Our intensive two-day CPD accredited training course equips frontline workers with the skill, knowledge and resources to facilitate transformational group work using Rock Pool’s nationally recognised Inspiring Families Toolkit.
The Key themes in the ‘Analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews: October 2019 to September 2020’ (Home Office) include the following:
- The need to improve risk assessments, carer’s assessments, or mental health assessments
- The right level of risks need to be identified
The report also recognises the need to support staff and to update training (15% of recommendations from all Domestic Homicide reviews included improved training).
Developed by Sue Penna, this two-day CPD accredited training course is an innovative, evidence-based group intervention which provides professionals with a robust assessment of risk and plans for moving forward with families where domestic abuse is present. Unless we risk assess to understand the family dynamic the appropriate safety and support plans cannot be put in place.
Inspiring Families Toolkit Overview
Inspiring Families Toolkit is a structured 10-week programme for families that are affected by domestic abuse and provides professionals with a robust framework to assess the parents’ behaviour, the degree of coercive control, disguised compliance, the level of current risk and the likelihood of future risk. The programme is delivered to two separate, parallel groups of non-abusing and abusing parents and provides the perpetrators with a realistic offer of support.
The Inspiring Families Toolkit is specifically designed to be delivered to groups in the room.
Inspiring Families Toolkit Facilitator Training Overview
This course enables organisations to upskill their teams to use Rock Pool’s Inspiring Families Toolkit, an assessment and intervention programme that can support risk assessments and help families to stay safe. Delegates will gain valuable insights and practical skills to enhance their work with vulnerable families.
This programme includes ongoing support for teams when they run their first programme. This consists of two support meetings (online or in person) by an experienced frontline practitioner to ensure that the assessments are being completed correctly taking into consideration:
- The presenting problem
- Predisposing factors
- Precipitating factors
- Perpetuating factors
- Protective factors
At the end of the programme there is a repeat visit (week 11) where the risks are reassessed and recommendations made.
This training is suitable for teams and agencies working with families where domestic abuse seems to be present. The toolkit is easy to use with groups and we pride ourselves in upskilling frontline workers, so no previous experience of leading group work is required. However, before delivering the Inspiring Families Toolkit you do need to have good multi agency partnerships in place so that immediate action can be taken to keep families safe.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Leveraging family dynamics for effective risk assessments: How to utilise the Inspiring Families Toolkit manuals to thoroughly assess family structures and interactions
- Tailored interventions for individual needs: How to make informed, nuanced decisions about the right interventions for each family or individual
- Comprehensive risk assessments: How to identify families' potential for positive change and risk reduction
- Trauma-informed approaches: Understand principles and practices of developing resilience within families where there is domestic abuse
- Group facilitation skills: Develop group facilitation techniques tailored to working with parents of families where there is domestic abuse
Upon Successful Completion
Participants will receive:
- A license to deliver the adult programme
- A comprehensive manual for structured, effective sessions including facilitator guidance, weekly session plans and handouts
- Unlimited access to the online Rock Pool Delegate Zone which hosts a range of resources
- A 30% discount on the first set of 15 participant journals
Rock Pool Trainers
This training will be delivered by one of the following sector experts, whose experience in working in this area will bring genuine insight to the training room.
Research Findings
1. The Inspiring Families Toolkit: A Formative Evaluation of Pilot Implementation in Slough, Berkshire WestPoint Crime and Social Research 2016
Top-line findings from this report included:
- Both male and female participants expressed increased feelings of positivity, confidence, strength and empowerment
- Men developed a better understanding of what constitutes domestic abuse and coercive control
- Both men and women indicate that they are more aware of the impacts on their children
2. Cost Benefit Analysis of the Inspiring Families Toolkit Slough Children’s Services Trust 2016
Report summary states
The Inspiring Families Toolkit saves the taxpayer an estimated £2.62 for every £1 spent in the first 6 months after the start of intervention with an average saving of £4,114 for every family who attended the Inspiring Families Toolkit, compared to an average cost of £1,572 per family.-100%)
3. Slough Children’s Services Trust Innovation Programme Evaluation Report – Cordis Bright March 2020
Based on research into 78 children whose families had been involved in the Inspiring Families Toolkit, the researchers found that during a six-month period after completing the programme there was a decrease in the proportion of children at statutory status for all 3 types (CIN, CP and CLA) in the Inspiring Families cohort.
This resulted in an estimated cost saving over a six-month period of £194,262.
Course Feedback
Feedback forms from 115 participants found that:
93% rated administration and enrolment as excellent or very good.
Across the core course areas, the average self-score of understanding increased from 7.95 out of 10 pre course to 9.33 out of 10 post course.
95% said that they understand the impact of coercive control on children and young people.
87% said that they understand how to successfully facilitate group work.
83% said that the training will improve their ability to conduct their day job.
89% said they would inform others in their organisation about the content of the training.