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What is the MARAC?
The Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local police, probation, health, child protection, housing practitioners, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors.
After sharing all relevant information about a victim, representatives discuss options for increasing safety for the victim and turn these options into a co-ordinated action plan. The primary focus of the MARAC is to safeguard the adult victim.
The Devon MARACs have also established a firm link with the Front Door through a dual referral form to ensure that there is appropriate consideration of safeguarding children. For more information about the combined MARAC Referral and front Door Enquiry Form.
The MARAC will also make links with other agencies to safeguard children and manage the behaviour of the perpetrator.
At the heart of a MARAC is the working assumption that no single agency or individual can see the complete picture of the life of a victim, but all may have insights that are crucial to their safety.
The victim does not attend the meeting but is represented by an IDVA who speaks on their behalf.
Domestic abuse Torbay: https://www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk/support-services/domestic-abuse/torbay-domestic-abuse-service-tdas-torbay
Link for Plymouth: https://www.idasp.org
Education’s role in MARAC
Devon has 4 MARACs which operate every two weeks, education is always represented during the meet, either by the sharing of information to the MARAC chair prior to the meeting or by a representative attending.
This education representative is not always the school where the children attend but the LA attends on behalf of schools, to ensure that all relevant information is shared about any children in the household.
Prior to a MARAC meeting, if there are children within the household the school DSL will receive an email requesting information regarding the children at the school.
The information requested will usually be:
- School attendance
- Behaviour concerns
- Safeguarding concerns.
- Number of MASH referrals made and outcomes
- Social care involvement / multi agency involvement (including Early Help)
- How they children present in school
- Any concerns the school may have.
It is vital that the school returns this information as it helps build a picture of what life is like within the family home and it will help inform next steps when looking at an action plan.
Due to the nature of the meeting it is vital that the information shared is precise and in the form of a chronology, rather than files of information.
If the school submit a MARAC referral they may be invited to attend the meeting.
What do we do if we have a concern?
If you are concerned about a child or young person in Devon please make a Front Door referral https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/child-protection/making-a-mash-enquiry/
If you are concerned about an adult (aged 16+) in Devon please complete the DASH risk assessment resources for professionals – SafeLives (Safelives DASH RIC) to identify the level of risk which support service to refer them too and follow the advice on the Domestic and sexual violence and abuse – Devon County Council for all levels of risk.
If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult please contact Support and advice for older adults living in Devon | Devon County Council on 0845 155 1007 (8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays) In an emergency, please contact the Emergency Duty Service 0845 6000 388.
The Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance (DDAA) provides support for adults, children, young people, families, and professionals affected by domestic abuse across Devon. They also offer programmes for individuals who want to address harmful behaviours.
- Phone: 08082 816161 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email: hello@ddaa.org.uk
- Website: https://ddaa.org.uk/
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. If unable to speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted.
Organisations that support children who witness domestic abuse:
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/