Kent Integrated Family Domestic Abuse Service (KIFDAS)

The overarching objective of this commission is to bring together all related domestic abuse contracts which have previously been purchased in a fragmented way due to how funding has been announced and received over the existing contract term. It will commission services under a single, unified contractual arrangement, ensuring a seamless and coordinated pathway of support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Kent whilst recognising the need to consider lotting and acknowledging and reducing barriers for SMEs to access the opportunity in so far that it does not provide diminished value. By integrating services in this way, the new commissioning approach aims to eliminate fragmentation, simplify access to crucial resources, and provide a consistent, person-centred experience for individuals and families at every stage of their journey. The full requirement can be found within associated tender documents. The service element will foster a trauma-informed, vigilant, and responsive community among both professionals and the wider public regarding domestic abuse. It will provide access to structured training sessions, education, and ongoing awareness campaigns, the following outcomes are anticipated: •Increased identification and early intervention: Staff across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors will be better equipped to recognise signs of domestic abuse, enabling earlier support and reducing escalation of harm. •Enhanced survivor experience: Survivors benefit from a more consistent, supportive response across all services, as professionals demonstrate improved understanding, sensitivity, and effectiveness in their interactions. •Empowered communities: Through targeted awareness campaigns and educational resources, members of the public are better able to identify domestic abuse, challenge harmful behaviours, and seek help or signpost others to support. •Improved multi-agency collaboration: Training and education facilitate shared language, values, and protocols, resulting in better coordination between agencies and more holistic care for those affected by domestic abuse. This service element will be split over four lots. Lots will have identical requirements. The requirements are to deliver: •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in refuge (regardless of risk level) and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in their own home where a Sanctuary Scheme has been applied (regardless of risk level), and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Community-based support to all victim/survivors (16 years and over) regardless of risk level; Whilst the KCC funding will not be used to fund the accommodation itself, the successful bidder will have the responsibility to source accommodation which will be funded via the Housing Benefit contributions of the individual to fully fund this provision. Lot 3 This service element will be split over four lots. Lots will have identical requirements. The requirements are to deliver: •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in refuge (regardless of risk level) and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in their own home where a Sanctuary Scheme has been applied (regardless of risk level), and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Community-based support to all victim/survivors (16 years and over) regardless of risk level; Whilst the KCC funding will not be used to fund the accommodation itself, the successful bidder will have the responsibility to source accommodation which will be funded via the Housing Benefit contributions of the individual to fully fund this provision. Lot 4 - This service element will be split over four lots. Lots will have identical requirements. The requirements are to deliver: •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in refuge (regardless of risk level) and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in their own home where a Sanctuary Scheme has been applied (regardless of risk level), and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Community-based support to all victim/survivors (16 years and over) regardless of risk level; Whilst the KCC funding will not be used to fund the accommodation itself, the successful bidder will have the responsibility to source accommodation which will be funded via the Housing Benefit contributions of the individual to fully fund this provision. Lot 5 - This service element will be split over four lots. Lots will have identical requirements. The requirements are to deliver: •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in refuge (regardless of risk level) and their accompanying babies, children and young people; •Safe accommodation support to all victim/survivors living in their ow