4.6 Stage 6: Closing the Enquiry

1. Introduction

The safeguarding enquiry should be closed when the local authority statutory safeguarding duty in respect of the adult has been completed. The enquiry can be closed at any stage where it is agreed by all those involved, including the adult, that:

• an ongoing enquiry is no longer needed; or
• the enquiry has been completed, and the risk assessment, safeguarding plan and personal outcomes have been reviewed.

Closures at any stage of the safeguarding process should be subject to an evaluation of outcomes by the adult or their advocate. If they do not agree with the decision to close the enquiry, their reasons should be fully explored and documented, alternatives discussed and a satisfactory resolution achieved.

The local authority’s duty under the Care Act 2014 continues until all necessary actions have been taken to safeguard the adult and there is an active plan in place to maintain their safety. The safeguarding response must be formally closed by a team manager / senior social worker in the local authority.

2. Actions Prior to Closure

The practitioner who has been the lead coordinator for the enquiry should ensure all relevant people are advised in writing that the enquiry is being closed, and that they all know who to contact if they have any further concerns. Before the enquiry is closed, the lead practitioner should ensure:

• the adult, or their advocate, have been consulted and asked how well they feel the outcomes they identified at start of the enquiry have been achieved;
• the adult and their carer know who to contact if they have any concerns about abuse or neglect in the future;
• all actions have been completed or are ongoing;
• a current risk assessment and management plan is in place;
• a safeguarding plan is in place where required;
• all necessary records have been completed and case records contain all relevant information and completed forms;
• all the stakeholders have been informed of the enquiry’s outcome, receive an update of the completed action plan and any ongoing risk management / safety plan.

3. Closure Records

Closure records should note the reason for the closing the enquiry and the views of the adult. They should also include:

• the adult’s outcomes, including their evaluation of what has been achieved;
• any referrals made for assessment
• any referrals for care and support services;
• any advice and information provided;
• which practitioners, including their organisation, have been updated and informed;
• whether feedback has been provided to the initial referrer;
• details of any action taken with the person alleged to have caused harm;
• details of any action taken to safeguard any other adults who may have been at risk of abuse or neglect by the same alleged perpetrator, or impacted by what occurred;
• details of any referrals made in relation to children and young people involved in the case;
• whether there has been any consideration for a safeguarding adults review, and if so the outcome of the decision;
• any lessons to be learnt and how these will be disseminated;
• completion of the safeguarding data returns (see the chapter on Safeguarding Adults Data).

The responsible manager should ensure that all actions have been taken, before signing off the closure.

Whilst the safeguarding enquiry may have been closed,  other processes may continue for example, professional body investigations, safeguarding adults reviews or criminal proceedings. These may take time to conclude. In such circumstances consideration should be given to any impact of these processes on the adult and their family, and responsibility for monitoring such effects and also communicating progress in relation to these processes should be agreed. Where there are ongoing criminal investigations or court trials, the safeguarding enquiry can be closed providing the adult is safeguarded.