Katie Madden

1. 1. lack of vulnerability assessment for domestic violence recipients

   “No evidence was seen that recipients of a 'Claires Law' Domestic Violence Disclosure are treated as being of greater vulnerability, or at a higher risk, when Child Services are undertaking investigations regarding the provision of children's care, and removal of the children from a parent is being considered. It was heard in evidence that the Social Worker appointed to this case, quite properly focussed on what was in the best interest of [name redacted]'s children. There was however no formal system in place”

2. 2. risk assessment omission for mental health impact

   “It was identified that when [name redacted] was informed there may be an application to the Family Court to place her children into care (using the Public Law Outline process), the impact of such a decision on her mental health, or physical wellbeing was not taken into consideration. As a recipient of a 'Claires Law' Domestic Violence Disclosure, it was acknowledged that she was of greater vulnerability, but no system is currently in place which allows a risk assessment to be undertaken at the time the Pub”

3. 3. isolated safeguarding referrals

   “Safeguarding referrals made the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub in respect of [name redacted]'s children were viewed in isolation, with no system in place to the assess any additional risks posed to [name redacted] herself. There were no additional steps, or risk assessments undertaken in relation to [name redacted], even though she was a recipient of a 'Claires Law' Domestic Violence Disclosure and therefore known to be more vulnerable”

4. 4. lack of therapy availability

   “In 2022 it was recognised by a Clinical Psychologist that [name redacted] could benefit from Schema-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which is not routinely available on the NHS”

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