Forth Valley Public Protection

Issue 4 - Winter 2017 Newsletter

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Forth Valley Public Protection Newsletter. Inside this Issue Adult Protection______2 This newsletter has Child Protection______4 been produced by the Gender Based Violence______7 Public Protection MAPPA Matters______9 lead officers across Clackmannanshire, Forth Valley Alcohol and Falkirk and council Drugs Partnership______11 areas and includes national and local information about child protection, adult protection, substance misuse, gender based violence and the Multi-agency Aberfoyle Thornhill Public Protection Arrangements. Menstrie Alva Dollar Tillicoultry Tullibody Details of all the multi-agency Clackmannan STIRLING ALLOA Clackmannan partnerships and the lead officers Fallin can be found below. Please do Cowie Airth Kincardine contact us if you want further information or to discuss any of the Stenhousemuir Carronshore Denny Larbert Grangemouth Bonnybridge Bo’ness content of the newsletter further. Banknock FALKIRK Laurieston Kilsyth Polmont Shieldhill Brightons Linlithgow California Maddiston Cumbernauld Slamannan Avonbridge

Clackmannanshire And Stirling Clackmannanshire and Stirling Falkirk Gender Based Violence Adult Support & Protection Child Protection Committee Partnership Committee Anne Salter Linda Gilliland Graeme Hendry [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01786 233851 01324 506028 01259 452519 Falkirk Child Protection Stirling Gender Based Violence Falkirk Adult Support & Committee Partnership Protection Committee Evelyn Kennedy Ann Marie Sinclair Ian Kinsley [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01324 590544 01786 233519 01324 506555 Clackmannanshire Violence Forth Valley Mappa Forth Valley Alcohol And Drugs Against Women Partnership Lee Tait Partnership Gail Cook lee.tait@.pnn.police.uk Elaine Brown [email protected] 01324 574933 [email protected] 07746 317640 01786 233542

