Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
4:30 PM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
4:30 PM
End:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
8:30 PM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
8:30 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
13 Mar 2025
13 Mar 2025
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Vice-Chair
Deputy Civic Mayor
Committee Member
Conservative Group Leader
Co-Optee
Bernadette Nesbit
Diocese of Hallam Roman Catholic Church
Apologies
Guest
Georgina Lightfoot
UNISON
Expected
Co-Optee
Antoinette Drinkhill
Church of England Education Representative
Present, as expected
Chair
Councillor Leanne Hempshall
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Laura Bluff
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Susan Durant
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Charlie Hogarth
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Tracey Moran
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Rob Reid
Apologies
Agenda
0
A. Items where the Public and Press may not be excluded
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
Minutes
There were no items on the agenda where the public and press were to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.
4
Minutes of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny meeting held on Thursday 12th December 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes , 12/12/2024 Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting heldon 12th December 2025, be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
5
Public Statements
(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Panel’s work programme).
Minutes
There were no public statements.
6
Domestic Abuse - Children and Families
Attachments:
- Document CYP Domestic Abuse final report March 2025 05 Mar 2025
- Document DA presentation 05 Mar 2025
- Document DA Case Study 1 final 05 Mar 2025
- Document DA Case Study 2 Final 05 Mar 2025
- Document DA Case Study 3 Final 05 Mar 2025
- Document DA Case Study 4 Final 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Service Director for Children’s Social Care presented a report, accompanied by a presentation, relating to Domestic Abuse and the impact on Children and Young People in Doncaster. She highlighted that the information provided reflected the strategy, structures and services in place to support both the direct and indirect victims of the abuse and those who pose a risk of harm.
The Panel firstly received a presentation from a Doncaster Youth Councillor outlining the work they had undertaken on the issue alongside the Domestic Abuse Hub. The issue was chosen to be addressed because one of the top priorities young people identified was awareness around how to spot a controlling, unhealthy, toxic relationship and how to help a friend. As part of the presentation the video, developed as part of the project, was shown to the Scrutiny Panel and was explained how it was being used across Doncaster.
Members thanked the Youth Council for the work they had undertaken, particularly the film, and hoped it had made a difference to young people who needed assistance with this issue. It was confirmed that the film had been:
· promoted through schools;
· used as part of the Domestic Abuse Training; and
· used with safeguarding leads in schools who were encouraged to show it to new school cohorts.
With regard to primary schools, it was confirmed that they must now provide age appropriate information, for example, what a good friendship should look like. However, for young children that had experienced domestic abuse, a programme entitled “One of a kind”, was delivered where required.
The Panel was delighted that cinemas were involved with showing the video, it was suggested that because October was Domestic Abuse Awareness month, could Doncaster’s cinemas be approached to consider running the film on an annual basis, to keep momentum. It was explained that there was a cost involved with having the video shown in cinemas, but could be investigated for the future.
In response to a question relating to use of the film with children who had experienced domestic abuse within their family but thought this behaviour was normal, the Service Director explained how powerful the film was and therefore had to be careful how the video was used. It was outlined that work was undertaken through early help with a continuum of support. It was recognised that for some children domestic abuse and parental conflict may be part of their life and ensure schools and professionals who worked around children were able to recognise the signs to help them understand the difference and help provide an avenue to talk about it confidentially.
In response to a question in relation to helping children with special educational needs, it was explained that when trusted relationships were built with children they often discussed issues that they thought were normal but parents could say to a child don’t talk about A, B or C. Within special educational schools, the children tended to have a lot of people around them who knew both themselves and their families well and could identify when they were distressed. If this was the case the school would connect with early help / safeguarding colleagues to assess the situation and identify children who were isolated.
The presentation provided by the Service Director addressed the Doncaster Domestic Abuse Strategy, Children’s Social Care response to Domestic Abuse, the Early Help Offer, Domestic Abuse Navigator Service and case studies providing Members with detailed information and personal experience.
