This chapter provides outline information for practitioners and members of the public on what to do if they have a concern about an adult outside of office hours, including information on the possible responses.

RELEVANT SECTION

Safeguarding Enquiries Process

1. Making a Safeguarding Referral to the Local Authority

If there is a concern that an adult is experiencing, or at immediate risk of abuse or neglect Out of Hours, the local authority Emergency Social Work Team should be contacted. Where it is suspected a crime has been committed, the Police and relevant emergency services should also be contacted.

The Emergency Social Work Team will detail all actions taken on the case file/records of the person concerned and case note alert the information to the relevant team/practitioner for ongoing management and support.

2. Taking Immediate Action to Protect an Adult

If the Emergency Social Work Team receive a referral which indicates that there is an immediate or urgent risk to an adult, the worker receiving the referral must take all steps necessary to protect the adult. This includes, but is not limited to, taking the following actions to ensure the adult is safe.

  • Arranging and facilitating safeguarding discussions/meetings on emergencies and undertaking enquiries arising out of these discussions/meetings in accordance with section 42 (Care Act 2014).
  • Contact the Police and/or relevant emergency services.
  • Completing joint visits with the police if appropriate and arranging assessments or provisions where necessary as identified as part of the safeguarding enquiry. Devising and implementing interim person-centred risk management plans to ensure that risk is appropriately managed until the next working day.
  • Identifying a place of safety if the risk to the adult is significant and no alternative accommodation can be identified

3. Case Recording and Handover

The Out of Hours Team worker should record details of the concern on the adult’s electronic social care record. The worker will pass all necessary information to the relevant team in adult social care before the end of their shift. If the adult is already known to the local authority, the out of hours worker will notify the allocated worker,

See also Case Recording.

Was this helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
– End –
Reading Confirmation

  • This form allows staff to confirm they have read chapters in this MAPP. This can be useful for newly employed staff as part of their induction, supervision, CPD and for team discussions for example.

    When you complete and submit the form, the confirmation will be emailed to you at the address provided.

  • Hidden