Domestic abuse needs national conversation

Few would disagree that there is more than a compelling case for us to try to understand the characteristics and complexities associated with providing the most effective help.

Ofsted has done that in the second round of Joint Targeted Area Inspections investigating the response of five local authorities, police and health services to children living with domestic abuse. The reports describe the fundamental importance of strong multi-professional responses, underpinned by a shared practice framework, uncomplicated information sharing that respects family consent, regular shared auditing and relentless questioning about the difference they are making at the frontline.

Leadership is predictably singled out as a critical success measure in local areas, requiring domestic abuse to be prioritised, supported by a clear strategy, good data and realistic plans.

The basics of good help and protection are not ignored in the reports. A productive interface with adult services, timely assessment, clear safety plans, transparent reasoning and obvious management oversight are regularly referenced.

As I came to summarise the messages from this excellent Ofsted work, I was left with three questions.

First, is it right that helping families early is now assessed by inspectors as though it has the same statutory status as the protection and care of children has in the Children Act 1989? Of course it may be right in principle, but, in practice, it seems unreasonable to hold local authorities, police, education or health services accountable for early help when there is no legislative or resource provision.

Second, what help are local areas really going to be given to provide support and services in the community? It seems unrealistic to expect that we can manage increasing demand, help all families early and be as good as the best without improved and shared resources around our local areas.

Third, are we becoming expert at identifying need and watching families at the expense of helping them to strengthen and to change? Have we got the balance right in our national system such that inspectors, leaders and practitioners wonder enough about helping children to grow up in their families rather than in the public care?

It seems there is an obvious and pressing next step for inspectorates, policymakers across Whitehall and local leaders. That would be to use these inspection observations as the foundation for a more complex national conversation about what should be prioritised (and therefore resourced), by whom and under what statutory provisions.

We must give urgent policy, capacity and practice attention to the children, young people, families and carers living with violence, abuse and fear in their homes if we are to stem the unsustainable and increasing demand in our national child protection and care system.

Jacky Tiotto is director of children's services at Bexley Council