PATHWAY CARE ADDRESSES IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AT INAGURUAL CARERS CONFERENCE
13.07.10
“The impact of domestic violence on young lives is immense,” says Joyce Masson, Regional Director with Pathway Care (Midlands). “Such experiences are unfortunately only too common and the effects on children and adults alike are devastating, leaving them with an increased risk of behavioural problems and emotional trauma and mental health difficulties in later life,” she said.
It is estimated that in 75% to 90% of incidents of domestic violence, children are in the same or the next room. Nearly three quarters of children on the ‘at risk’ register live in households where domestic violence occurs (Department of Health 2002).
Joyce Masson commented: “With a significant number of children coming into care because of domestic violence, it is vital that foster carers understand their problems and the way in which to help deal with them. That is why we decided to focus on the theme of Domestic Violence for Pathway Care (Midlands) inaugural bi-annual Carers Conference at the Holiday Inn at Great Barr
“We attracted 30 delegates from across the Midlands including carers from Birmingham, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire.”
Joyce opened the conference and introduced Selma Sendur, a Senior Social care worker with many years experience, who facilitated the day and covered the theme of domestic violence and its effects on children and subsequent attachment difficulties.
“My ultimate goal is for carers to take ownership of these conferences. The next one will be staged during the Autumn within our new offices at The Old Workhouse in Bromsgrove, which we are to move into later this month,” she said.
Recruitment Officer Will Edwards said a key part of the Pathway Care ethos is to provide ongoing support and training to our carers. “The conference enabled them to exchange ideas and talk about their own experiences of fostering. The key theme of this conference was on domestic violence towards children and we all took part in a workshop that covered the likely impact on the emotional development of a child and how carers can find ways to reconnect with them.”
“We learned about the correlation between levels of violence in the home that leave children with elevated levels of brain activity caused by the over stimulation of the ‘fight-flight’ response, and how in some cases they remain elevated and leave children unable to control their ‘over-activity,” he said.
Anyone wanting further information about fostering should contact the Pathway Care inquiry line on 0871 2263760 or visit the website: www.pathwaycare.com
