ALL THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY PUBLIC PROTECTION PARTNERSHIP
Welcome to the 4th edition of the Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Newsletter.
As a multi-agency group, we are responsible for the oversight development and delivery of services to the most vulnerable children and adults who are at risk of or experiencing harm. If you have a question relating to any of the content you read today, please reach-out to the team using one of the contact methods at the end of the newsletter.
JOINT INSPECTION OF ADULT SUPPORT AND PROTECTION IN THE DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY PARTERSHIP AREA
In May we were informed that under section 115 of part 8 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, the Care Inspectorate, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, and Healthcare Improvement Scotland will undertake a joint inspection of adult support and protection arrangements in the Dumfries & Galloway partnership area within the next six months.
A multi-agency Inspection group of key staff has been established to commence preparation for this, including developing a pre-inspection return, and writing required position statements. The inspectors will be reviewing case files, along with conducting staff surveys and focus groups during this time. This activity will be online and at a time yet to be confirmed. The support component within the legislation is as important as the protection element of the Act and focuses on community supports, which are aligned with the values and principles of self-directed support (SDS). This promotes a shift from crisis work to preventative work and is our approach to social care. In essence ASP and SDS are two sides of the same coin.
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INTRODUCING ‘THE PROMISE’
The Promise is responsible for driving the work of change demanded by the findings of the Independent Care Review.
 It works with all kinds of organisations to support shifts in policy, practice, and culture so Scotland can #KeepThePromise it made to care experienced infants, children, young people, adults and their families - that every child grows up loved, safe and respected, able to realise their full potential.
If you want to #KeepThePromise get in touch at hello@thepromise.scot
Fantastic news – Dumfries and Galloway Council secured £50,000 from The Promise Partnership.
To support us progressing our plans to #Keep the Promise, we recently applied and successfully secured an investment from The Promise Partnership for £50,000. This will be used to address the impact of the pandemic on mental health, trauma, and neglect – this is with our children, young people, and families together with different groups of people across our Region coming into our service that we have not worked with before.
This investment will be used for capacity-building costs for the development of a package / programme to build staff resilience to keep their skills up to date and respond to the increasing impact of COVID on mental health, trauma, and neglect. This project will be taken forward in collaboration with our partners and other agencies.
We will keep you posted as this exciting project progresses.
And there’s more – Dumfries and Galloway Council have been awarded £50,000 for our children and families from Scottish Government’s Amazing Summer fund. This funding will provide free activities for children and young people Primary 1 to S6 across Dumfries and Galloway, throughout the summer holiday period.
We are going to have a blast – this funding will allow our children and young people a summer to remember with loads of stuff planned for individuals, groups and families who will get an opportunity to experience fun days out to places such as Cream of Galloway, Mabie Park Farm, BBQs on the Beach, Go-Karting, Trampolining to name just a few.
All activities will ensure the opportunity to learn and experience new life skills, arts and culture and most importantly have fun.
 
FOR KIDS’ SAKE CAMPAIGN
FOR KIDS’ SAKE… CHILD PROTECTION CAMPAIGN URGES EVERYONE TO BE ALERT FOR SIGNS OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT
The new school holiday campaign urges everyone in Dumfries and Galloway to enjoy plenty of summertime fun time with extended family and friends after months of pandemic restrictions, but to be alert for signs that the lockdown experience was anything but fun for some children.
Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Partnership say that while everyone is excited about having holiday fun over the summer holidays, some children will have had a very difficult time in recent months.
Most children and young people in Dumfries and Galloway have been really looking forward to having sleepovers, day trips, staycations and time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and family friends during the school break. Sadly, some of those children will have been through a rough time during the pandemic. It’s only now that we are beginning to spend significant time with children we’ve seen very little of during lockdown months, and it’s only now that we might notice or sense that something is wrong.
In the For Kids’ Sake… campaign, CPCScotland stresses that everyone can play a part to keep children safe. Paying attention and noticing signs that a child has been abused or neglected is critical, as is taking action to get some support for that child or children.
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Bridge to Employment Programme (B2E):
Grierson House
The Better Lives Partnership (BLP) became a registered SCIO in 2016. The organisation was set up to develop and deliver a range of opportunities for children and young people with autism and related disabilities as well as the families, carers and practitioners who support them.
