Operation Encompass is a multi-agency approach to give early notification to schools that a child or young person has been present, witnessed or was involved in a domestic abuse incident.
Nominated key adults in schools, initially in the Hartlepool area (and Cleveland wide in within the next 12 months) will receive information from Cleveland Police.
This will give them the opportunity to assess the needs of the child during the school day and, should it be appropriate, provide early support.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has previously provided funding (via the Ministry of Justice Competed Fund) to Safe in Tees Valley.
This was to employ an Operation Encompass Project Manager to establish the project in Hartlepool. It was further agreed that funding would be provided during 2015/16 for this post for a further 12 months to enable roll out across Cleveland.
In order for this project to be a success, it is necessary for a Domestic Abuse Project Officer to be employed (via Safe in Tees Valley.)
This is to enable the review of recorded domestic abuse incidents and identify those incidents which meet the criteria for Operation Encompass.
If children are involved/present, they will then contact a key adult at the school, which that child attends. The officer will provide the key adult with information surrounding the domestic abuse incident, and record that they have done so.
Decision 39-2015. Operation Encompass – Employment of a Domestic Abuse Officer (application, 187kB)