Child Focused Court IDVA- Cheshire & Merseyside

Child Focused Courts represents significant change to private law children cases. The model aims to improve the experience and outcomes for children and families, particularly adult and child victims of domestic abuse. It focuses on early identification of risk, increased engagement with children and bespoke support for victims, all within a streamlined court process. 

Within the model, there is a funded pathway for Cafcass or local authorities to refer victims of domestic abuse to specialist agencies for IDVAs provide expert risk assessment and support. 

At the request of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Emily Spurrell (the Commissioner), is seeking a delivery partner to support the provision of independent and specialist domestic abuse assessment and support within Designated Family Judge (DFJ) areas across Merseyside and Cheshire in relation to section 8 applications under the 1989 Children Act and applications for enforcement orders, as detailed in paragraph 1.3 of Practice Direction 36Z.

Both individual and consortium bids will be considered. 

Combatting violence against women and girls (VAWG) including domestic abuse (DA) and supporting victims and witnesses remains a top priority for the PCC. These commitments are reflected in the Merseyside Police and Crime Plan. 

Organisations are encouraged to consider the Service Principles (found here:Child Focused Court IDVA Programme - Merseyside & Cheshire: Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner) before submitting their application to the fund. The PCC expects applications to detail how they would deliver the Service Requirements to achieve the Outcomes defined.