SAFE is a Thames Valley charity supporting young people affected by crime. They piloted the PAACE toolkit in three different areas with 13 children aged 8-11 who had experienced domestic abuse. Several of the children were on Child in Need or Child Protection Plans.
All the children engaged with the program, with 100% attendance. Facilitators noted how committed mums were to make sure there children attended. At the beginning of the project the children presented behaviours ‘typical’ of the impact of domestic abuse; some were quiet and had internalised their emotions, some were agitated and clearly dysregulated, most found focusing difficult. By the end, the children were able to talk about their emotions, learn emotional regulation and support each other.
10 of the 13 children were closed to the service and have not been re-referred. Three were referred for 1:1 support or counselling.
Moving forward, SAFE will continue running the program, expanding it to be offered during school hours and open to children affected by all types of crime.