The following areas were address in detail by Panel Members:
MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) – it was confirmed that this was a service for aged 16 and above with approximately 700 high risk victims of domestic abuse attending in this financial year.
Domestic Abuse Referral pathway – in response to a Member requesting how people found this service, it was explained that because the Domestic Abuse Hub was established it provided one phone number and therefore easier to promote the service. Unfortunately, following research people were still not aware of what support was available but the Council’s Communications Team were continually promoting the service as wide as possible. The Referral Pathway was included as part of the Domestic Abuse training sessions. It was noted that the Domestic Abuse Hub was aware of which agencies were or were not making referrals to them and that there had been an increase of self-referrals. It was confirmed that service provision had been informed by people who have been impacted by Domestic Abuse.
The Service Director highlighted that the Service was heavily supported through partnerships and community work, for example with the Police due to the spike in domestic abuse around certain times of the year, including football matches. From a children and young people focus information was provided in school foyers where appropriate to do so, GP Services provided a lot of community based support and activity and created a continuum of support.
With regard to the older age group a number of referrals would be made through the adult safeguarding route, the Police and the Citizens Advice Bureau and links were trying to be re-established with Age UK. It was noted that abuse at this age could be from their partner but also their children or grand children.
Claire’s Law Right to Ask – it was explained that the Police would make an informed decision as to whether they would provide information about a partner that was causing concern. However, it was reiterated that if anyone had any concerns then they must be encouraged to reach out to the Domestic Abuse Hub.
How is coercive behaviour / domestic abuse addressed in under 16’s – it was stressed that this situation would need to be addressed through the Safeguarding system. Recognising the safeguarding element provided an earlier intervention than domestic abuse, sometimes. It was explained that some of the typology training that addressed coercive control and abuse was phenomenal and recognised as really positive on a national level. This training had been cascaded to half of the Children’s workforce and delivered to the designated school lead network.
People with learning disabilities – in response to a Member asking how possible financial fraud would be addressed once reported to partners, it was explained that this element was part of training provided and would be identified and addressed through the agency where it was reported.
With regard to managing risk, identification was the main element with a dash risk assessment tool used to identify the signs, to help unpick what was happening in a relationship, eg. fear, abuse, risk of abuse and understanding relationships. Encouragement to report to the police and evidence gathering would be undertaken through conversations with the person at risk.
Impact interparental relationships have on children - The strength of the local offer through all partners to children and young people for healthy relationships was acknowledged by the Panel and also noted the following:
Parental conflict definition: Regular bickering arguing frustration with each other about issues such as money parenting and housework. When a child experienced this conflict frequently and it was unresolved it could result in children feeling upset confused and angry and their ability to resolve relationship problems throughout their lives and achieve positive outcomes.
Specific issues included:
· Problems with learning at school reducing academic attainment;
· Negative peer relationships;
· Physical health problems;
· Smoking;
· Some substance misuse;
· Mental health and well-being challenges;
· Longer term health impacts;
· Poor future relationship chances;
· Lower employability;
· Heightened interpersonal violence; and
· Depression and anxiety.
The front door service received all types of information and it could be difficult to identify what would be classed as parental conflict, but confirmed that when domestic abuse was a significant indicator, cases were accepted as a referral. 91% of the referrals moved to assessment with holistic work undertaken with the family to understand what their lived experience looks like.
Update on courses offered to parents: It was outlined that there was the need for the courses offered with most being over subscribed and the success was highlighted. The sessions were not mandatory but the acceptance particularly on the caring dads course was the persons acknowledgement of the harm caused and impact on their child/ren. It addressed why they themselves behaved that way.
The Service Director highlighted that once a child was involved with the DAN Service, this was only part of the children’s social care offer and whilst the courses were not mandatory, it was made clear to parents that a change in their behaviour was required. If a parent would not engage through the courses offered they would be engaged with in other ways through their social worker. It was confirmed that support services would not be removed until safety had increased within the family, if engagement was not forthcoming then assessments would be undertaken to decide whether it was safe for a child to remain in the home.
