<<

Forth Valley Public Protection

Issue 3 - Summer 2017 Newsletter

Welcome to the third edition of the Forth Valley Public Protection Newsletter. Inside this Issue Public Protection______2 This newsletter has Child Protection______4 been produced by the Adult Support & Protection____ 7 Public Protection Gender Based Violence______9 lead officers across , Forth Valley Alcohol and and council Drugs Partnership______11 areas and includes national and MAPPA Matters______13 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 Kincardine contact us if you want further information or to discuss any of the Denny Bo’ness content of the newsletter further. FALKIRK Laurieston Kilsyth Shieldhill Linlithgow California Slamannan

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 Public Protection

Scottish Government Trafficking National Framework and Exploitation Strategy for Missing Persons in Scotland The Scottish Government Trafficking Better awareness among the general The National Framework for Missing and Exploitation Strategy was public and training for professionals is Persons in Scotland was formally published on 30th May. key to this work, which will be taken launched at an event in on forward with a range of partners, 10th May. The Strategy addresses the need for including the Police, Crown and third both the support of victims and tough Over 30,000 episodes of people sector. The trafficking and exploitation action against traffickers, helping going missing are reported to Police of adults and children is happening to alert professionals to the signs of Scotland every year. In 2015/16, that in Scotland today and we all have a human trafficking and providing new figure was 40,070. Going missing role in bringing it to an end. Today’s powers to disrupt trafficking activity. exposes people to unnecessary risks; it strategy is the blueprint towards The Strategy also highlights the need impacts negatively on their health and realising that aim and eliminating to better publicise support for victims wellbeing; and, in a small number of such appalling activity in Scotland.” and there will be public awareness cases, it can lead to death. activity nationally later this year. The Work is now being undertaken by the The Framework acknowledges that strategy aims to identify victims and Public Protection Lead Officers across anyone can be affected by someone support them to safety and recovery; Forth Valley to ensure local guidance going missing and that is why to identify perpetrators and disrupt reflects the national strategy. agencies need to continue to work their activity; and to address the together to prevent people from conditions that foster trafficking and TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION STRATEGY going missing in the first place and exploitation. to do their best to keep them safe Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael from the potential risks they could Matheson said: “Developing the be exposed to. However, it is also When this happened I didn’t feel like a human being. You important that those who do go Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy are less than a human being has included listening to victims and you close up” missing are located quickly and are themselves, who have provided given the support they need to allow It is embarrassing that in the 21st century, this still goes a unique insight into the physical on and it’s getting worse. them to return to their communities The more people are poor the and psychological damage caused more they can be trafficked” or to build new lives for themselves. by trafficking. We have emphasised People need to know what The Framework sets out the roles happens to us. Poverty meant the need to let people know that I had no options” I need someone I can and shared responsibilities of totally believe in, who there is support available for victims, can lead me on the right way and make respective agencies, as well as key me feel safe” wherever they are recovered in national objectives and supporting Scotland. Exposing and eradicating commitments to focus on preventing these horrific crimes remain high on people from going missing and the agenda, and following the passing limiting the harm associated when of legislation to create an offence of they do go missing. human trafficking with a possible life Further information on the Trafficking sentence attached, I am pleased that and Exploitation Strategy can be Further information on the National and the Crown Office found at: Framework for Missing Persons in Scotland can be found at: will be able apply for new orders to http://www.gov.scot/ disrupt traffickers’ activity. Publications/2017/05/6059 . http://www.gov.scot/Publications/ 2017/05/1901 . 2 Public Protection The following factors have been found to contribute to vulnerable people joining certain groups that support terrorist-related activity:

