the history of cedar in scotland

Cedar is a group work model inspired by, and adapted from, an innovative Canadian model for children who have experienced domestic abuse. The model is based on core principles that recognise that domestic abuse is damaging to children as well as to the mother/child relationship. Cedar is based on the belief that mothers are best placed to support their children in their recovery.

Cedar was developed in Scotland thanks in part to Scottish Government funding allocated to the implementation of the National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan for Children & Young People. Scottish Women’s Aid introduced this approach to Scotland along with local partners based in local authority areas. The model was piloted and evaluated in Scotland over a three year period and, though different in name, replicates the same model that was developed and implemented originally in Canada.

During the pilot period the project was researched and evaluated using an ‘Action Research’ approach in order to measure change and adapt the approach to fit the Scottish context. The final evaluation of Cedar pilots in Scotland demonstrated that Cedar is a powerful and cost effective approach that brings about transformational change for children and mothers affected by domestic abuse.

The National Lottery Community Fund subsequently provided funding to a further 12 projects, across different local authority areas for three years, as well as providing funding to establish a National Cedar Network. The role of the National Cedar Network is to support the development of Cedar across Scotland.

If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you.