1 Adult Protection Update on Work of The ASP statistics for 2016/2017 have been finalised recently and submitted to the Scottish Government. There were 540 Falkirk Adult Support ASP referrals, 377 Inquiries, 175 IRDs, 47 Investigations, 15 Initial Case Conferences and 16 Review Case Conferences in and Protection that time. Things that stand out include – by far the highest referrals The work of the Falkirk APC has continued, led by the come from private care home (over 40% of all referrals). This 2016/18 Improvement Plan. is twice the average around Scotland. Our referrals from health sources are 7% - (national average 8%) and from Police Quite a few actions have come to fruition recently. Specifically 2% (national average much higher). In the past five years – a) leaflets for service users subject to ASP investigations and investigations have decreased dramatically whereas inquiries Case Conferences are currently (October) at the printers b) the have increased significantly. Allegations of physical harm are system of seeking service users comments on the ASP process the highest (44%) and financial harm next (22%). (offered by Forth Valley Advocacy) has been finalised (we have identified the first five people we hope will participate) c) the The Falkirk APC will continue to analyse these results and are ASP Practitioners Pages are available (and we are finding the looking to “benchmark” these with other similar Council’s to way to make this accessible to people outwith Falkirk Council) see what we can learn from such comparisons. Self evaluation and d) ASP Practitioners Forum has been re-started (taking work has increased this year. The IRD process has been place on Wednesday 29th November – look out for the email audited every six weeks for some years. We have widened inviting you to attend). Also training for people chairing ASP this and self evaluations on how Police Concern Reports are (and AWI) Case Conferences has been arranged for November managed, the conducting of investigations (joint with Police and in January 2018 also. and social work alone) and also Case Conferences are currently underway and making progress. There also will be a Financial Harm “conference” for service users and informal carers on 13th November 2017. This As always any additional information please contact Ian takes place at the FV Sensory Centre in Camelon between Kinsley ([email protected]). Also remember to look at 2:30pm and 4:30pm. It is aimed at preventing financial harm, the ASP Practitioners Pages (link - http://inside.falkirk.gov.uk/ and will focus on internet “scams”, doorstep crime and also services/social-work/adult-support-protection/) where you demonstrate how to protect yourself when using an ATM. For will increasingly find APC minutes, SCR and MWC reports and more information contact [email protected] the ASP training schedule for the next 6 months.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS FROM SCR – MISS “A” – North Lanarkshire APC Miss A was a 60-year-old single woman further contact between her and Mr B of Miss A to make an informed who had a learning disability. She for four years. Then Miss A advised her decision in respect of her safety lived in supported accommodation support team that she had met Mr B at any time in the period under and received daily support, funded again. She said he was shouting at her review” by North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) and asking for money from her, and that • “… there was no involvement of and paid directly to Provider A, a local she was frightened of him. However the police in what was a criminal provider of supported living services she continued to stress she wanted to matter; and, in not referring the for people with learning disabilities. continue the relationship. matter to the police, there was a Miss A was in a relationship with a On 26th March 2014 Miss A advised decision made by her support team 49-year-old male (Mr B) from the her support team that the relationship without any formal basis that Miss South Lanarkshire area. He also had was off again and she was blocking A would not be a credible witness”. a learning disability, and, on 19 May calls from Mr B but on 29th April she • “An objective assessment of the 2014, Miss A failed to return home advised them that the relationship Adult and Support and Protection after going out to meet this man. had been re-established. On 19th May, (Scotland) Act 2007 should have Her body was later found in the River Miss A advised Provider A staff that she concluded that she comfortably Clyde. Mr B was later found to be unfit intended to travel to see Mr B again. It met the definition of an adult at risk to plead to charges against him and was that day she died. of harm under Section 3 of the Act”. he is currently detained at the State Some quotes from the SCR findings are Hospital, Carstairs. • “There was no real contact • “…. there was ample evidence between the services in the two Miss A’s relationship with Mr B had available to all of the professionals local authority areas (North and lasted from 2007 to 2009 and then involved in supporting her that her South Lanarkshire) at any time again from 2013 until her death in relationship with Mr B was an abusive prior to Miss A’s death and there is 2014. In 2008 she took an overdose, one.” little doubt that this was a missed later telling support staff Mr B had opportunity” been verbally abusive and had struck • “Given the extent of this evidence, her during an argument. It was also had the management of the care You can access the full report at the noted by Provider A staff that there of Miss A been properly exercised, North Lanarkshire APC web page or was bruising on her face, lower back it should have been sufficient to find it here and thighs. justify an investigation and further protective and safeguarding activity. http://www.northlanarkshire.gov. In late April 2009 Miss A indicated uk/adultprotection/CHttpHandler. that the relationship with Mr B had • “…. in spite of that, there was no ashx?id=20517&p=0 ended and there was no apparent formal assessment of the capacity 2 Adult Protection Forth Valley Adult Support and Protection The Service Users Survey is ongoing advantage. They are scheduled to be in relation to our work which should and is proving invaluable is assessing sentenced in October, 2017. yield further practice improvements how our performance is perceived across the partnership. We have identified dates/venues by our client group. So far the results for our financial harm service user’s The Adult Protection Committee are favourable however, we realise seminars as follows: will host an annual seminar which that there are areas for improvement has been scheduled to be held on which we have identified through 13/11/17 - Sensory Centre, Camelon Wednesday 22nd November, 2017 our wider self evaluation framework. 14/11/17 - Lecture Theatre, at the lecture theatre, Community Our approach is one of continuous Community Hospital, Stirling Hospital, Stirling. The theme will service improvement so there will be “Balancing Rights and Risks” always be areas where we are looking 15/11/17 - Council Chambers, with a focus upon listening and to enhance the quality of service Kilncraigs, Alloa engaging with practice dilemmas. provided. The programme will include: A programme has been drafted and Our Forth Valley wide Financial Harm • What is financial harm will be circulated once approved Group has grown in membership by Committee. The event will be and now includes representation • Internet Safety marketed internally providing an from various credit unions and • Trading Standards – Keeping opportunity for practitioners to attend the Citizens Advice Bureau. This yourself safe at home the event. networking is essential in order that Action on Elder Abuse Scotland has we may understand the scope of Our practitioners group has been very planned a national conference the financial harm in the community successful in obtaining practitioners details of which may be accessed via and collectively we can explore views and identifying training needs their web site in the attached link. tactics which will make a meaningful across partners in Adult Support They are keen for practitioners to difference to people’s lives. You may and Protection. This has led to the attend. The web site contains an array have read about two recent court scheduled delivery of Council Officer of useful information to augment that cases of financial harm in Stirling. refresher training in November, 2017. already used in our daily activities and One involved in carer within a August saw the introduction of the will develop over the coming months residential home who stole money 7 Minute Briefing process when it from three residents. The perpetrator was used to clarify the use of the https://www.elderabuse.org.uk/in- was sentenced to five months Swift Adult Protection module in scotland imprisonment. The second related Stirling. This was well received by the Any staff wishing to attend their to a couple who had financial and audience and resulted in immediate conference are encouraged to apply welfare guardianship over a parent improvement in recording of via their line manager as there is a cost and basically abused their position information. This briefing model will to the event. for their own considerable financial be used to deliver a series of briefings