• Need to express or act on feelings of anger, grievance or injustice; • Desire for excitement, comradeship or adventure; • Fascination with violence, weapons and uniforms; • Them-and-us thinking; • Need for identity, meaning and belonging; and Addressing the risks that arise • Need for status. It should be noted that even if an from radicalisation individual follows a radicalisation path, it does not necessarily mean A duty placed on organisations Vulnerable individuals who may be that their engagement will result in to have ‘due regard to Prevent susceptible to radicalisation could be committing terrorist acts. Along that people being drawn into service users, patients, students, carers path there may be opportunities for terrorism’. and / or staff or volunteers. professionals and others to intervene It is generally more common for to help to protect those who are CONTEST is the UK government’s susceptible individuals to become being exploited and divert them counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to involved in terrorist-related activity towards positive activities. stop people becoming terrorists or through the influence of others. supporting terrorism. The strategy Local Prevent Implementation Plans Vulnerable individuals may be is made up of four stages: Prevent, are being developed across Forth exploited in many ways by radicalisers Pursue, Prepare and Protect. The Valley which include awareness raising who target their vulnerability. legislative basis for delivering the for the workforce. A generic Prevent CONTEST strategy is provided in Initial contact may be via: awareness training package – WRAP Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism (Workshop for Raising Awareness of • Peers, siblings, other family Prevent) has been developed by the and Security Act 2015. members or acquaintances with Police. This workshop, briefings and the process of radicalisation often The Prevent strand is the main elearning will be made available to being a social one; focus for Local Authorities and NHS ensure the workforce have operational staff with the burden of • A range of unsupervised awareness of action in relation to the other strands environments, such as gyms or the Prevent cafes; IN THE RARE EVENT OF falling to Police Scotland with support duty and are a firearms or weapons attack expected from multi-agency partners. • In private in individuals homes; and equipped to RUN HIDE TELL respond to The best long term solution to • The internet and Social Media. situations of prevent terrorism is to stop people Contact with radicalisers is also RUN to a place of safety. This is a far better option than concern. to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go, then… becoming terrorists in the first place. HIDE It’s better to hide than to confront. Remember to variable and may be direct, that is, turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally and only when it is safe To do this we need to prevent people to do so… face to face, or indirect through the TELL the police by calling 999. supporting violent extremism and the internet, social networking or other ideologies that fuel terrorism. forms of media. More commonly it will be through a combination of the Understanding radicalisation above. UK Government has also produced and exploitation a Stay Safe: Fire Arms and Weapons The factors surrounding vulnerability There is no single profile of a person Attack film for the public. The four are many and they are unique to each who is likely to become involved minute film sets out three key steps person. It is increasingly recognised in terrorist-related activity, or for keeping safe – Run, Hide and Tell. that the personal experiences of single indicator of when a person This can be accessed here: vulnerable people affect the way in might move to support extremism. which they relate to their external https://www.gov.uk/government/ environment publications/stay-safe-film

