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.

About the Author
Abigail Sterne is a former secondary school teacher and year head and is now an educational psychologist in Oldham, UK. Liz Poole is a former primary school teacher and is now an educational psychologist in Oldham, UK.

Reviews

'The authors have done a sterling job in producing a very useful and practical guide. It will certainly help all those working in schools and ealy years settings to understand, address and positively impact children's lives - particularly as those children face up to the challenges of learning in new environments, extended socialisation and new structures, as well as the significant impact of living with domestic violence.' - Lee Mtichell, head of schools service, NSPCC

"The authors have brought together a wide range of useful, practical information in a format that is accessible and readable" - Early Years Update, Issue 78

Book Information
ISBN 9780415465519
Author Abigail Sterne
Format Paperback
Page Count 148
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 300g