The core Pause programme is a voluntary, trauma-informed programme of support for women who have had, or are at risk of having, more than one child removed from their care.
Our approach
Our model is centred around an intensive, supportive and trusting relationship between a woman and their Pause practitioner. This relationship lasts around 18 months and is tailored to the woman’s needs and goals. This approach helps set in place strong foundations for women, enabling them to achieve positive outcomes and a better future for themselves and their children.
The difference a relationship makes
Find out more about the relationship between a woman and her Pause practitioner:
Impact of the programme
Not only does the core Pause programme create a positive difference in women’s lives, their wellbeing and their relationships with children, it also contributes to reducing rates of infant care entry and delivers cost savings for local authorities.
This has been verified by two independent evaluations:
The most recent evaluation found that:
- The life satisfaction and wellbeing of women taking part in the core Pause programme improved – moving from a very low level (in the bottom 5% of the UK population) towards population norms.
- Women taking part in the core Pause programme experience reductions in frequency and number of A&E visits and increased access to other support services.
- The programme has a positive effect on quality of contact and relationships with existing children. There was a 25% increase in women reporting face-to-face contact with children.
- On average, 14 fewer infants enter care per year in each local authority that has a Pause practice.
- For every £1 spent on Pause, £4.50 is saved over four years, and £7.61 over 18 years.
