Responding to Violence — Methods of Intervention

Abstract

Building on from the previous chapter we now turn our attention to look in more depth at the range of methods used by staff to respond to peer violence. Initially we concentrate on exploring the range of interventions found within homes including; sanctions, physical restraint, meetings and formal child protection procedures. Following this we look at proactive working methods aimed at reducing the presence of violence and finally consider staff’s wider perspectives on how peer violence within residential settings could be prevented.

Sometimes we get put on LOPS, that’s loss of privileges, even though we don’t deserve it, but mostly I think that staff are pretty fair, some rules are for their convenience like, but I reckon that most are fair ‘cause they’re to keep us safe.

(Fiona, aged 13)

Basically all you can do is tell them to leave it out, separate them ‘cause it goes in one ear and out the other. It (supervision) has little effect on bullying, as much as we try through being very vigilant, we try and protect by presence, but that’s not going to stop them when they’re able to get another child on their own.

(Residential Social Worker, male)