Case studies - The Chair highlighted she could see the positive impact made through the case studies provided.
It was stressed by the Panel that it was transparent that people felt they were not judged and service interaction had been a positive experience.
In response to a question relating to re-referrals of domestic abuse situations, work undertaken to avoid a continuing cycle, and children/young people not mirroring the behaviour, it was explained that the help and harm continuum in children’s social care was where help would be offered when safe to do so. If the risk was judged as being too high then steps would be taken to address safeguarding the child/ren. It was explained there could have been, for example, 3 lower level referrals, which identified a pattern of behaviour that was not acceptable and the response would be assessed and appropriately addressed. It was explained that a lot of work was being undertaken across Doncaster about recognising serial perpetrators of domestic abuse and how they could help change their behaviour.
Training for school staff – There was a Buy Doncaster website that offered the full range of training open to any professional or school and confirmed schools were regularly accessing the training available.
Support for fathers and children – it was explained that support was available for men as much as women. The Phoenix refuse had a hub that particularly responded to men, with single sex spaces and safe accommodation. The document “My wife my abuser” was acknowledged alongside the recognition of a man reaching out for support within the public domain. It was noted that early help was receiving more referrals relating to parental alienation, where for example, one parent talks about the other parent in front of the child. It was confirmed that in response a lot of work was being undertaken on parenting plans and accessing mediation to prevent escalation.
Figures following Covid pandemic – it was confirmed there had been a spike in domestic abuse referrals during Covid and this had now reduced. When the referral figures were assessed it identified a lot relating to child contact conflict and disagreements around who should or should not be in a bubble.
Measuring success of children and young people – in response to the Chair wishing to know how children had progressed through their lives following parental conflict or domestic abuse, it was explained that feedback from as many people as possible was sought to assess if the support their received had made a difference in their lives.
It was noted that the Survivor liaison service continued contact with people for a long time, due to there being no time frame of support provided and that gave a good indication as to how people were moving forward with their lives.
It was explained there was a lot of research into children’s life chances and outcomes and was highlighted that there were many children who had moved on and would not accept this abusive behaviour in their own families. It was stressed that removing parental conflict or domestic abuse from a home, children would thrive.
It was stressed that social care would not stop working with children until a positive difference had been made in their life and they were safe, including being more emotionally resilient. There was so much support available and not seeing a child or family again receiving support was the biggest measure of success.
RESOLVED that:
1. The report and discussion, be noted;
2. The multi-agency work continue and, be supported;
3. The work the Youth Council undertake, be supported; and
4. To investigate whether the Doncaster cinemas would continue featuring the Youth Council film during October on a goodwill basis rather than at a charge, be supported.
To conclude, The Chair thanked the Panel and officers for the work undertaken over the last 4 years.
The Panel firstly received a presentation from a Doncaster Youth Councillor outlining the work they had undertaken on the issue alongside the Domestic Abuse Hub. The issue was chosen to be addressed because one of the top priorities young people identified was awareness around how to spot a controlling, unhealthy, toxic relationship and how to help a friend. As part of the presentation the video, developed as part of the project, was shown to the Scrutiny Panel and was explained how it was being used across Doncaster.
Members thanked the Youth Council for the work they had undertaken, particularly the film, and hoped it had made a difference to young people who needed assistance with this issue. It was confirmed that the film had been:
· promoted through schools;
· used as part of the Domestic Abuse Training; and
· used with safeguarding leads in schools who were encouraged to show it to new school cohorts.
With regard to primary schools, it was confirmed that they must now provide age appropriate information, for example, what a good friendship should look like. However, for young children that had experienced domestic abuse, a programme entitled “One of a kind”, was delivered where required.
The Panel was delighted that cinemas were involved with showing the video, it was suggested that because October was Domestic Abuse Awareness month, could Doncaster’s cinemas be approached to consider running the film on an annual basis, to keep momentum. It was explained that there was a cost involved with having the video shown in cinemas, but could be investigated for the future.