3 Child Protection

Child Protection Committees Scotland (CPC Scotland) Social Work Scotland, the Association of Directors of has a pivotal role to play, in conjunction with the Scottish Education in Scotland, the Third Sector and the Convener Government, to support the development and delivery of of the National Conveners Adult Protection Group. This efficient and effective processes, common standards and membership broadly reflects the inter-agency strategic continuous improvement for child protection during what representation on local child protection committees as continues to be a time of uncertainty for Scottish Public defined in the National Guidance for Child Protection in Services. Scotland. This enables CPC Scotland to work within the wider planning, policy and practice framework and across CPC Scotland meets quarterly and provides an the public protection partnerships. opportunity for Child Protection Committees, Scottish Government Child Protection Policy Team and other CPC Scotland has a number of subgroups including the relevant stakeholders to meet and work together to National Child Protection Learning and Development develop and drive forward national policies and best subgroup, the National Child Protection Lead Officers practice with the aim of protecting children and young Group, the Neglect subgroup, the Public Awareness people. Advisory Group and the National Child Sexual Exploitation Group. Members of CPC Scotland include Child Protection Committee Chairs and/or strategic leads, Lead Officers, The Chairs and Lead Officers of Clackmannanshire and CELCIS and the Head of Child Protection of Scottish Stirling Child Protection Committee and Falkirk Child Government Children and Families Directorate as well as Protection Committee are members of CPC Scotland and associate members such as Scottish Children’s Reporters report back to their respective Committees after every Administration, NHS Scotland, , the Crown meeting. Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Care Inspectorate,

4 Child Protection

Speak Out, Stay Safe

FALLIN Primary School has helped Stirling Council reach a special landmark when it was visited by the NSPCC. The UK’s children’s charity delivered its Speak Out, Stay Safe programme to pupils, helping Stirling cross the 100 per cent mark for schools visited by the educational anti- abuse project. Fallin became the 40th Stirling school to host the assemblies and workshops, making the council the 10th Scottish local authority area to have had 100 per cent of their primary schools take part in the initiative. More than 5,100 children across the area had already received the charity’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme fact more than half have had at least two visits. We greatly since it began in Stirling in February 2014, forming a total appreciate the support of Stirling Council and look forward of 180,000 pupils across Scotland who have been equipped to that partnership continuing long into the future.” with age-appropriate information and advice on staying Service Manager for Additional Support Needs and safe from abuse and learning which adults they can turn to Wellbeing with Stirling Council Bryony Monaghan said: for help. “Our Children’s Services Plan has been developed to ensure Research from the charity has shown that an average of that partners are working well together to safeguard two children in every class across the UK have been a and promote wellbeing for children. We are delighted to victim of abuse or neglect, while in 2015-16 there were work in partnership with NSPCC Scotland who have now 4,368 recorded sexual offences against children in Scotland delivered their Speak Out, Stay Safe programme in all of - an all-time high and a figure which has almost doubled our primary schools. since 2011-12. “Pupils take part in assemblies and workshops allowing The Speak Out, Stay Safe project aims to tackle this them to learn about keeping themselves safe in a fun and growing problem by complementing what is already interactive way.” taught in schools, giving children the tools and advice they Convener of the Education Committee, Councillor Susan need to avoid abuse. McGill, said: “The NSPCC does invaluable work with NSPCC Schools Service Area Co-ordinator for Stirling Enola children throughout the country, and it is fantastic news Butler said: “The NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme that every school across Stirling Council has had the works with Primary Schools to ensure that children across opportunity to benefit from the advice the charity can offer P1-7 have an understanding of abuse in all its forms, they via their Speak Out, Stay safe campaign. know how to get help and to help them think about which “We will always seek to improve the way we help and trusted adults they could talk to if they are worried about educate children by working together with partner anything at all. agencies, and I am sure the pupils at Fallin Primary “Our visit to Fallin Primary School means that every primary School will find the information provided via the NSPCC school across the area has had the service at least once; in programme extremely useful.”

