Adult Social Care, Domestic Violence and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACS)

Background and Purpose In the UK, the death of Mary Russell (81) by her 88-year-old husband demonstrated that adult social care practice, along with other statutory health and police agencies practices were unclear about how... [ view full abstract ]

Background and Purpose
In the UK, the death of Mary Russell (81) by her 88-year-old husband demonstrated that adult social care practice, along with other statutory health and police agencies practices were unclear about how to address domestic violence in older age. Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs), focus on the highest risk cases for domestic violence are a key tool in the inter-professional management of such serious cases. In Manchester there are about 100 MARAC cases discussed per month. These panels chaired by the police are non-statutory and usually involve 20+ members (excluding the service-user) lasting on average 10 minutes per case.
The aim of the research was to learn about the role of adult social care workers in working with domestic violence, addressing how MARACs operate and how the situation can be improved.
Methods
The research adopted a case-study approach to Manchester involving a mixed methods data collection and analysis including interviewing adult social care staff, MARAC subjects (x2) and MARAC attendees, Additional focus groups were held independent domestic violence advocates, Women’s Aid service users and staff. MARAC subjects have been central to the development of the research tools and initial data analysis.
Results
The research identified issues of identification, appropriateness and timeliness of services, twin tracking adult safeguarding and domestic violence, leadership and training. The paper also identifies ethical processes (e.g. confidentiality and child protection), practical issues, highlights key findings from interviews with MARAC subjects and questions whether the MARAC process is fit for purpose.
Conclusions
The paper aligns with conference's theme on research and evaluation of social work practice and will provide recommendations about the role of social care in addressing domestic violence whilst challenging the passive positioning of MARAC subjects and the current operating practices of MARACS whilst making recommendations how these can be improved.