assessed at medium or low risk. The demand pressures are reflected in the number of cases receiving support from the IDVA service at the end of Quarter 2 of 2018/19 when there service was supporting 145 applicants compared to the same period in 2015/16 when there were 80 open referrals. During this period there has been no increase in IDVA provision. In response to these pressures and to ensure that case loads remain manageable and the service is able to continue to provide an effective support service it is proposed to increase the staffinfg capacity of the service as identified in Appendx 1. The posts will be funded from the Community Investment Fund initially for 12 months. This will allow partner organisations and the Council scope to review the long term demand for the posts and explore options for continued funding by the wider Safer Communities Partnership during this 12 month period. The postholders will be employed by Helena Partnerships who will undertake recruitment to the posts.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
None
Measures to Redress Risk:
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
Independent Domestic Abuse Providers play a pivotal role in supporting those who are at risk or experience financial abuse and offer support on income maximisation.
Attachments:
Please Contact Stephen Tracey - Ext 6490 for more details.