Multi-Agency Working

MARAC: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Guide

January 2025•12 min read

What is MARAC?

MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a meeting where information is shared about high-risk domestic abuse cases. Representatives from police, health, children's services, housing, and other agencies work together to create a coordinated safety plan.

MARACs focus on the highest risk cases—those where there is a significant risk of serious harm or death.

How Cases Reach MARAC

DASH Risk Assessment

Cases typically come to MARAC through the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence) risk assessment:

  • 14+ "yes" answers usually indicates high risk
  • Professional judgement can override score
  • Escalation, strangulation, or pregnancy increase risk
  • Visible High Risk (VHR) cases can be fast-tracked

Who Can Refer

  • Police (most common referrer)
  • IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors)
  • Children's services
  • Health professionals
  • Housing
  • Any agency with concerns

Key point: As a social worker, you can refer directly to MARAC if you assess a case as high risk. Don't wait for police to refer—act on your professional judgement.

Your Role at MARAC

Before the Meeting

  • Check your systems for any involvement
  • Prepare information about children in the household
  • Note current or historical concerns
  • Identify any actions your agency could take

During the Meeting

  • Share relevant information concisely
  • Focus on children's safety and needs
  • Contribute to the safety plan
  • Take notes on actions and information shared

After the Meeting

  • Complete agreed actions promptly
  • Update your records
  • Share relevant information with colleagues
  • Flag the case appropriately on systems

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Information Shared at MARAC

What's Discussed

  • History of abuse incidents
  • Current risk factors
  • Children in the household
  • Perpetrator's behaviour and history
  • Victim's circumstances and wishes
  • Previous agency involvement

Confidentiality

  • MARAC operates under information sharing protocols
  • Information is shared to protect victims and children
  • Victim consent not required for MARAC referral
  • Information must be used proportionately

The Safety Plan

Typical Actions

  • Target hardening (locks, alarms)
  • IDVA support for victim
  • Flagging on police systems
  • Children's services assessment
  • Housing options
  • Civil orders (non-molestation, occupation)
  • School awareness
  • Health visitor involvement

Children's Services Actions

Common actions for social workers include:

  • Complete or update assessment
  • Hold strategy discussion
  • Consider child protection conference
  • Visit and speak to children
  • Liaise with schools
  • Provide information to IDVA

Children and MARAC

Impact on Children

Children in MARAC households are at significant risk:

  • Witnessing abuse causes trauma
  • Often direct victims too
  • Risk increases around separation
  • May be used to control the victim

Your Focus

  • Ensure children are visible in MARAC discussions
  • Advocate for their needs in the safety plan
  • Consider impact on children of all decisions
  • Assess children's needs separately from adult victim

Repeat MARACs

When Cases Return

Cases come back to MARAC when:

  • Further incidents occur within 12 months
  • Risk has escalated
  • Safety plan isn't working
  • New information emerges

Learning from Repeats

  • What did and didn't work?
  • Are there barriers to engagement?
  • Is the perpetrator being managed?
  • Are we being creative enough?

Working with IDVAs

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors are key partners:

  • They work directly with victims
  • Can share victim's views and wishes
  • Provide ongoing support
  • Help with safety planning
  • Can attend meetings with victims

Common Challenges

Victim Not Engaging

  • Don't label as "not engaging"—understand barriers
  • Continue to offer support
  • Focus on what agencies can do regardless
  • Remember children's needs are separate

Perpetrator Focus

  • Ensure perpetrator is being managed
  • Consider what's being done to hold them accountable
  • Don't just focus on victim's actions

Conclusion

MARAC is a crucial forum for protecting adults and children at high risk of domestic abuse. As a social worker, your contribution—sharing information and focusing on children—is essential. Engage actively, complete your actions promptly, and always keep children visible in these discussions.