Domestic Violence and Children: A handbook for professionals working in schools and early years settings »

What can schools and social care workers do to help children affected by domestic violence?

Large numbers of children are affected by domestic violence. The problem crosses every social class and culture. It causes distress and anxiety in children and adversely affects their learning and play, as well as their behaviour, wellbeing and attendance

Education staff may know of a child or family in crisis, want to help, yet feel outside their comfort zone, grappling with a complex issue not covered in their training. This book describes the impact of domestic violence on children and provides support for education and social care professionals. It takes heavy workloads into account and suggests practical ways of meeting the needs of pupils who come from difficult home backgrounds.

The authors provide guidance and advice on;

• identifying and responding to signs of distress

• helping pupils to talk about and make sense of their experiences
• the impact on parenting and how parents can be supported
• the needs of young people in refuges and temporary accommodation
• pupil safety and government safeguarding guidelines
• educating young people and the community about domestic violence
• specialist domestic violence services and other agencies that support schools

Domestic Violence and Children draws on the expertise of a wide range of professionals, including specialist domestic violence children’s workers and counsellors, psychologists, teachers, mentors and family support workers. It provides essential help and information to all children’s service directorates, as well as a range of professionals in education, social care, health and the voluntary sector.

Foreword vii

Acknowledgements viii

Introduction xi

Part 1 The impact of domestic violence on young people and families 1

1 Introduction and background: children living with domestic violence 3

2 The impact on babies and young children 18

3 The impact on school-aged children 22

4 Families in refuges and temporary accommodation 38

5 The impact on mothers and on parenting 47

6 Summary: domestic violence and the 'Every Child Matters' Five Key Outcomes 53

Part 2 Meeting children's needs in schools and early years settings 55

7 Introduction 57

8 Engaging and supporting parents 59

9 Meeting children's needs in early years settings 66

10 Supporting school-aged children 73

11 The roles of other professionals 103

12 Supporting transient pupils and those in refuges and temporary accommodation 107

13 Safety and confidentiality issues in schools 115

14 Looking to the future: educating young people and the community 119

Bibliography 140

Index 144