5 Child Protection Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry – Responding to requests to provide documentation

The Inquiry collects evidence and The inquiry is examining what information about abuse of children happened, where it happened and in care. how and why it happened. Much of the evidence will be presented, analysed “children in care” - this means children and discussed at public hearings, which who stayed in residential institutions are being separated into phases, all – such as children’s homes, borstals organised with a view to meeting each and List D schools - from within living and every part of the Inquiry’s wide on the inquiries website: memory up to 17 December 2014. The ranging Terms of Reference. term also includes children in foster www.childabuseinquiry.scot/ The first phase of public hearings care and Boarded Out children. This includes a newsletter, frequently started on 31st May 2017 and ended asked questions and fact sheets. The Inquiry holds hearings where on 12th July 2017. This phase included evidence is heard. People who hearing evidence from expert Falkirk and Stirling Councils have disclose that they were abused will witnesses, Scottish Government, already received Section 21 notices to not be required to give evidence survivor groups and care providers. provide information. in public about their own abuse. In these circumstances ‘private sessions’ On 31st October 2017 the Inquiry Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and are convened. Witnesses may offer resumed hearing evidence relating Stirling Councils, NHS FV and Police documents. to Phase 1 of its investigations. This Scotland have reviewed their records included further expert evidence. management and established systems The Inquiry can also require people and processes to respond to the Phase 2 of hearings began on 28th and organisations to give documents Inquiry. Documents which could come November 2017. During this phase the that they may have. This could include under the scope of the Inquiry date Inquiry will examine evidence it has records about the care of children back as far as the 1920s (within living gathered, researched and analysed and reports of abuse, procedures, memory) until December 2014. This relating to residential child care policies, the law and records of other is a complex, time consuming but establishments run by Catholic Orders. investigations. The formal process for important task involving Information this is done by a letter called a ‘section More information, including the governance, archivists, researchers and 21 notice’. Inquiry’s term of reference can be found administrative staff. Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act suspecting a person has committed, custody to appear in court, in terms of 2016 represents some of the most or is committing, an offence. All other place of safety requirement and Child significant changes to the laws of common law powers remain. Detention Certificates, remain but have criminal procedure in Scotland for at been updated. Presumption of liberty, a duty to take least a generation. It brings significant every precaution to ensure a person is Graduated rights for 16 and 17 year olds reform to the criminal justice system, not unreasonably or unnecessarily held (not under Supervision). Children and protecting the rights of suspects while in police custody. 16 and 17 years olds will have enhanced also equipping the police with the rights of visitation and additional necessary powers to carry out their role Duty to consider a child’s (all persons protections regarding ability to waiver of investigating and detecting crime under 18) wellbeing in respect of arrest, solicitor presence during interviews. including new powers of Investigative holding in police custody, interviewing The disposal options and decisions Liberation and Post Charge and charging with an offence. ‘The for 16 and 17 year olds (not under Questioning. The Act strengthens Constable must treat the need to Supervision) when charged remain police powers with regard to the arrest safeguard and promote the wellbeing unchanged i.e. reported as an adult to of a suspect and further measures can of the child as a primary consideration’. COPFS. be put in place to ensure victim and The introduction of Investigative witness safety. The Act extends the rights of those held Liberation which will provide the power in police custody, including widened The Act received Royal Assent on 13 to facilitate a suspect’s release from access to legal advice. January 2016 and the new legislation custody, with conditions, and allow will be implemented at 00 00 01 hrs the police to continue to conduct their The requirement for custody reviews on Thursday 25 January 2018, subject enquiries whilst realising the person’s when a suspect has been held for a to final parliamentary and ministerial right to liberty. period of six and twelve hours. approval. The power to re-arrest on more than The ability, when new evidence The major aspects of the Act that will one occasion for the same offence prior emerges or other material becomes change Scottish policing are: to charge. known, to seek judicial authority to further question an officially accused The removal of the separate powers of The general definition of a child remains person, after the point of charge on arrest and detention, replacing them under 16, and 16 and 17 year olds authority of a court or COPFS. with a single statutory power of arrest under Supervision. Current safeguards where there is reasonable grounds for regarding such persons being held in

6 Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Gender-Based Violence Partnerships Gender Based Violence

