Abstract
Centre for CJ innovation
The Centre for Justice Innovation aims to improve the implementation, evaluation and dissemination of new ideas and new practices throughout the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom. The Centre supports and champions front-line innovators in their efforts to reduce crime, aid victims and improve community confidence in the justice system. The Centre for Justice Innovation’s priorities in 2012 included launching the Probation Innovation Network, a project designed to strengthen and spread innovative practice within the probation service in England and Wales, helping the Scottish government implement the Criminal Justice Change and Innovation Fund, and providing technical assistance to the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre. For more information visit the website at www.courtinnovation.org/project/centre-justice-innovation
Universal Credit toolkit and job searching information
Universal Credit will replace a range of existing benefits including Job Seekers Allowance and housing benefit with a single monthly payment. Early rollout of Universal Credit, known as Pathfinder, started in some areas of Greater Manchester and Cheshire from April 2013 and will be progressively rolled out nationally from October 2013. The Department of Work and Pensions have developed a toolkit to inform organizations about Universal Credit and to help explain to claimants the changes that Universal Credit will bring. The toolkit provides a number of guides that cover a variety of topics including: help with preparing future claimants for the changes that Universal Credit will bring; the claim process for claimants; how Universal Credit will be paid and how to prepare for monthly payments; specific guidance for Universal Credit claimants with children, disability or health conditions; and what happens when claimants start work or earn more. The information can be accessed via www.gov.uk/universal-credit-toolkit-for-partner-organisations
Universal Jobmatch has replaced the Jobcentre Plus job search tool. Universal Jobmatch is a new secure job seeking website for customers. New improvements to the site allow customers to add CVs to the site and for employers to invite people to apply for a job that matches their skills. The site can be accessed at www.gov.uk/jobsearch
New domestic violence definition
The new domestic violence definition came into effect from 1 April 2013. The definition has been widened and now includes 16−17 year olds .The wording has also been changed to include coercive control. The Home Office in partnership with Against Violence and Abuse (AVP) have produced guidance for local areas entitled, Information for Local Areas on the Change of the Definition of Domestic Violence and Abuse (ISBN: 978-1-78246-113-5). This document aims to help local areas consider how the extension to the definition of domestic violence and abuse may impact on their services and identify potential gaps and opportunities for working with 16−17 year olds. The guidance includes research findings, website links for useful resources and links, and provides guidance for teenage relationship abuse, Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), child to parent violence, and harmful traditional practices including forced marriages and female genital mutilation. The document can be downloaded for free at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/definition-of-domestic-violence-and-abuse-guide-for-local-areas
New guidance for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Working Together to Safeguard Children: A Guide to Inter-Agency Working to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children published in March 2013 (effective from 15 April 2013) by the Department of Education. This guidance covers the legislative requirements and expectations on individual services to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and a framework for Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) to monitor the effectiveness of local services. This document replaces Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010); The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000); and statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (2007). Links to relevant supplementary guidance that professionals should consider are also included. There is a chapter on organizational responsibilities, including probation, prisons, YOTs, UK Boarder Agency and Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS), as well as learning from serious case reviews and child deaths. The document can be downloaded for free at: www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/DFE-00030-2013