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The flagship project The Bridge to Employment Programme (B2E) aims to give young autistic people a structured programme of person-centred accredited training in their area of interest and expertise preparing them for their next step towards employment, self-employment, education, or training. The course covers:
- Employability (SQA)
- Enterprise (ASDAN accredited Short Course)
- Independent Living (ASDAN)
- A work experience placement
- Independent Tasks to suit the individual (often travel training or one of the ASDAN Short Courses in an area of interest to the young person)
- The course runs Monday to Thursday from 10am – 3pm for 46 weeks of the year. Contact time can be tailored to individual requirements with young people taking part in the elements of the course that interest them.
You can be referred or can self-refer to B2E. Referrals can come through education, social work or parents or carers.
Each 1-hour session costs £16 with a daily rate of £64. Funding options may be available – please contact the Team Officer for the relevant site to discuss.
We have 3 B2E Programmes running across the region – our first B2E@ Stewartry based in Castle Douglas, B2E@ Wigtownshire based in Stranraer and now our third B2E Programme is based in Grierson House. We are delighted to bring B2E to people at their point of need and look forward to welcoming young people from Nithsdale, Annandale and Eskdale from September when our new session starts.
We are delighted to be a Partner Organisation with D&G Council’s Employability and Skills Service on the No-one Left Behind Programme. We have a Young Person’s Guarantee Employability Key Worker who will support young people with autism who are work ready to find a suitable placement. We offer support to the young person but also to the employer to ensure the best chance of a positive outcome for all.
Please check our website: www.betterlivespartnership.org.uk or our Facebook and Instagram pages. Also, on LinkedIn and Twitter.
For further information please contact: Amanda Ansbro - aansbro@betterlivespartnership.org.uk
(Or telephone our Head Office in Castle Douglas on 01556 503888).
Don't Take Drugs Alone
We urge and encourage drug and alcohol users in Dumfries and Galloway to not take drugs alone.
Most fatal overdoses have occurred behind closed doors. Taking drugs alone increases the chance of fatally overdosing, because there is no one to call for help in an emergency.
When using opioids, it is important to have someone who can administer naloxone and call an ambulance.
If you believe someone is having an overdose, or you feel unwell after taking any drugs, dial 999 immediately.
More information about some of the resources and services that are available to help drug and alcohol users can be found on the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership website at www.stopDGdrugdeaths.co.uk
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SIGNS OF SAFETY
 Education Safeguarding Network Meetings held in April, provided a superb opportunity for our Child Protection Coordinators and named person to further explore SoS. The sessions were led by SW Locality Manager and Team Manager. The sessions provided the opportunity to reflect on best practice, and of how the relationship-based approach used within S0S might be transferable to/ align with Better Relationships Better Learning, as well as current GIRFEC assessment and planning practice. The majority of our schools were represented at the training sessions.
Feedback after the session was extremely positive, with all participants agreeing or strongly agreeing that:
- the session improved their knowledge and understanding of how Signs of Safety is used to improve children’s safety.
- they would feel confident in taking part in planning processes which use a Signs of Safety approach.
- they were able to identify areas of good practice which they could incorporate into their own setting/work.
Participants fed back in comments that they would like to see current GIRFEC paperwork align with this practice, thereby, voicing approval of the review of GIRFEC paperwork going forward.
MULTI-AGENCY RISK ASSESSMENT CONFERENCE (MARAC)
 Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences – MARACs – take place every four weeks in Dumfries and Galloway. The aim of MARAC is to discuss and agree multi-agency actions to enhance the safety of domestic abuse victims who are at significant risk of harm, including death.
In a single meeting, a MARAC combines up to date risk information with a comprehensive assessment of a victim’s needs, including their children, and manages the source of risk – the perpetrator. By using the knowledge and expertise of different statutory and third sector agencies, the identified risks are either reduced or managed in the most appropriate and effective way.
To determine whether a victim can be referred to MARAC, risk is assessed using the DASH Risk Assessment Tool (DASH-RIC) developed by SafeLives.
The DASH-RIC comprises 24 questions and covers the various aspects of domestic abuse i.e., Coercion, Threats, and Intimidation; Emotional Abuse and Isolation; Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse; Children and Pregnancy; and Economic Abuse.
Domestic abuse victims can be referred to MARAC on the following bases:
- Identified High Risk – when the DASH-RIC score is higher than 14.