3 Child Protection Forth Valley Child Protection Update Forth Valley Inter-agency Child Protection Guidance 2016 The Forth Valley Child Protection Policies, Procedures and Protocols Group acting on behalf of Clackmannanshire and Stirling and National Child Protection Falkirk Child Protection Committees revised inter-agency guidance and Improvement Programme Update updated hyperlinks. The revised version is available on Council, NHS In June, 2017 Scottish Government children and young people and this FV and Police Scotland web sites provided an e. newsletter update updated plan sets out a number of and can also be accessed here - on significant progress being actions to improve internet safety. Its https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ made to take forward the Child priorities include equipping children fa/GirfecFalkirk/files/2015/06/forth- Protection Improvement Programme and young people themselves to stay valley-child-protection-guidance- recommendations accepted by safe online, supporting professionals, Revision-Dec-2016.pdf Scottish Ministers. parents and carers and continuing Steps are being taken to have all to work with digital and social media This includes the launch in April of local child protection guidance providers to ensure children are not a guide for health practitioners in located within the one document. exposed to harm.” Scotland on Child Sexual Exploitation, There are also plans to include which outlines their role and A revised framework for inspections of hyperlinks within this guidance to responsibilities in identifying and children’s services is being developed local child protection procedures responding to a child or young person by a short-life working group, chaired with the aim of making it easier who may be at risk or affected by by the Care Inspectorate. The group to access and source all relevant sexual exploitation. The guidance last met on 8 May and the focus of the and current child protection expands on information on child meeting was the final agreement and documentation in the one location. sexual exploitation contained within clarification of any actions required, in New guidance which can now be existing National Guidance for preparation for the submission of the accessed within the Forth Valley Child Protection in Scotland, 2014 proposal to Ministers. Inter-agency Child Protection and encourages a response in line The first meeting of the National Child Guidance 2016: with local Child or Adult Protection Protection Leadership Group was held processes. • Transition Planning Guidance on 22 June chaired by Mark McDonald 2016 for staff working with Also in April the Minister for Childcare MSP. The Group will meet four times a young people and families and Early Years, Mark McDonald year and members will demonstrate in areas of adult and child MSP launched the publication of personal and collaborative leadership protection practice – 16 and 17 the National Action Plan on Internet for the sector, taking shared years olds (Page 7) Safety for Children and Young People, responsibility for tackling challenging to help children and young people issues and implementing change. • Unseen Child Guidance 2016 for develop the skills they need to stay They will bring their knowledge and staff working in situations where safe on the internet and support expertise to inform work on child the child is ‘unseen’ (Page 84) parents and carers to be more aware protection, identify any risks and (Revised from Falkirk to Forth Valley of the potential risks that their issues which impact on the delivery Guidance) children face online. In a press release of actions and act as advocates for the Minister said: “Children and improvements by influencing change Coming soon young people are spending longer in their own organisations and online than ever before. Many own beyond. • Human Trafficking Guidance a tablet or smartphone and almost Further updates are expected to • Female Genital Mutilation three quarters of 12-15 year olds now follow and will also be provided Guidance have a social media profile. While through stakeholder channels. the internet and mobile technology • Working with Resistant families have positively transformed our lives, The e.newsletter can be accessed here (Revising former Stirling to Forth I am concerned too many children https://blogs.gov.scot/child-protection- Valley Protocol) and young people are being put at improvement-programme/2017/06/30/ risk from online harm and abuse. We child-protection-improvement- all have a responsibility to protect programme-update-5/ 4 Child Protection

Criminal Injuries Compensation: Vulnerable Children and Adults Briefings

On 29th June Paul Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Services Agency, delivered two briefings on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Forth Valley Scheme to multi-agency groups Unprotected/Overprotected: of staff from local agencies and Seminar on Child Sexual services as well as colleagues Exploitation and Children with from Falkirk Council, West Council, Additional Support Needs and Council, , Learning Disabilities Council and A multi-agency seminar addressing Council. The sessions provided the issue of child sexual exploitation key information about the 2012 and children with additional support Unprotected, Criminal Injuries Compensation overprotected: needs and learning disabilities, was meeting the needs of young people with Scheme and its appropriateness learning disabilities who experience, or organised by the Forth Valley Child are at risk of, sexual exploitation to vulnerable children and adults. Anita Franklin, Phil Raws and Emilie Smeaton Sexual Exploitation Project Board at Attendees were able to develop their understanding of the criminal New Struan School, Alloa on 16th Paradigm Research Social Research, Evaluation and Consultation May. Jasmine Miller, Headteacher at injuries scheme as a major source New Struan, said, “This was a great of financial support for victims opportunity for our partners in the of serious crimes of violence community to come together and of local good practice; to agree key including family violence as well network, share and discuss next steps actions in relation to prevention as the complexities for a range of focusing on a very important part activities and the protection of circumstances such as trafficking of the Curriculum for children and children and young people with and asylum victims. young people of Scotland.” Speakers additional support needs and learning at the seminar included Anne disabilities; and to identify how agreed Salter, Lead Officer Child Protection, actions can be progressed locally and Clackmannanshire and Stirling Child incorporated into the Forth Valley Protection Committee; Joanne Barrie, Child Sexual Exploitation Project Community Sexual Health Educator, Board Action Plan. The seminar was NHS Forth Valley; Gayle Martin- attended by Chris Lumb, Strategic Brown, Education Support Officer, Inspector with the Care Inspectorate, Falkirk Council; and Lauren O’Grady, who commented afterwards, “The session presented a valuable learning Criminal Injuries Teacher, Carrongrange High School, Compensation: opportunity, with knowledgeable Falkirk. The seminar aimed to bring Your rights and enthusiastic presenters who together strategic and operational A brief leaflet summarising the 2012 Scheme. stimulated a good level of debate.” Includes information about how LSA can help. managers and lead officers working www.lsa.org.uk Freephone: 0800 315 8450 across Children’s Services in Forth Further information on Unprotected/ Valley to raise awareness of current Overprotected can be found at: Further information about the research and policy in relation to http://www.barnardos.org.uk/ scheme can be found at children and young people with cse_learning_and_disability_ learning disabilities at risk of sexual report_2015a.pdf . http://www.lsa.org.uk/docs/4390%20 exploitation and to share examples LSA%20CIC%20Your%20Rights%20 AW_LR.pdf .