DOMESTIC ABUSE RECORDED BY THE POLICE IN SCOTLAND, 2016-17

The Scottish Government has published Key Points statistics on domestic abuse, based on • In 2016-17 there were 58,810 • 47% of incidents of domestic abuse details of incidents and recorded crime incidents of domestic abuse recorded recorded by the police in Scotland supplied by Police Scotland in 2016- by the police in Scotland, an increase included the recording of at least one 17. It is important to remember that of 1% from 2015-16. Levels of crime or offence. Incidents of domestic abuse recorded domestic abuse recorded by the by the police do not reveal all incidents police have remained relatively stable • Where gender information was of domestic abuse in Scotland as not all since 2011-12 at around 58,000 to recorded, 79% of all incidents of incidents are reported to the police. The 60,000 incidents a year. domestic abuse in 2016-17 had a figures are used to inform policy and, in female victim and a male accused • Across Forth Valley, there were 3,756 conjunction with the Scottish Crime and (the same as in 2015-16). Justice Survey, are used to assess the recorded incidents which can be extent and nature of domestic abuse in broken down as follows: • The proportion of incidents with a Scotland. Clackmannanshire_____776 male victim and a female accused Stirling______818 (where gender was recorded) was The definition of domestic abuse used Falkirk______2,162 18% in 2016-17 (the same as in 2015- by Police Scotland is: 16). • There were 109 incidents of domestic ‘Any form of physical, sexual or abuse recorded by the police in • In 2016-17, the 26-30 years old age mental and emotional abuse [that] Scotland per 10,000 population in group had the highest incident rate might amount to criminal conduct 2016-17. At a local authority level, for both victims and those accused and which takes place within West (155) and • Incidents of domestic abuse recorded the context of a relationship. The Dundee City (153) recorded the were more common at weekends relationship will be between partners highest incident rates per 10,000 with 36% of all incidents in 2016-17 (married, cohabiting, civil partnership population, closely followed by occurring on a Saturday or Sunday. or otherwise) or ex-partners. The Clackmannanshire (151), abuse can be committed in the home City (145) and Falkirk (136). Stirling • 88% of all domestic abuse incidents or elsewhere’. records a fairly low average figure of occurred in a home or dwelling. 87, sitting 12th lowest in the table. International Visit to Consider Child Protection and Gender Based Violence

During the last week of September, officers in Scotland conduct Child excellent opportunity to highlight to three senior Police officers from Protection investigations. The officers our international guests the local work Malawi visited Forth Valley as part of then had a chance to visit the Children being undertaken to protect children a Scottish Government International and Families Unit at Forth Valley by Police, Health, Social Work and Development Programme, focussing Royal Hospital, where they met with Education across Forth Valley. It also on Child Protection and Gender Based Consultant Paediatrician Bohmova gave us the opportunity to learn from Violence. The visit was hosted by to discuss arrangments around approaches used in another country Police Scotland, and gave Forth Valley medical examinations. On Friday, the and to build on existing links for the a chance to showcase some of the group visisted Alva Primary school future.” local child protection arrangements. where they met with headteacher Ms Officers from Police Scotland will McAulay before being shown around Senior Superintendent Alexander be visiting Malawi over the coming the school and having a chance to Ngwala, Superintendent Memory months to provide training on Child meet with some of the pupils. Mgeni and Inspector Thoko Protection to a number of districts Mkwezalamba were shown around the Detective Inspector Nigel Thacker throughout the country, under a wider Public Protection Unit at Larbert and from Forth Valley Public Protection Scottish Government project. were given an overview on how police Unit said: “This visit provided an

7 Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Gender-Based Violence Partnerships

16 Days of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children

In Forth Valley we celebrate 16 Days of Action every year as part of the international campaign to highlight and eradicate violence against women and children. The campaign starts on 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and runs through to 10th December (International Human Rights Day). The three councils in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk join forces with Police Scotland (Forth Valley Division), NHS Forth Valley, the Scottish Prison Service, Forth Valley College and a range of other local partnerships and organisations to raise awareness of issues such as domestic abuse, human trafficking, rape and sexual assault, consent and healthy relationships and childhood sexual abuse.

A range of interesting events and initiatives will be held this year.