- Professional Judgment – when the DASH-RIC score is lower than 14 but concerns are identified by a professional working with the victim.
- Escalation – when abuse appears to be escalating. For example, usually three or more Police callouts; three attendances at A&E; or three calls for housing repairs because of domestic abuse in the past 12 months.
- Repeat – where there is an incident, and the same victim and perpetrator were referred to any MARAC within the last 12 months.
To know more about MARAC or to make a referral, please email Luis Pombo – MARAC Co-ordinator at MARAC@dumgal.gov.uk
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DIGITAL UPDATE
 Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government Programme set up in response to COVID.
It provides iPads, Chromebooks, free connectivity for 24 months and support to develop digital skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes.
Fantastic result to date for us - We have supported our children and young people, those on low income, young care leavers, unaccompanied asylum seekers, those shielding, disabled people, vulnerable adults and our residential care home residents with iPads/Chromebooks, initially 12 months internet connectivity (mobile Wi-Fi hotspot) with this now extended to 24 months.
In addition to the Connecting Scotland Programme we have secured devices through Third Sector Hardship Fund together with 6 smart phones.
Securing over 400 devices to date.
Feedback to date on impact has been overwhelming – improved mental health and wellbeing; have a Wi-Fi connection; our non-verbal children are able to communicate through devices with parents/carers; search and apply for jobs; better able to communicate and stay in touch with family and friends; able to access public services; gained IT skills; reduced loneliness and isolation.
Next Stages…
Secured an additional 21 devices through the next phase of the Third Sector Hardship fund, due for delivery in the next 2-4 weeks.
We are currently in the process for submitting further bids through the Connecting Scotland Programme for –
- Employability – removing barriers related to digital exclusion for unemployed young people and adults (aged 16+) (25 devices)
- Fast track – individuals we are currently working with at risk of social isolation and loneliness with a particular focus on older people, disabled people and single parents (10 devices)
FINGERS CROSSED WE ARE SUCCESSFUL – WE’LL KEEP YOU POSTED
HERBERT PROTOCOL
The Herbert Protocol campaign, first launched in autumn 2017, highlights the importance of a simple form to keep vulnerable loved ones safe.
The protocol was devised for police and partners when dealing with missing person reports involving people who are diagnosed with Dementia or a Learning Disability.
 
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH OFFICER?
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Mental health officers (MHOs) are social workers with a minimum of two years post qualifying experience who have gained the Mental Health Officer Award (MHOA), which prepares experienced social workers to undertake the statutory role. MHOs have a unique role in supporting and protecting people vulnerable because of mental disorder. MHOs may have to assess whether someone:
- is detained under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- lacks capacity to manage their own Welfare or Finances or both - under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
Their duties include:
- protecting health, safety, welfare, finances, and property
- safeguarding of rights and freedom
- duties to the court
- public protection in relation to mentally ill offenders.
MHOs are involved in the assessment of individuals experiencing mental disorder who may need compulsory measures of care, treatment and in some cases, detention. The role carries considerable autonomy and responsibility and involves working alongside medical and legal professionals.
 
ADULT SUPPORT AND PROTECTION - CARER’S STORY
Situation – Julie is carer for her adult son, Jimmy, aged 20 who has a learning disability. Over time Jimmy had become more frustrated and aggressive towards Julie. Julie found it difficult to manage him – being an adult, towering over her and wanting independence, without having the capacity or capability to achieve this led to increased tension, aggression and eventually breakdown. Julie was unable to encourage Jimmy to regularly wash or do anything in the house. This led to increased issues with hygiene and exhaustion in Julie. Jimmy had no support outside of the home and attended no activities or groups. This led to increased frustration, boredom, and general poor wellbeing for him.
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Support for the Carer – Julie was referred to our service at the point of crisis. She was completely exhausted and felt she could no longer continue. She was being physically and verbally abused on a daily basis. We completed and Adult Carer Support Plan, focusing on Julie’s outcomes and a referral was made to Adult Support & Protection due to our ongoing concern for her wellbeing. However, as Julie did not meet the 3-point test, the referral could not proceed further. The Adult Carer Support Plan was submitted to Social Work and a Worker was allocated.
