Verge of Harming Phase 2 resource: Empowering Engagement

‘Empowering Engagement’ is an evidence-based practice resource for professionals, developed from the evidence of the Verge of Harming Phase 2 research report. The resource is recommended when supporting young people aged 10-25 who are using harmful behaviours in their intimate or family relationships. The resource offers clear guidance, practical tools, and a trauma-informed approach to support young people throughout the beginning, middle and end phases of the intervention. It also includes essential information on risk management and safeguarding, as well as a new preparation phase designed for practitioners.

Want to understand the research behind this framework?

Read the Verge of Harming Phase 2 research report

Who this resource is for 

• Professionals delivering support directly to young people 
• Anyone working with young people in youth justice, social care, education, mental health, domestic and sexual abuse services

What it’s designed to do 

• Help practitioners prepare to support young people who harm 

• Set out best practice in risk management and safeguarding for the beginning, middle and end phases of support.

• Build professionals’ understanding of young people’s experiences and needs 

• Promote earlier and more appropriate interventions 

• Improve outcomes for both young people and their families 

• Support trauma-informed, whole-person and whole-family approaches

What’s included: 

• The Early Intervention Support model 

• Tools, checklists and practical guidance for each stage of support 

• Guidance on working with young people using harm in both intimate and family relationships (IPA and CAPVA) 

• Guidance on risk, safeguarding and practitioner safety 

• Voices and experiences of young people and frontline workers throughout 

The framework highlights both what should be done in practice—and why these approaches are effective with this group of young people.