●● Our opening event will be held ●● Work being done by CEA in ●● Additional initiatives include in Forth Valley College (Alloa partnership with the Scottish a human trafficking seminar, Campus) and will explore Prison Service in Polmont YOI training on domestic abuse, ‘Prevention through Education’. to raise awareness of domestic internal awareness raising events Guest speakers will speak on abuse, sexualisation, gender and for Council Staff, book displays topics including: understanding consent in local libraries, school based activities, awareness raising in ●● How the Rape Crisis Scotland ●● The Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre health settings and within HM sexual violence prevention is planning a ‘Reclaim the Night’ Prisons Glenochil, Polmont and programme is having an impact march in Stirling and will also Vale. in local schools be hosting an exhibition of local artwork which will be displayed For more detailed information about ●● The importance of taking across two venues in Alloa – this year’s campaign please look out a whole schools approach ‘Reachout With Arts in Mind’ and for our 16 Days newsletter on your to preventing gender based the Speirs Centre. Council’s website. violence and the importance of If you have concerns that you, or young people’s participation ●● A conference for young people on someone you know, is experiencing the subject of ‘Consent and Healthy any form of violence or abuse Relationships’ will be held in Queen 16 DAYS OF ACTION you can get help. Contact Police Victoria School in Dunblane and Welcome to our annual 16 Days Scotland on 101 (or 999 in an of Action newsletter will include an input from the information about the internationalgiving you emergency). You can also contact campaign together with dates for Scottish Government. local events and initiatives in Forth Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Valley. Please come along to one of the events and help us to make the ● Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 16 Days a time when we all speak ● A screening of the documentary out against violence against women. 027 1234. This number is free, ‘Hidden in Silence’ will be held in confidential and available 24 hours a Alloa Cinema. This will explore the Look out for information about our campaign on day, 7 days a week. Workers here can Facebook (16 Days of Action Forth Valley) experiences of BME survivors of help to direct you to local services. childhood abuse in Scotland

8 MAPPA Matters

As described in the last Forth Valley being delivered to offenders. Not only Included in the evidence of close liaison Public Protection Newsletter, there was this a tactic used in response to between services is an example of has been a lot of MAPPA case review increases in concerning behaviour, it the NHS Forensic Community Mental activity locally. It is important to make was also taken as a pro-active step to Health Service offering specific advice available information about the areas support the offender in (for example) about how best to engage a particular for improvement and good practice a time of difficulty. We also found offender to develop a better working that were identified during as part of clear evidence of agencies offering relationship. This is good example the reviewing process. Let’s begin by services and interventions that were of how services can support each summarising the good practice that’s appropriate to the level of risk and other in the management of complex been highlighted during the past few need of the individual, rather than offenders by offering advice from their months. what may have been offered had the own range of knowledge and skills. service been provided on the basis Housing Services also took steps to Communication & Consistency of their Order or statutory status. For support a Registered Sex Offender to example, in the case of one offender remain in his home and it was identified Evidence of strong and consistent whose access to the Local Authority that accommodation was always approaches to the management Criminal Justice Social Work Service provided for the individuals whose of offenders was found, including was on a voluntary basis (because there case activity was examined. This is a good inter-agency working and was no applicable Statutory Order), real achievement when considering the communication between Police the intensity of intervention provided levels of chaos and complexity – and Scotland, Local Authority Criminal was commensurate with the level of in some cases, community awareness Justice Social Work Services, Housing assessed risk and the complexity of of sex offender status – that were Services, NHS Forth Valley and the their needs. prevalent. Scottish Prison Service. There have been many high profile and well The frequency of contact between It’s not all about focusing directly documented examples of difficulties services and offenders was found to on offending behaviour. There is in communication between different be appropriate, including contact with an example of an offender being services over the years, so it was family members who were thought to supported to identify activities so he reassuring to find in our recent review be at risk or were part of the overall risk could pursue interests, thus increasing activity that professionals were sharing management plan. Another example his foothold in the community, paid information, devising strategies and of legal status not being an obstacle for by grant funds secured by Criminal being responsive to changes in offender to the provision of services is that of Justice Social Work Services. risks and needs. In terms of consistency an offender, subject to DTTO, being Specifically from a MAPPA perspective of management, there was evidence of provided additional supports on a there was confirmation of the the use of joint visits between different voluntary basis by Criminal Justice management and Risk of Serious Harm services leading to more consistent Services. messages about risk management

