No. 40 Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
Contents
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 Devon MASH through a dual referral form to ensure that there is appropriate consideration of safeguarding children. For more information about the combined MARAC Referral and MASH 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.
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?
Child or young person
If you are concerned about a child or young person in Devon please make a MASH referral or for a consultation contact Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk.
Adult
If you are concerned about an adult (aged 16+) in Devon please complete the Risk Identification Checklist (Safelives DASH RIC) to identify the level of risk which support service to refer them too and follow the advice on the MARAC page for all levels of risk.
Vulnerable adult
If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult please contact Care Direct 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 or email csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk.
Further information
Splitz Support Service is a charity delivering support services to women and young people experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Telephone 0345 155 1074 or email admin@splitzdevon.org
SAFE Foundation is a charity based in Exeter providing help and support to children and families who have experienced domestic abuse and violence. Telephone 030 30 30 0112 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).