Multi-agency referral units (MARUs) have always seemed to me
to be a good initiative. The idea is that police, children’s services, health
and other agencies work together in a single team to receive referrals about
abuse and neglect.
The MARU in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough also deals with
adult abuse and domestic violence. The Peterborough Telegraph quotes a senior
police officer as saying that the unit reduces bureaucracy, shares special
skills and promotes integrated working. http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/local/child-and-adult-abuse-unit-receives-4-000-calls-in-five-months-1-4253053
A formal evaluation would be helpful. This is an idea which
could be generalised throughout the UK if it is proven to be as successful as
early reports appear to indicate.