9 MAPPA Matters levels being appropriately reviewed and and analyse it accordingly to consider on their behalf. It was felt that better changed in response to new evidence, any impact it may have on interventions use of ViSOR updates could be made leading to robust Risk Management like Moving Forward: Making Changes. to capture information which may Plans being devised. Importantly, there We identified that more could be improve the understanding of risk and was an example of an offender’s MAPPA done to support professionals in cases behaviour overall. ViSOR updates need Management Level being increased in like this and as a result, we will seek to be full of risk-relevant information response to new concerns. to deliver a relevant MAPPA Seminar and sent to Forth Valley MAPPA in a during 2018. timely manner. We found confirmation that additional support was provided to prepare Other Areas for Improvement which are an offender to undertake offence Trauma being taken forward were: focussed work and understand what Closely linked to this is the importance • Ensuring MAPPA minutes and he was being asked to do. This led to of capturing trauma, so we can better Risk Management Plans reflect all extra resources being used to manage informed about how to manage risk. identified risks and actions; this person, including accessing a Criminal Justice Social Workers can psychological assessment, which make recommendations to Court for • Training requirements so electronic identified different ways to work with psychological assessment to be carried devices could be accurately checked; him. out as part of the sentencing process. • Information available to MAPPA It then becomes the decision of the The use of ViSOR was positively about safety planning for people Court as to whether the suggestion is identified during these reviews, known to MAPPA offenders; progressed, or not. Our review activity with Police Scotland responding to identified that these recommendations • Psychology support for the Healthy specific concerns about risk through should be made when Criminal Justice Sexual Functioning Module in the additional patrols, robust investigation Social Work Report authors feel it is Moving Forward: Making Changes and prompt action taken when new justified, even if Courts have not acted groupwork programme. allegations emerged. In fact, quick when the suggestion has been made action by all professionals, good In addition to the Areas for before. lines of communication and a shared Improvement identified in this review understanding of risk all combined to activity, there are also seventeen underpin the good practice found in Housing Profiles recommendations arising from a these four Initial Case Reviews. It really The importance of the Housing Profiling Significant Case Review (SCR) into the does show the value of what MAPPA process for MAPPA offenders cannot circumstances surrounding a MAPPA can bring and the review process brings be overstated. Its success relies upon offender across the Forth Valley. At opportunities to reflect on practice and prompt and thorough responses from a meeting in June 2017 attended by outcomes. all parties of whom information has representatives of Clackmannanshire, been requested. This supports an Falkirk and Stirling Councils, NHS Case review activity also helps us to informed and defensible decision about Forth Valley and Police Scotland, these identify Areas for Improvement. It is accommodation being made. It was recommendations were accepted. They important to reiterate that the main recognised that there was confusion were further ratified by Forth Valley purpose of review activity is to learn amongst MAPPA partners about the MAPPA’s Strategic Oversight Group about how we can make our practice housing profile process. Consequently, in July and it is now for each agency better, so any Areas for Improvement it is being reviewed, with training and to progress the recommendations identified are extremely valuable. awareness opportunities to follow. relevant to their own areas. A copy Making sure we understand the people of the anonymised final report and whose risk we are trying to manage is Non-compliance the recommendations can be made an important part of public protection available to interested parties. It is There was some evidence to suggest practice. However, this is rarely as worth noting that the best indicator of that one MAPPA offender had been straightforward as it sounds, especially the learning from this SCR can be found given too many opportunities to with some of the complexities displayed in the recommendations themselves. by people subject to MAPPA. comply with the requirements of their Order. It is possible that this In the next edition of the Forth Valley non-compliance could have been Public Protection Newsletter, we will Gender Confusion identified more quickly. Stronger detail some of the changes to Forth Biological sex is assigned at birth, consideration could be given to taking Valley MAPPA that will be introduced in depending on the appearance of the non-compliance issues back to Court 2018. As ever, if you have any questions genitals. Gender identity is the gender when the evidence base suggests it is about Forth Valley MAPPA, send us an that a person “identifies” with or feels an appropriate course of action. email at forthvalleymappa@scotland. themselves to be. Distressing and pnn.police.uk uncomfortable feelings are sometimes ViSOR Updates caused by the inner conflict between As described earlier in this article, we birth and gender identities, and Lee Tait found evidence of good communication the need to identify in the way that MAPPA Co-ordinator best suits how a person feels. This between public protection partners. can lead to decisions about how to ViSOR is a database used primarily by make their physical appearance more Police to record information. However, consistent with their gender identity. information for ViSOR is also provided In risk management terms, we have by Criminal Justice Social Workers, to establish that we see beyond the who send information to Forth Valley gender confusion, accurately assess risk MAPPA, which is then added to ViSOR

