📢 Big news for Bridgend County! The council has greenlighted a major initiative for improving services tackling domestic abuse. 👏
The council’s recent audit found that domestic abuse is a factor in over 40% of child protection cases. To address this, they’ve decided on a temporary extension of their partnership with Safer Merthyr Tydfil. This extension will allow for a thorough review of their current approach, aiming for a more proactive and preventive model. 🛡️
Deputy leader Jane Gebbie emphasised the importance of this step, saying, “We’re not criticising our service delivery; in fact, it’s well-valued. However, it’s fragmented and the demand is huge.” She noted that a redesign is crucial in creating a system that doesn’t just react to crises, but prevents them from happening. 🔄
Conducting this review is expected to take at least six months. During this time, the goal is to design a “whole-system change” that forwards a preventative, rather than reactive, strategy. By suspending the usual procurement process, the council ensures that resources are focused on protecting vulnerable families during the review. 🕒
The council members unanimously supported the motion, marking a vital step toward better supporting families affected by domestic abuse in Bridgend County. 💪
Let’s stay informed and support these essential changes in our community! 💙 #Bridgend #DomesticAbuseAwareness #CommunitySupport