Operation Encompass
Alcohol Action Ireland, the national independent advocate for reducing alcohol harm, is seeking an engagement with government on the commencement of ‘Operation Encompass’ in Ireland.
Operation Encompass is a programme developed and implemented across many local authorities in the UK, designed to support children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.
In May 2023, the programme was officially rolled out across all 1,162 schools in Northern Ireland. As of May 2024, more than 23,000 referrals have been made.
In Ireland, we know that one in six children live every day with parental problem alcohol use and in many incidents, alcohol use is the catalyst to significant domestic disruption and abuse.
In practice, Operation Encompass would facilitate an early information sharing partnership between Gardai and schools, enabling schools and teachers to offer immediate intervention and support for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Information would be shared by Gardai with a school’s designated officer prior to the start of the next school day, after the Gardai had attended a domestic incident. This would ensure appropriate assistance and care is given, depending on the needs and wishes of the child.
Recent research, undertaken by UCC, highlights the potential impact of parental problem alcohol use on school-going children and in particular their effective transition from primary to post-primary.
In our discussions to date with stakeholders central to the implementation of such a proposal, Alcohol Action Ireland has received positive support from the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, the teacher trade unions, designated Garda officer, the ISPCC, the Irish Association of Social Workers and the Children’s Rights Alliance.
Alcohol Action Ireland have prepared a detailed submission as to why Operation Encompass should be in place in Ireland:
For further information on the aims and objectives of the Programme visit:
https://www.operationencompass.org
or download this information sheet:
https://alcoholireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Operation-Encompass-and-Ireland-3.pdf