5 Child Protection

Safe and Together Model Falkirk Child Protection Committee Safe & Together model developed • To increase the effectiveness of (CPC) in partnership with Falkirk by David Mandel & Associates is engaging men towards becoming Health and Social Care Partnership being brought to Falkirk 13th- 17th better fathers; is investing in the delivery of an November 2017. A half day awareness • To increase practitioners evidence based approach towards session on the morning of 13th understanding that domestic abuse addressing the impact of domestic November 2017 will be delivered is not a single event but a pattern abuse on children, young people, to Chief Officers, Elected Members, of behavior; adults and communities. strategic leads and operational managers and practitioners from • To reinforce the importance of A multi-agency team carried out across a wide range of services. retaining a focus on the perpetrator a two part Domestic Abuse Audit, Core training for frontline staff will when considering the risks commissioned by the Falkirk CPC, follow alongside a day’s training for presented to family members and, during 2015: Managers and supervisors. • To encourage measurable goals in 1) Case file audit The model is based on a set of case planning 2) Focus groups with staff and follow assumptions, core principles and Notes of interest will soon be invited up interviews with parents and critical components that has been from multi-agency practitioners who young people who experienced designed: wish to receive this training and go on domestic abuse. • As a whole family based approach to support embedding the approach One of the identified areas of to offering a comprehensive locally through the required culture, improvement was to develop assessment of risk, safety and systems and practice change. practitioner understanding of the protective factors; impact of domestic abuse on children and young people to ensure that they receive an appropriate response. Falkirk CPC agreed that funding should be secured to invest in required culture, systems and practice change in support of achieving better outcomes for children, young people and families affected by domestic abuse. The model derives its name from the concept that children are best served when we can keep them safe and together with the non-offending parent.

6 Adult Support and Protection

Clackmannanshire and Stirling Adult Support and Protection Update It is necessary to evaluate the quality June also saw the launch of our the Stirling and Clackmannanshire of our service to establish if we got it Forth Valley wide Financial Harm Adult Protection Committee. This right. Consequently in June, 2017, we Group. The focus is upon identifying forum provides an opportunity launched our Service Users Survey. issues relating to financial harm and for practitioners from our multi This survey is a series of questions designing prevention and intervention agency partnerships to contribute to designed to measure the effectiveness tactics that are proportionate and improving our service arrangements. of our service in enhancing the lives effective. A significant aspect is The practitioners viewpoint is an and wellbeing of adults deemed to raising awareness of the different essential component in determining be at risk of harm under the Act. The types of financial harm so that people the effectiveness and efficiency of our surveys are independently carried can identify risk and take reasonable practices. out by Forth Valley Advocacy and precautions. We are planning three the adults anonymity is preserved at bespoke seminars across Forth Valley We have been revising our web based every stage of the process. The results for service users and carers to be content making it more up to date are collated into survey monkey and delivered in the Autumn of 2017 and user friendly. We will integrate reported monthly as part of our Self which will raise awareness and further the content with other spheres of Evaluation Framework. This process protect people from financial harm. public protection as we know from will evolve into an essential element in experience that the interface of risk July saw the inaugural meeting of our our local service improvement plans. spans beyond individual groupings. Practitioners Forum, a sub group of

