CC(3) DA37

Communities and Culture Committee

Scrutiny Inquiry : Domestic Abuse

Response from Triangle Wales

Section 3. Project Management Manual - Cedar House. Triangle Wales’ Supported housing for men fleeing domestic abuse.

Draft 1. August 2007

3.0 Individual Projects

Cedar House - Supported Housing for Men Fleeing Domestic Abuse.

3.1 Address and Contact Details

3.1.1 The Project

Cedar House
(Tel) 029 20666163

3.1.3 The Landlord

United Welsh Housing Association
Ty Cennydd
Castle Street
Caerphilly CF83 1NZ
(Tel) 029 20858100
(Fax) 029 20858110

3.1.4 The Managing Agent

Trothwy Cyf
4 Dock Chambers
Bute Street
Cardiff.    CF10 5AG
(Tel) 029 20453030
(Fax) 029 20451797

Scheme Code - 2230

Trothwy Cyf’s primary aim is to work in partnership with service users and other agencies in providing good quality housing and support services to enable service users to live independently and actively participate in their communities.

3.1.5 Scheme Summary

Cedar House static project provides temporary supported accommodation for men fleeing domestic violence / abuse.

The aim of the tenancy-support offered is to provide service users safe and secure accommodation, the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and, with support, ensure that they are able to manage their own accommodation and obtain or continue with education, training and employment.

3.2 Aims and Objectives

3.2.1a The Static Scheme

The aims and objectives of the static scheme itself are:

• To provide a safe and secure environment
• To provide supported accommodation for up to 4 service users
• To prevent homelessness amongst men fleeing domestic abuse
• To promote understanding and awareness of the specific needs of men fleeing domestic abuse
• To provide a resource to other mainstream housing and support providers to enable them to be sensitive and aware of their provision of services to this vulnerable group
• To assist Local Authorities and other social landlords to respond more effectively to their responsibility to vulnerable groups within the homelessness legislation
• Publicise the service among other relevant service providers

3.2.1b The Static Tenancy Support

The aims and objectives of the static tenancy support are:

• To provide a dynamic, person centred support planning process
• To provide advice and support within a framework of user participation to a vulnerable group
• To assist in accessing educational / work opportunities
• To assist those in the static scheme to move on to a secure tenancy and an independent life
• To provide emotional support and guidance as appropriate

3.2.1c Floating Tenancy Support

The aims of the floating tenancy support are:

• To provide a period of floating tenancy support for up to 3 months
• To assist those who have been tenants in the static scheme to establish an independent life in a secure tenancy
• To feed in to the dynamic, person - centred support planning process initiated during the stay in the static project

3.2.2.  Referral Process

Cedar House is aimed for male victims of domestic violence / abuse who want to make positive changes in their lives. There is an understanding that the service users living in the scheme are accepting of support and agree to work with staff on their Personal Support Plans and make full use of the resources available.

Acceptance into the project is dependant on the outcome of two separate risk assessment and management tools. The largest research project into male victims of domestic violence (The Dyn Project: Supporting Men Experiencing Domestic Abuse) uses four categories to describe the men who have experienced domestic abuse from an intimate partner:

• MV1 - Men in same sex relationships
• MV2 - Heterosexual men with no known history of abusive or violent incidents as either a victim or a perpetrator
• MV3 - Heterosexual men with a known history of abusive or violent incidents, however, they have no record of any High or Very High Risk incidents within the last four months, and any current incidents are medium risk or 'for information only’.
• MV4 - Heterosexual men with a known history of abusive or violent incidents. Currently they are known or alleged to be perpetrating domestic abuse or have an evidenced history of doing so (e.g. a partner referred to a MARAC)

The boundaries between these categories are sometimes blurred (especially between MV3 & MV4).

In order to minimise the risk of harm to any individual (staff or tenant) the project will only accept referrals who demonstrably fall into categories MV1 and MV2.

The risk assessment and screening process is carried out via The Dyn Project itself, to which end there are several mechanisms in place. Challenges to work with men experiencing domestic abuse include masculinity and the issue of counter allegations of abuse. The Dyn Project has developed a classification system to prioritise incoming referrals, and to address the issue of counter allegations and screening. 'Screening’ is a term used to describe the process whereby new clients are assessed for their status as either 'victim’ or 'assailant’ or 'co-offending partner’. Referrals are also screened to ensure that the history of the couple (e.g. prior domestic incidents or social services involvement) is known and can inform the process of classification.

In terms of service, it is important that referrals are classified systematically in order to avoid:

• Colluding with a perpetrator of domestic abuse;
• Providing services to someone who does not need them;
• Equipping a perpetrator who presents as a victim with information that may be used against their partner;
• Failing to accurately assess any risk.

