Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

What is MARAC?

The Safer Communities ASB Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a gathering of representatives from various agencies, including law enforcement, healthcare, social services, and other pertinent organisations. The primary objective of this assembly is to thoroughly examine and assess the threat posed by individuals who are experiencing antisocial behaviour and/or hate crime.

The MARAC is specifically designed to facilitate the exchange of information, evaluate the level of risk, and devise coordinated strategies to aid and safeguard victims. Moreover, the conference strives to manage and mitigate the risk posed by offenders. These conferences aim to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect those in danger and prevent further harm.

Aims of a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference include:

1. risk assessment: evaluate the risk level faced by individuals experiencing antisocial behaviour or crime
2. information sharing: facilitate the sharing of information among relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation
   
3. coordination: coordinate the efforts of various agencies involved in safeguarding and supporting victims, such as police, health services, social services, and housing authorities
4. safety planning: develop tailored safety plans for individuals at risk, including measures to protect them from harm and support them in accessing necessary services
5. perpetrator management: develop strategies to manage and reduce the risk posed by perpetrators of antisocial behaviour or crime
6. support services: ensure victims are directed towards services that can help them receive the support they need to recover from their experiences and move forward in a positive direction. Such as housing assistance and social services
7. prevention: work towards preventing further incidents anti-social behaviour and/or hate crime through early intervention, education, and community outreach programs
8. accountability: where appropriate, hold perpetrators (should we use offenders instead of perpetrators?) accountable for their actions through legal and judicial processes. Let’s use offenders
9. empowerment: empower victims to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being, respecting their autonomy and agency
10. evaluation and review: continuously evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and strategies implemented through MARAC meetings and adjust as necessary to improve outcomes for victims and their families

MARAC referrals

There are currently four criteria for referring a case to MARAC:

• potential escalation
• repeat cases
• visible high risk
• professional judgement

The referral form states the following is the criteria:

• offences and behaviour that falls within the definition of anti-social behaviour
• the offence or behaviours took place in Lewisham
• there is documented evidence of ASB (CRIMINTS, stop & search slips, custody records, statements, victim/witness reports, records of neighbourhood nuisance
• complaints, diary sheets, letters of complaint etc)  
• candidate/area has a minimum of 2 records of ASB in last 3 months
• repeat referrals
• case of hate crime

MARAC meetings are held six weekly and are attended by professionals only.

If you're a practitioner and want more information, contact the Antisocial Behaviour and Statutory Nuisance team by email: Asb.statnuisance@lewisham.gov.uk.