10 Forth Valley Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Forth Valley Recovery Cafes – Volunteers Wanted!

Check out our social media to find up to date The Forth Valley Recovery Community With the growing number of people information for all FVRC activities: https://www.facebook.com/ continues to flourish and is establishing attending the Recovery Cafes, we forthvalleyrecoverycommunity/ strong connections not only to are looking to recruit additional https://twitter.com/FVrcvrycmmnty individuals in recovery but also to wider volunteers to help build on the great Are you in recovery from addictive be- haviour, or would you like to learn more community organisations and services. work already underway. Additional about getting clean and sober or staying volunteers are being sought across clean and sober? The FVRC is a geographical and FVRC Recovery Cafes Forth Valley to help people with Do you feel isolated and alone because of addiction? Why not come along and meet virtual community of people who are drug and alcohol problems get on your peers at one of our weekly recovery cafes throughout Forth Valley? Join us in committed to making recovery happen a safe, substance free environment and learn to enjoy your recovery with like the Road to Recovery. The role minded people. Together we recover! and it is based on regular activities that Monday: involves making teas and coffees 4pm-9pm, The Gate, 2 support people in various stages of meal, relax, chat, have some tea -and6 Ludgate, coffee, Alloa.play some Come games, and enjoy or take a freshly part in cooked a mu- or helping to prepare food in recovery from substance misuse. This tual aid meeting! Smart Recovery from 7pm. the Cafes. Organisers are also Wednesday includes four Recovery Cafes across the : 1pm-4.30pm, Tryst Community Centre, Stenhousemuir. Wii, pool, seeking people who may be able board games, health checks, yoga, mindful meditation, SMART Recovery, tea & Forth Valley area. coffee. Meet our recovery volunteers and relax amongst friends. to help run interest groups such Friday : 1pm-6pm, The Ochil Community Centre, , Stirling. Enjoy a freshly There are approximately 3000 people as music, relaxation or deliver cooked lunch, tea, coffee, learn to play a musical instrument or join in if you al- ready play. NA 12 Step meeting, SMART Recovery meeting, relax with your peers! across Forth Valley who are affected by alternative therapies to people Saturday:

10:30am- Recovery, NA meeting,3pm, Tai ASC Chi, ,Reiki, 32 Vicar massage, St, Falkirk. relax withTea, friends,coffee, soup,meet SMARTour volun- drug use and a much larger number in recovery. of people using alcohol in a hazardous teers, get your weekend off to a chilled start! There are many benefits for Forth Valley recovery Community or harmful way. The Recovery Cafes (FVRC) is affiliated with ASC Forth Val- volunteers; meeting new ley. ASC is a registered company No FVRC is supported by 155475, and a recognised charity No are part of a wider network of services Forth Valley Alcohol and SCO23353 . Contact 01324 874 969 people and putting skills, Drug Partnership and support available to people with energy and enthusiasm to (FVADP) addictions across Forth Valley. The good use. Volunteering can also response to the Recovery Cafes has help reduce isolation and give people been fantastic, and the advice and a new sense of purpose so we would support provided has helped many urge anyone who has some time to Anyone wishing to volunteer at the local people gain confidence, get back spare really to come forward and get cafes or find out more should contact into employment and lead a more involved with the Forth Valley Recovery Addictions Support and Counselling fulfilling life. Community. on 01324 673669.

Increase in Drug Related Deaths

On the 15th August 2017, the in 2016. This is the highest number and can prevent a drug related National Records for Scotland (NRS) of drug deaths recorded locally in death. It is not an alternative to published the 2016 figures relating any given year and is sadly in line calling for an ambulance but it to Drug Related Deaths in Scotland. with the notable increase in drug can provide valuable time to allow The figures revealed a record high death prevalence across the whole paramedics to attend to someone number of 867 drug related deaths of Scotland in 2016. The majority of who has suffered an opiate which represented a 23% rise on the drug death victims were also known overdose. previously highest figure reported to be suffering from serious physical This programme can be accessed for 2015. The statistics show that and mental health problems at the by Staff and Service Users as well males continue to be most at risk time of their death. as family members. For more from a drug related death with Across Forth Valley, there are information on how you can access 68% of the deaths being men. The programmes available to help the free Naloxone programme biggest increase in overdose deaths identify risk and reduce drug related please contact Signpost Recovery has been seen in the 35-44 age deaths. This includes a programme on 0845 673 1774. Signpost can group, increasing from 249 in 2015 of workforce development as also provide free and confidential to 327 in 2016. well as the Forth Valley Naloxone advice to anyone worried about Across Forth Valley, there has also programme. Naloxone can be used their alcohol and / or drug use. been an increase in drug related in an emergency situation to reverse deaths, rising from 31 in 2015 to 57 the effects of an opiate overdose

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