Update on work of Falkirk Adult Support and Protection

A lot of work in the last three months providers (particularly care homes) performing at different parts of the has focussed on advancing the Falkirk and speaking to homes about how we ASP process. This includes referrals, ASP Committee’s Improvement Plan better improve the referral process. IRD’s, investigations, risk assessments, for 2016/2018. Readers will know chronologies and Case Conferences. Forth Valley Advocacy are ready to that every two years each Committee We have developed a possible begin offering “post ASP process” submits a “biennial report” to the “template” for carrying out such interviews with people to learn Government, describing what it has evaluations. More information on this more about how people experience achieved in the last two years and what will come out as we develop this. an intervention in their lives when its aims are for the two years ahead. they were believe to be an adult at Lastly the Forth Valley multi-agency In Falkirk we are developing service risk. A staff consultation on training/ ASP procedures have been reviewed user leaflets, to be issued when development needs (which will be and updated. The new proposed people are the subject of an ASP issued via the online survey system document is currently out for investigation and if/when they attend Citizen Space) is also in development. consultation. Please look out for this a Case Conference. Also a Practitioners and provide comments so we can A substantial area for development page where staff can easily access improve these and circulate a finalised is self-evaluation activity. To allow supportive information on ASP matters. version by the autumn. for service improvement (and also We have refined the statistical as the Care Inspectorate are starting As always, any ASP matters people information we gather. From this we “thematic” ASP inspections) we want to raise please contact Ian Kinsley are focussing on ASP referrals from care want and need to know how we are (interim) ASP Lead Officer at Social Work Office. 7 Adult Support and Protection National news: ROCHDALE BOROUGH SAFEGUARDING ADULT BOARD • April 2016. Tom reported his bank card and money stolen. He is visited by police. • May 2016. Tom discovered SAFEGUARDING deceased within his home. ADULT REVIEW Analysis Of Key Events The Hybrid system was used which CONCERNING “involved looking at key events to gain an understanding as to how decisions were made and to explore ‘TOM’ areas where agencies can improve practice. This identified 23 key events of missing information, gaps and omissions which resulted in the following recommendations. FEBRUARY, 2017 Recommendations From Lessons Learned Circumstances • Repeat attendances at A&E over a two year period suffering from 1. Rochdale Council to work with all Tom was 61 years of age when he injuries. agencies to improve professional was murdered. enquiry regarding concerns about • July 2014 referral to Adult Care who vulnerable adults. During his life he began misusing referred the matter to Shelter for alcohol following the death of his supports then closed the case. 2. A named professional is father. He was a professional person identified from the multi agency who was once the director of a charity • May 2015, 2nd referral to Adult arrangements. however, he was banned from driving Care from Stepping Stones and following a conviction for drink referral made to GP for dementia 3. When a safeguarding referral driving and was suspended from his assessment then closed the case. is made an assessment for care arrangements is always considered job. This led to low self esteem and • July 2015, 3rd referral to Adult Care depression which led to the break up even if the subject may not from Stepping Stones. Subsequent obviously qualify for care. of his relationship with his partner. assessment failed to disclose any Tom’s lifestyle deteriorated and he new needs from those already 4. Formal capacity assessment began associating with misusers of known. Pathways allocated a is made, the outcome of any alcohol who frequently borrowed worker who explored rehab/detox assessment and rationale recorded money and/or stole from him. His possibilities. Tom’s physical health 5. Engagement with key family physical health suffered and he was poor due to alcohol misuse, members became addicted to the painkillers reporting regular falls and mobility prescribed to treat his depression. problems. Tom accepted referrals 6. Consensual sharing of contact He lacked familial support however, to GP and Advocacy which were information of key family members his former partner sustained contact progressed and also FRS for safety with other agencies. with him and he confided in her that assessment 7. Engagement with local financial he was being financially exploited by • ASB and arrears issues led to institutions to ensure they his “friends”. She persuaded him to involvement with Housing who recognise exploitation of report the theft of his bankcard to the progressed statutory intervention vulnerable adults and have a police who subsequently recorded the re tenancy however, he remained mechanism for prevention and crime. A few weeks thereafter he was in the property and his rent arrears reporting. murdered. escalated. 8. Standardisation of templates for His assailant was a middle aged man • Repeated contacts with Police and key processes and meetings who resided nearby in supported Housing officials who noted Tom 9. Training of professionals to accommodation. He had a history was often injured and intoxicated. recognise and understand alcohol of violence and at the time of Tom’s misuse and how they can provide murder he was on bail for serious • Tom refused supported support. Build upon guidance assault. accommodation and cited support from “friends” who were staying regarding thresholds when with him. assessing vulnerability of a person Agency Involvement who misuses alcohol. • Tom regularly failed to keep Chronology of involvement appointments with professionals summarised as follows: engaged in his care. 8 Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Gender-Based Violence Partnerships Gender Based Violence

