Raising Adult Safeguarding concerns

What happens after a referral is made

Someone from adult social care will speak with you where possible (and your family/friends if you give us permission to do so). If you are unable to give permission we will make a decision based on whether it is in your best interests to share this information with your family. If you have someone acting as a Power of Attorney for welfare decisions we will share information with them (unless there are good reasons not to).

The social worker will ask you or your family what outcome you would like from the safeguarding process, it may be that we are not always able to achieve your desired outcomes, but will we explain this to you where we can.

Social workers are not the police, so if a crime has been committed the police may be involved and may take the lead. However, the local authority retain the responsibility for the safeguarding enquiry. It is our role to look into this along with colleagues, perhaps from the police or health.

Sometimes what people complain about is poor quality of care, we advise where possible for you to discuss this with the provider manager, explain your concerns and give them an opportunity to put things right, if this does not work then contact us again. We have staff who undertake quality audit visits, your concerns may be dealt with by this team if they don't meet the thresholds for a safeguarding enquiry.