This intervention is for families where the child has shown abusive behaviours towards family members.
Child and Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA) is an intervention where the child (aged 9-17) has shown abuse behaviours towards the parent/carer or family members. It is a holistic, whole-family approach that works with the child and parent/carer/other family member separately over 6-9 months. RISE endeavours to create a safer environment with the family by improving communication, building resilience, and developing empathy. This course is mainly centred in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) techniques.
A specialist NVR practitioner will work with the parent/carer/other family member for up to 16 sessions, teaching NVR techniques and creating community support networks. Sessions will begin with an assessment and pre-intervention questionnaire to assess their needs and situation. Techniques that are taught include:
- De-escalation and deferred response techniques
- Raising parental presence and agency
- Refusing demands and breaking taboos
- Self-care
- Reconciliation techniques
- Announcements and Sit-Ins
- Support networks and community links
- Connecting session with the child
For the child or young person (CYP), the sessions are skill based and trauma-informed using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to break negative cycles, supporting the CYP’s emotional management and communication skills. This course is suitable for the family even if the CYP is unlikely to engage and if they do not it will not impact upon the outcomes of the programme. If they do engage, we will work with them for up to 6 sessions, looking at:
- Mapping exercise and goal setting
- Coping with anger
- Assertive behaviour and communication
- Overcoming low self-esteem
- Personal boundaries
- Connected family session
Currently, the CAPVA programme is being evaluated by the University of Hertfordshire using a Randomised Control Trial (RCT). This is live in Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Brent, Haringey, Harrow, Islington, and Lambeth. One group will be assigned to receive the CAPVA programme whilst the other group will receive the current support offered in their relative boroughs. This will allow RISE to evaluate the effectiveness of the CAPVA programme in comparison to other interventions.
Service User Perspective
"I now have a proper mother-son relationship."
CAPVA service user
Practitioner Perspective
"The NVR strategies you have given them have worked so well."
CAPVA Family Support Practitioner
Service User Perspective
"We have learnt so much and it has transformed our lives."
CAPVA Service User
Service User Perspective
"I think this course should be offered to all parents who struggle as it makes such a big difference."
CAPVA Service User
Service User Perspective
"Without RISE my child would have been left in care."