National Delivery Plan for Equally Safe Equally Safe is Scotland’s strategy for preventing and be relevant, effective and eradicating violence against women and girls. It sets out appropriate, as well as to a vision for a strong and flourishing Scotland where all consider ways in which they individuals are equally safe and respected, and where or their organisation could women and girls live free from all forms of violence and play a part in achieving abuse - and the attitudes that help perpetuate it. It was Equally Safe’s ambitions. 79 last updated in 2016 and can be seen at: responses were received, Equally Safe including those from Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating https://beta.gov.scot/publications/equally-safe/ violence against women and girls Stirling Gender Based 1. Between March and June 2017 Scottish Government Violence Partnership and consulted on a Draft Delivery Plan for Equally Safe Clackmannanshire Violence Against Women Partnership, which set out the actions that it would undertake with which are now in the process of being analysed and will COSLA and key partners to make Equally Safe a reality. be published shortly. Further stakeholder engagement Respondents were asked whether they considered will occur over the autumn before the final Delivery Plan the actions under each of Equally Safe’s priorities to is produced towards the end of 2017. Behaviour and Sexual RapeAbusive Crisis Scotland & Harm (Scotland) Act 2016: Rape Crisis Forth Valley now in force Rape Crisis Scotland has secured funding until 2020 to recruit a national coordinator, with a role of encouraging The Act came into effect on 3 July, schools to take an institution wide approach to preventing 2017 and tackles so called ‘revenge- sexual violence, and ensure that young people have access porn’ by making it a criminal to relevant education. The coordinator will work with offence for someone to share, or threaten to share, an schools and other stakeholders to pilot and refine the intimate photograph or film without permission. The model, including Forth Valley Rape Crisis, who will share offence covers photographs or films showing people details locally as the project continues. engaged in a sexual activity which would not usually be done in public, or with their genitals, buttocks or Between 10am and 12 noon on the last Friday of every breasts exposed or covered only with underwear. month, Forth Valley Rape Crisis have a multi-agency drop- Those convicted face up to five years imprisonment. A in, to allow partners to find out more about the service, public awareness campaign, developed in partnership meet the workers and see the centre. Please see: with Scottish Women’s Aid, Rape Crisis Scotland, Zero https://twitter.com/fvrapecrisis Tolerance, Police Scotland and the Crown Office, has been launched to show the consequences of sharing intimate images of a current or former partner without their permission. Further information is available at: http://notyourstoshare.scot/

Coercive control and LGBT people: film launched On 22 June LGBT Youth Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid launched a short film exploring LGBT people’s experiences of coercive control. The film, ‘Coercive Control and LGBT People’, aims to inform services, and friends, family, neighbours or colleagues of LGBT people. See more at https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/news/coercive-control

9 Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Gender-Based Violence Partnerships