Outcome – some great partnership working with Social Work led to activities and support being organised for the Jimmy in the form a building-based support agency where he was encouraged to build his independence – with a particular focus on behaviour and personal hygiene. After some time, it was agreed that this line of support had served it’s time and purpose and the Jimmy is now accessing outdoor activity-based sessions which are much more suited to his talents and interests. He has been supported to act as a mentor for other adults with disabilities which has increased his sense of purpose and independence skills.
Ongoing Support for the Carer – although there are still issues within the home, including aggression and verbal abuse, the caring role is a bit more manageable and Julie feels better able to cope with the situation, most of the time. We continue to check in with Julie and she has accessed a Short Break to enable her to have some time away on her own. She also attended peer groups with other Carers and received a massage appointment through the Carers Centre. She has been able pursue her own hobbies and interests and has a part time job which she really enjoys and now feels that she has a life alongside her caring role.
[Information has been changed to protect identities]
MISSING PEOPLE – SUCCESSFUL BID FOR SUPPORT AND TRAINING
We are delighted our application to be part of the National Missing Persons Implementation Project was successful, this has allowed us to secure valuable “in depth support” to progress a local missing person framework and strategy alongside return discussion training.
We are really looking forward to working together with the missing people over the following months until March 2022! To provide an awareness about the support missing people provide to people who are missing and their families. Please view the 7 – minute video, the video also describes the services available to assist police during a missing persons investigation.
We will keep you posted on the progress of the project.
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Family Support Service – ‘Being There’
“Being There” is a new ADP commissioned specialist support service for adult family members [18 and over] affected by a loved one’s problems with alcohol and / or drugs. Covering Dumfries and Galloway, the new service is managed by Alcohol and Drugs Support Southwest Scotland [ADS], a local charity with almost thirty years’ experience in service development and delivery.
It’s not easy to live with someone’s problematic alcohol or drug use: family and carers need support in their own right. Family members are likely to feel guilty and blame themselves for their loved one’s problem. It’s all too easy to become isolated because of the stigma around alcohol and drug problems in the family, become overwhelmed, and forget about their own needs.
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Recovery is accepted to be more effective where family members are closely involved, yet families need to recover too. They need and deserve to receive help in their own right in order to maintain their own physical and emotional health. Being There staff are here to help and are all trained as CRAFT [Community Reinforcement Approach] Practitioners.
During the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, Being There is offering one-to-one telephone and webcam-based support. Since its formal launch in October 2020, Being There has received 24 referrals from people concerned about a loved one’s alcohol or drug use, and who themselves are struggling to cope. This figure is higher than the original target set by ADP for an entire year [20]. Online support groups are also in development, recognising that people with lived experience have a unique contribution to make.
Future plans also include targeting our approach to help more male family members: men are currently under-represented not only within Being There, but across all Family Support services in Scotland.
We know that there is a significant population of women with alcohol and drugs issues, so we do want to reach out to the men in their lives…partners, sons, fathers…to offer support.
Please call or email us using the following contact details:
Tel: 0333 8806950
BeingThere@adssws.co.uk
SECOND CHANCERS
 Everyone deserves a second chance. Times are changing in Scotland.
A new way of thinking is emerging and a movement for a smarter justice system is beginning…..
The Second Chancers campaign aims to challenge and explore perceptions of what justice should look like in 21stcentury Scotland.
‘Second Chancers’ is centred around the voices of those whose lives have been touched by the justice system. The campaign tells authentic and raw stories of success and failure, change and transformation, obstacles and helping hands through a series of short documentary films and a touring audio exhibition.
Scotland has one of the highest incarceration rates in Europe. Scandinavia’s incarceration rate is almost half that of Scotland’s, whilst having a similar crime rate. Short sentences in prison are not only less effective at reducing reoffending than sentences in the community but can have additional effects beyond the time spent inside, including homelessness, unemployment and family separation.
The campaign aims to increase awareness of community justice and grow public support for a justice system that is smart, innovative, and focused on solving people’s problems in the most effective way.
Find out more on PC Kerrigan’s story here - “It is important that people see beyond the uniform, but a lot of people don’t” | Community Justice Scotland (secondchancers.tv)
 What is community justice?
Community justice aims to repair harm, address offending behaviour and support reintegration back into the community. Pay back often comprises of unpaid work and underlying issues connected to the crime are addressed through appropriate support – for example, drug and alcohol counselling or mental health treatment.
Support with skills training, education, housing, and employment may be provided to help the person return to the community able to look after themselves, their family and contribute economically.
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CONTACT
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