What happens when a concern is reported?
When a safeguarding concern is reported to us:
- we take all concerns seriously
- we have a legal duty under the Care Act 2014 to make enquiries into any concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect
- we involve the adult, or their representative, at every stage of the safeguarding process
- we will contact you or your representative to discuss what you would like to happen next
- if you have difficulty being involved and there is no one appropriate to support you, we will arrange for an independent advocate to help ensure your views are heard
Safeguarding enquiries
- in response to the Care Act 2014 we will make initial enquiries to decide what should happen next
- this may involve speaking with you, your representative and professionals involved in your care
- we only share information that is relevant to your safety
- in some cases we will ask for your consent to share information, however we may share information without consent if:
- a crime has been committed
- someone’s safety is at risk
This will be explained to you by the person making the enquiries.
Safeguarding strategy meetings
We may arrange a meeting to discuss the concern. This could take place:
- in your home
- at a relative’s home
- in a care home
- at a council office
The meeting will:
- be led by a senior member of our adult social care team
- include your social worker and other professionals such as police, health staff or housing officers
- exclude anyone who may be involved in the concern (for example a carer who is the subject of the allegation)
You can attend the meeting or ask a representative (friend, family member or advocate) to attend on your behalf. We can also meet with you separately to hear your views.
The meeting will:
- consider everyone’s input, including your views and desired outcomes
- assess the risk of further abuse to you or others
Protection plans
If needed, a protection plan will be created to help keep you safe.
We will:
- decide what action needs to be taken to protect you from further abuse and how to support you
- hold regular review meetings to check the plan is working
- invite you to these meetings and include your views
- ask if the safeguarding process has achieved what you wanted and if you feel safer
After the safeguarding process
When everyone agrees that the risk of abuse or neglect has been reduced to a safe level:
- the safeguarding process will end
- you may continue to receive support from our adult social care team or other services
We may ask you (or someone you trust) to complete a short making safeguarding personal questionnaire. This helps us understand your experience and improve our services. Responses are anonymous.
More information
We follow the Teeswide Safeguarding Inter-Agency Adults Procedure.
Visit the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board website
Further help and support
Hartlepool Advocacy Hub
Advocacy helps people speak up for themselves and understand their rights.
Visit Hartlepool Now for more information