Fearless Domestic Abuse Support Service is now in Forth Valley

Fearless is a Big Lottery funded (until March 2019) domestic abuse support service delivered by Sacro, in The purpose of Fearless is to complement existing partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland, Shakti Women’s services and plug any potential gaps in domestic Aid and the Men’s Advice Line. The service is now abuse service provision. As the service rolls out across operational across Forth Valley area, providing support Forth Valley, the service welcomes dialogue with to survivors of domestic abuse, 16 years old and local partners as to how it can work together without upwards, who are: duplication and in the best interests of those affected by domestic abuse. - Men To make a referral to Fearless, please contact the local - LGBT+ community worker, Jordan McElhaney, on 07772 653 757 or email - Ethnic minority community [email protected] Fearless offers a range of support, including crisis To discuss potential partnership working please contact intervention and safety planning, emotional support, the Fearless Service Manager, Aaron Slater, at mentoring, and practical support with assistance to [email protected] or call 0131 624 7266. access appropriate housing, benefits and healthcare. Each client is assigned a dedicated caseworker, who will More information and an online referral form is available undertake a full needs and risk assessment. at www.fearless.scot

Now in its 26th year, the annual 16 Days of Action campaign calls for the elimination of violence against women and children and raises awareness at local, national and international level about the harms they face. These include domestic abuse, stalking and harassment; rape and sexual assault; commercial sexual exploitation; harmful traditional practices and human trafficking. While men and people in same sex relationships can also be victims, activities during the campaign mainly focus on male violence against women as statistics show that they are the victims in the vast majority of cases. This is the basis of the term ‘gender-based violence.’

The 16 Days campaign runs from November 25th (International Day against Violence against Women) through to December 10th (International Human Rights Day) and also includes World Aids Day on 1 December. Planning for the 2017 campaign programme of events is now underway. The programme will commence with an opening event in Clackmannanshire on 24 November. If anyone would like to get involved, particularly if taking forward a project or activity with a client group, please contact the following coordinators by area: Ann Marie Sinclair, Stirling Gender Based Violence partnership at [email protected]; Gail Cook, Clackmannanshire Violence Against Women Partnership at [email protected]

10 Forth Valley Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Forth Valley Recovery Community Expands and Grows!

Over 3000 people have visited The events and cafes are open to success last year and drew in teams recovery cafes across Forth anyone seeking support for substance from across Scotland. International Valley since they opened in misuse problems at any stage of Overdose Awareness Day is also their recovery journey - all that Forth marked every year in Forth Valley by a February 2016. Valley Recovery Community ask is that ceremony of remembrance and hope. There has also been growth in the people are not under the influence We are seeking to grow our Recovery number of people attending a range of substances when attending the Community across Forth Valley and of Recovery Community events and cafes or FVRC events. Staff are also would welcome new members. Please groups. Recent developments have welcome to pop in to any of the cafes click on the link for details of all FVRC included the launch of a new fishing and events and are encouraged to activity and to see how you and your group A.I.R. Anglers in Recovery – accompany any service users who may service users can get involved. Reel in Recovery! Recovery Ramblers need a bit of support to attend in the draws in walkers of all abilities first instance. Follow FVRC on twitter @ and there is a weekend park run FVrcvrycmmnty or facebook Forthcoming events include the on Saturday mornings. There is www.facebook.com/ Recovery Olympics on Monday 21st also a new Residential Rehab Peer forthvalleyrecoverycommunity August and International Overdose Support Meeting which supports Awareness Day on Thursday 31st Alternatively please contact Jardine people before and after residential August. The Olympics were a great Simpson on [email protected] rehabilitation.

