The Olive Tree Project Ltd
CINDA PROJECT
Children in Domestic Abuse
19B Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7LA
Tel/Fax : 01760 722669

1. The Cinda Project aims to support children whose lives have been affected by Domestic Abuse. The effects of Domestic Abuse are varied and may be long-lasting. Children often become the innocent victims.

2. The Cinda Project started with an assessment of needs by Olive Tree staff and clients during the summer of 2002, followed by the appointment of specific Cinda Project staff in September 2002, when actual referral procedures were implemented.

3. The Cinda Project is currently staffed by a full-time Coordinator (Pat Judson), and two full-time Activities and Advocacy Workers, Charlotte Jackman and Craig Fitt-Cook. Craig promotes the positive male role model that so many children lack.

4. The Cinda Project aims to design individual packages according to children’s needs. We offer support in schools and after-school activities in a variety of ways.

5. Levels of prevention covered are 2 and 3.

6. The Children’s Fund sub objectives which are the main focus of our work are 1.3.6

7. The Every Child Matters Outcomes which we contribute to are: stay safe, enjoy & achieve and make a positive contribution

8. Support in school may vary. Support with academic subjects may be required as some of the children have fallen behind due to upheaval or constant change, or work on self-esteem programmes, anger management or therapeutic play . The child’s needs are assessed in liaison with school staff and we attend review meetings etc. for those children on the Special Needs Register, if invited to do so.
Where it is not deemed appropriate for intervention in school we may offer support on an after school basis, either individually or in a group.
We also endeavour to liaise closely with other organised children’s groups with a view to integrating them more easily into organisations such as Brownies, Cubs etc. which may otherwise be difficult for them to access, for a variety of reasons.
It is of utmost importance that we liaise closely with other agencies and we frequently participate in Case Conferences and Family Support Conferences and the subsequent Core/Action Groups where Child Protection issues have been raised.
Counselling can be organised if necessary.
During after-school hours and holidays we organise fun activities and trips to places of interest. This promotes good social interaction with peers and builds on self-esteem, widening horizons for many children.
Most of all, we aim to provide a good listening ear for children to off-load their concerns and to advocate on their behalf. By developing trusting relationships it is hoped that children can overcome their anxieties and learn coping mechanisms to deal with the effects of Domestic Abuse on their lives.

9. Geographical coverage is currently based on West Norfolk and Breckland .

10. Schools in which we currently provide individual support on a weekly basis:- Greenhoe Middle, Swaffham First
Kings Lynn - St.Edmunds, Greyfriars, Howard Junior, Howard Infant, Eastgate, Fairstead, Park High, North Wootton , St. Martha[s R.C.,
Terrington St. Clement, Swanton Morley, Great Dunham, Northwold.

11. For each of our referrals an initial meeting with the parent/carer is arranged to discuss
needs. We also insist on the signing of a contract by the parent. Whilst we offer confidentiality we make parents aware that we would follow child protection procedures and refer on if the need arose. We liaise regularly with parents although it is important to remember that children need to be sure that their innermost anxieties are not passed on unless their safety is in question. There are also occasions when we may support parents at meetings with Education, Health, Social Services or other agencies which involve their child’s well-being. Other family members are involved if appropriate.
Since the Cinda Project is a part of the Olive Tree Projects, Floating Support Workers may be working with the parents of our referrals and facilitate easier links.


12. 2 Case studies

Case Study for Level of Intervention Two
Twins (Males aged 6)
Level of prevention: 2
Referral: Health visitor
History: Family moved from London after domestic violence escalated over many years. The twins and their elder sister were witness to the physical abuse that the mother suffered although the abuse was never aimed directly at the children. The children now have regular supervised contact with the father.
Issues arising: Twins started to display some challenging behaviour and one of the twins was beginning to have further issues in that he was stealing money and becoming challenging to the mother. The older sister was also experiencing some difficulties, in particular with the limitations of living in a rural environment.
Progress: Work is carried out with all the children on an individual basis incorporating various tasks tailored to meet the individuals needs. Both the twins have displayed an improvement in their confidence and communication skills.

Case Study – Level of Intervention Three
Daniel (eight years old)
Level of intervention: three
Referral: Olive Tree Projects Refuge
History:
Daniel, the oldest of five children, arrived in the middle of the night at the refuge with his pregnant mother. Daniel witnessed violent attacks on his mother and the property they were living in and was referred by the refuge to the CINDA project. Daniel seemed confused about his father and was prone to telling elaborate stories
Issues arising:
Daniel had extremely poor attendance at his last school and was behind in basic literacy skills to such an extent it was suggested, by his new school, he move down to the class below with his sister.
Progress:
Daniel is given support in school with literacy and self-esteem exercises and has also been to many CINDA outings/activities to promote social and emotional well being. He has made considerable progress in his new class and appears to have settled into school well.

13. Referrals are received from the Olive Tree Projects Refuge and Floating Support Services, from Schools, Social Services, Health, Police/DVU, other voluntary agencies and organisations.

14. Our key partners are The Olive Tree Projects Refuge and Floating Support, as well as Well-Family Service and Homestart, Swaffham. The Organisations together form the Swaffham Resource Link. We meet regularly to share ideas and resources and arrange joint ventures.

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