In response to a question relating to use of the film with children who had experienced domestic abuse within their family but thought this behaviour was normal, the Service Director explained how powerful the film was and therefore had to be careful how the video was used. It was outlined that work was undertaken through early help with a continuum of support. It was recognised that for some children domestic abuse and parental conflict may be part of their life and ensure schools and professionals who worked around children were able to recognise the signs to help them understand the difference and help provide an avenue to talk about it confidentially.
In response to a question in relation to helping children with special educational needs, it was explained that when trusted relationships were built with children they often discussed issues that they thought were normal but parents could say to a child don’t talk about A, B or C. Within special educational schools, the children tended to have a lot of people around them who knew both themselves and their families well and could identify when they were distressed. If this was the case the school would connect with early help / safeguarding colleagues to assess the situation and identify children who were isolated.
The presentation provided by the Service Director addressed the Doncaster Domestic Abuse Strategy, Children’s Social Care response to Domestic Abuse, the Early Help Offer, Domestic Abuse Navigator Service and case studies providing Members with detailed information and personal experience.
The following areas were address in detail by Panel Members:
MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) – it was confirmed that this was a service for aged 16 and above with approximately 700 high risk victims of domestic abuse attending in this financial year.
Domestic Abuse Referral pathway – in response to a Member requesting how people found this service, it was explained that because the Domestic Abuse Hub was established it provided one phone number and therefore easier to promote the service. Unfortunately, following research people were still not aware of what support was available but the Council’s Communications Team were continually promoting the service as wide as possible. The Referral Pathway was included as part of the Domestic Abuse training sessions. It was noted that the Domestic Abuse Hub was aware of which agencies were or were not making referrals to them and that there had been an increase of self-referrals. It was confirmed that service provision had been informed by people who have been impacted by Domestic Abuse.
The Service Director highlighted that the Service was heavily supported through partnerships and community work, for example with the Police due to the spike in domestic abuse around certain times of the year, including football matches. From a children and young people focus information was provided in school foyers where appropriate to do so, GP Services provided a lot of community based support and activity and created a continuum of support.
With regard to the older age group a number of referrals would be made through the adult safeguarding route, the Police and the Citizens Advice Bureau and links were trying to be re-established with Age UK. It was noted that abuse at this age could be from their partner but also their children or grand children.
Claire’s Law Right to Ask – it was explained that the Police would make an informed decision as to whether they would provide information about a partner that was causing concern. However, it was reiterated that if anyone had any concerns then they must be encouraged to reach out to the Domestic Abuse Hub.
How is coercive behaviour / domestic abuse addressed in under 16’s – it was stressed that this situation would need to be addressed through the Safeguarding system. Recognising the safeguarding element provided an earlier intervention than domestic abuse, sometimes. It was explained that some of the typology training that addressed coercive control and abuse was phenomenal and recognised as really positive on a national level. This training had been cascaded to half of the Children’s workforce and delivered to the designated school lead network.
People with learning disabilities – in response to a Member asking how possible financial fraud would be addressed once reported to partners, it was explained that this element was part of training provided and would be identified and addressed through the agency where it was reported.
With regard to managing risk, identification was the main element with a dash risk assessment tool used to identify the signs, to help unpick what was happening in a relationship, eg. fear, abuse, risk of abuse and understanding relationships. Encouragement to report to the police and evidence gathering would be undertaken through conversations with the person at risk.
Impact interparental relationships have on children - The strength of the local offer through all partners to children and young people for healthy relationships was acknowledged by the Panel and also noted the following:
Parental conflict definition: Regular bickering arguing frustration with each other about issues such as money parenting and housework. When a child experienced this conflict frequently and it was unresolved it could result in children feeling upset confused and angry and their ability to resolve relationship problems throughout their lives and achieve positive outcomes.
Specific issues included:
· Problems with learning at school reducing academic attainment;
· Negative peer relationships;
· Physical health problems;
· Smoking;
· Some substance misuse;
· Mental health and well-being challenges;
· Longer term health impacts;
· Poor future relationship chances;
· Lower employability;
· Heightened interpersonal violence; and
· Depression and anxiety.