Raising Awareness around Overdose Forth Valley Alcohol & Drug Partnership have an ongoing programme of awareness raising around the risk of Overdose

11 Forth Valley Alcohol and Drugs Partnership

The Power to Change - Recovery is a Reality not just a Dream

On the 30th September 2017, people from all over addiction and provides inspiration to those early Scotland will come together in to take part in their recovery journey and those contemplating in the Recovery Walk Scotland. The event gives those recovery. in recovery, their loved ones, families and the wider To find out more about the Recovery Walk or to take collective the opportunity to join together in solidarity part in the celebration, visit the Scottish Recovery and to support and celebrate recovery. It also provides Consortium people with a safe space to reflect on those they have lost to addiction and overdose. http://www.scottishrecoveryconsortium.org/index. php?id=2548 People from all walks of life join together in a common alternatively contact the Forth Valley Recovery goal, with a shared sense of camaraderie and spirit Development Worker, Jardine [email protected] to demonstrate that recovery and change is possible. Tel. 07920234694. Increasing the visibility of recovery raises awareness and has the power to challenge the stigma around

2017 Recovery Walk Scotland Dundee Saturday 30th September ? What does it feel like to Walk “We all had a beautiful and moving day. It was so inspirational WhyWalk? Only 9% of people said they would not want and a breath of fresh recovery air” – one counteraction to this is to live next door to someone with a mental Addiction is visible all around us illness. But 43% felt this about people with a to make recovery more visible. It tackles the stigma people history of drug dependence. “It was a very, very emotional day but amazing still buzzing!!” Walk Scotland ? with addictions face in our society. Walking helps to improve Who comes to Recovery “A beautiful sea of recovery” ADP Treatment Provider the knowledge and understanding among the general public Person in Recovery I do not want to answer about recovery. Other / “The flags, the people I spoke to from lowlands to highlands Our findings from Glasgow showed: and everywhere in between.” 1% 19% 35% of participants thought the event made recovery from addiction more visible in their local areas. 58% “Amazing exchange of energy at George Square” 50 thought recovery from addiction is more visible in 22% ” % “The sense of community was electric Glasgow now. very from addiction is more visible -discipline ’ thought that reco 58% of people think a lack of self “ 64% ‘A day of victory for recovery and willpower is one of the main causes of % of people nationally. drug dependence. But only 15 70 of people made connections with people or ideas that think this about mental illness. % – those” in recovery, their families they found helpful in building recovery from addictions. it” “For too long, a great majority of the recovery community have been silent about their experiences and successes. As a result, there has been and allies – no unified public voice advocating on behalf of recovery and for those who benefit from

12 MAPPA Matters

The past few months have seen with the person, and attend a Of course, all service areas have an unprecedented amount of meeting to discuss the case when their own review processes which ICR (Initial Case Review) activity all information relevant to the are similar to the MAPPA one. It in Forth Valley MAPPA. ICR’s take circumstances which led to the is possible for more than one of place when an offender managed initial notification are considered. these care review processes to through MAPPA commits a further Importantly, the meeting explores be triggered as a result of the offence which results in serious areas for improvement, which can circumstances of the offence or harm being caused, or significant then be used to inform any changes incident. In such cases, agreement concern has been raised about in practice. It’s worth pointing out should be sought on the most the management of an offender, that this is a learning process and appropriate way to proceed, taking or where an offender supervised in no way is about apportioning into account the requirements through MAPPA has been seriously blame. In fact, ICR meetings often of each process, the potential for injured or died. The actual criteria uncover areas of good practice cross-cutting and the possible is more detailed than that, but it under what were very difficult impact on the welfare of the staff gives you an idea of what triggers circumstances. involved. the process. This Initial Notification The SOG Chair then decides In next month’s newsletter, I will is sent to the Chair of the MAPPA whether the ICR is sufficient, or summarise what the key areas for Strategic Oversight Group by the whether more detailed scrutiny learning have been from our recent lead agency responsible for the is required. If it is, then we move ICR and SCR activity. offender’s supervision. The Chair on to a Significant Case Review then determines whether an Initial Lee Tait (SCR), which is exactly what you Case Review is necessary or not. Forth Valley MAPPA Co-ordinator would expect: a much more If the decision is to proceed to detailed scrutiny of the facts, an ICR, all agencies involved in service involvement and practice. the provision of services to the Fortunately, these are few and far offender are invited to contribute between. information on their involvement

13