Children Who Use Harm

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority invites tenders for the provision of a South Yorkshire-wide Children Who Use Harm (CWUH) Programme. The service will provide targeted interventions for children and young people who display harmful behaviours within a family context, including child and adolescent to parent or caregiver abuse (CAPVA). The successful bidder will deliver an accessible, evidence-informed programme across South Yorkshire that improves outcomes for children, young people and families affected by these behaviours.

The contract will commence on the 24 November 2026 with an end date of 31 March 2029. Full details of the intended procurement timetable are included within the tender documents. Requirement Summary The proposed service will support children and young people aged 10 to 17 who use harmful behaviours towards parents, carers, siblings or other family members.

Parents, carers and siblings affected by these behaviours will also be supported. The service will operate across South Yorkshire and provide a trauma informed, whole family intervention. It is expected to include assessment and risk management, structured support for parents and carers, direct therapeutic and behaviour change support for children and young people, relationship harm prevention, safeguarding support, multi agency coordination and follow up.

Delivery will be developmentally appropriate and individually tailored, including adaptations for developmental stage, communication needs and neurodiversity. Interventions for children under 16 will involve parents or carers throughout. For those aged 16 to 17, there will be greater emphasis on individual responsibility, prevention, transition planning and preparation for adulthood, while maintaining family involvement where safe and appropriate.

Practitioners will use CWUH evidence informed approach, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural techniques, emotional regulation interventions and restorative practice. Safety planning will be completed with both victims and children and young people who use harm. The programme will use a blended delivery model incorporating community venues, Family Hubs, schools, partner premises and online support where appropriate.

Safeguarding, victim safety and risk management will be embedded throughout the entire delivery pathway. While recognising that children who use harmful behaviour often present with significant vulnerabilities and unmet needs, the programme maintains a clear focus on protecting victims and reducing harm. The intended outcomes include reduced harmful behaviour, improved victim and family safety, improved emotional wellbeing and regulation, increased educational engagement and attendance, reduced police demand associated with family harm, reduced future offending risk and improved outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

The detailed service requirements, anticipated activity levels, outcome measures, award criteria, service standards and contractual arrangements will be set out in the tender documents.