The second tool used in risk assessment is the standard Trothwy Cyf pro forma; this is used once an individual has been classified as either MV1 or MV2 as a means of assessing any other factors which may affect risk to others (staff or service users) or the applicant

themselves. Therefore the scheme would not accept applicants who have a recent history of arson or violence, or who lack insight into their mental health problems or who have no control over them.

Further to this, there is some variation in the definition of domestic abuse used across the field of relevant agencies. For the purposes of the Cedar house project an its aims, Trothwy Cyf will adopt the Home Office definition, that is

"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality” (Home Office, 2005:07)

Referrals can be accepted via a number of routes, i.e. self-referrals, other agencies or Triangle Wales Helpline operators, depending on individual circumstances. However, the individual must be aware of and agreeable to the referral being made. Criteria for acceptable referrals and relevant support needs are laid out in previous section of this document. Should there be any doubt of the suitability of the nomination, referrers should contact the Project Co-ordinator for consultation.

In line with the policies and procedures laid out in section 4 - 4.33 of the Project Management Manual - Selection Policy, staff will adopt the following procedures.

Referral Stages

Stage 1. Receive request from referrer for an application form.

Stage 2. Letter, Referral and application forms sent.

Stage 3. In considering the application staff may also request a risk assessment to enable a better assessment of individual suitability.

Stage 4. Based on the eligibility criteria, the application will be assessed and proceed to one of three possible outcomes:

• Invitation to interview
• Referral to more appropriate project
• Rejection letter

Stage 5. In the event that an interview is arranged, we would expect the attendance of the applicant, a representative of the referring agency (where applicable) and two members of Trothwy staff (one at grade F or above).

Interviews are informal to ensure the individual is relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. Standardised forms are the foundation and designed to gather all information relevant to the individuals current and potential support needs, and to identify any possible risk.

Stage 6. Where possible, the individual should be given an indication of acceptance / rejection at the close of the interview. Should this not be possible at interview stage (for example, where further evidence needs collating in relation to risk), then a letter communicating the decision should be sent out within 2 working days. If a decision is made at interview, this should also be confirmed in writing and a copy sent to any referring agency.

3.2.3 Allocations Procedures

This further stage exists where applications and interviews are successful and an entry on the waiting list is made. The allocation process should be designed to ensure that it is those in greatest need of the services provided who receive priority in supported housing. However, this must be balanced with the needs of the project as a whole. Assessing an applicant’s

degree of need is not easy, but is greatly assisted by clear project objectives and selection criteria.

All information gathered at the interview, together with the information contained in the referral and/or application forms, will be taken into consideration when deciding whether to allocate a place to an applicant.

Information must be considered by an allocation panel consisting of at least two members of Trothwy Cyf staff (one at Grade F or above) and possibly with the involvement of service users.

All decisions must be made on the basis of the project's selection criteria. These are:

• level of housing need
• degree to which an applicant is in need of support services
• the extent to which the project’s services match an applicant’s requirements
• whether the potential/possible risks identified are consistent with the project’s selection criteria
• the need to achieve a balance between service users in a particular project

equal opportunity considerations.

In addition to these, entries on the waiting list should be reviewed at regular intervals and consideration given to the amount of time spent on the waiting list.

All allocation decisions must be properly recorded.

3.3 Staffing Details, Cover and On-Call Arrangements

At present, Tenancy Support is available on a flexible basis, centred around pre-booked, regular keyworking sessions. However staff are contactable during the normal working week either at the Cardiff Office or on mobile phones. The support is then line managed by a Project Co-ordinator and an Operational Co-ordinator, both of whom are available for advice or consultation and are based at the Cardiff office.

In case of emergency outside of office hours, tenants benefit from a 24-hour on-call service.

All tenants are given the relevant contact numbers at the start of their tenancy.

The staffing structure for the project is: Hours Worked at Scheme

• Operational Co-Ordinator Not project based
• Project Co-ordinator  Full time - project based 9
• Support worker Full time - project based 15

Staff cover for sickness, annual leave and all training will either be met from within the staff team or through the use of sessional workers

3.4 Accommodation Description

The project is in a location close to the city centre. It is made up of 4 self - contained, partly furnished flats, each with their own living / bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. At the start of their tenancy, service users are provided with a bed, fridge, oven, microwave, armchair, set of cutlery, crockery and pans, and a set of bedding.

Due to the nature of the project, an occurrence marker is permanently in place with South Wales Police, any 999 call made from the project is guaranteed an immediate response.

If necessary, a target hardening service is available to individual tenants, depending on the extent / nature of the abuse they have fled.