The front door service received all types of information and it could be difficult to identify what would be classed as parental conflict, but confirmed that when domestic abuse was a significant indicator, cases were accepted as a referral. 91% of the referrals moved to assessment with holistic work undertaken with the family to understand what their lived experience looks like.
Update on courses offered to parents: It was outlined that there was the need for the courses offered with most being over subscribed and the success was highlighted. The sessions were not mandatory but the acceptance particularly on the caring dads course was the persons acknowledgement of the harm caused and impact on their child/ren. It addressed why they themselves behaved that way.
The Service Director highlighted that once a child was involved with the DAN Service, this was only part of the children’s social care offer and whilst the courses were not mandatory, it was made clear to parents that a change in their behaviour was required. If a parent would not engage through the courses offered they would be engaged with in other ways through their social worker. It was confirmed that support services would not be removed until safety had increased within the family, if engagement was not forthcoming then assessments would be undertaken to decide whether it was safe for a child to remain in the home.
Case studies - The Chair highlighted she could see the positive impact made through the case studies provided.
It was stressed by the Panel that it was transparent that people felt they were not judged and service interaction had been a positive experience.
In response to a question relating to re-referrals of domestic abuse situations, work undertaken to avoid a continuing cycle, and children/young people not mirroring the behaviour, it was explained that the help and harm continuum in children’s social care was where help would be offered when safe to do so. If the risk was judged as being too high then steps would be taken to address safeguarding the child/ren. It was explained there could have been, for example, 3 lower level referrals, which identified a pattern of behaviour that was not acceptable and the response would be assessed and appropriately addressed. It was explained that a lot of work was being undertaken across Doncaster about recognising serial perpetrators of domestic abuse and how they could help change their behaviour.
Training for school staff – There was a Buy Doncaster website that offered the full range of training open to any professional or school and confirmed schools were regularly accessing the training available.
Support for fathers and children – it was explained that support was available for men as much as women. The Phoenix refuse had a hub that particularly responded to men, with single sex spaces and safe accommodation. The document “My wife my abuser” was acknowledged alongside the recognition of a man reaching out for support within the public domain. It was noted that early help was receiving more referrals relating to parental alienation, where for example, one parent talks about the other parent in front of the child. It was confirmed that in response a lot of work was being undertaken on parenting plans and accessing mediation to prevent escalation.
Figures following Covid pandemic – it was confirmed there had been a spike in domestic abuse referrals during Covid and this had now reduced. When the referral figures were assessed it identified a lot relating to child contact conflict and disagreements around who should or should not be in a bubble.
Measuring success of children and young people – in response to the Chair wishing to know how children had progressed through their lives following parental conflict or domestic abuse, it was explained that feedback from as many people as possible was sought to assess if the support their received had made a difference in their lives.
It was noted that the Survivor liaison service continued contact with people for a long time, due to there being no time frame of support provided and that gave a good indication as to how people were moving forward with their lives.
It was explained there was a lot of research into children’s life chances and outcomes and was highlighted that there were many children who had moved on and would not accept this abusive behaviour in their own families. It was stressed that removing parental conflict or domestic abuse from a home, children would thrive.
It was stressed that social care would not stop working with children until a positive difference had been made in their life and they were safe, including being more emotionally resilient. There was so much support available and not seeing a child or family again receiving support was the biggest measure of success.
RESOLVED that:
1. The report and discussion, be noted;
2. The multi-agency work continue and, be supported;
3. The work the Youth Council undertake, be supported; and
4. To investigate whether the Doncaster cinemas would continue featuring the Youth Council film during October on a goodwill basis rather than at a charge, be supported.
To conclude, The Chair thanked the Panel and officers for the work undertaken over the last 4 years.
7
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 05 Mar 2025
- Document Forward Plan 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions was presented, for information.
RESOLVED: That the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions, be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions, be noted.
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