Frequently asked questions
View our frequently asked questions (FAQs)
FAQs
Click on a question below to jump to the answer:
Who can be abused?
Anyone can be abused but they will not automatically be dealt with by us. Safeguarding adults procedures will only be used when a person has suffered abuse and is eligible or likely to be eligible for community care services, for example, a person with learning disabilities or dementia or physical disabilities.
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Where will I get a copy of the policy and procedures?
The policies and procedures are available on this website in the document library.
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When should I make a safeguarding referral?
When you see or hear something that concerns you and you think that a vulnerable person is being ill treated or harmed in some way.
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When can I use the Independent Mental Capacity Act Service?
The Independent Mental Capacity Act (IMCA) service can be used for adults who are victims of abuse and lack mental capacity.
It is a specialist advocate whose role is to speak up for the person and clarify their needs, wishes, feelings and beliefs in relation to any key decisions that need to be made.
They can be appointed by professionals involved in a safeguarding case whether the person is befriended or not.
The IMCA service can be contacted by calling 0191 378 4979.
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What sort of help should we be offering to safeguarding victims?
It is essential that victims receive a personalised service. The victim can be involved in the strategy if it is deemed appropriate although it is unlikely they will be involved in the initial strategy. The Lead Officer should ensure that their needs are reassessed by the social worker or appropriate professional and the person is offered any direct support they need.
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Can someone make an anonymous referral?
Yes, we will respect your confidentiality if you wish to make an anonymous referral. If you wish to leave us your contact details and ask us not to reveal them we will respect this. This is because it may be essential for us to get back in touch with you to obtain more information.
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Do I always need the victim's consent to make a safeguarding referral?
It is best practice to obtain consent from the victim. However, many referrals are made by third parties and are not always aware the referral has been made. In order to avoid any unacceptable delay, it is best practice to make the referral and then consent can be fully explored afterwards at the first opportunity. Victims often lack capacity due to problems such as dementia or severe learning disabilities. Professionals can then override consent as long as they can show they are acting in the person's best interests.
Some users will disclose abuse to you and forbid you to tell anyone else. They are often subjected to duress or pressure and fear of the consequences. Sometimes other people are being affected by the perpetrators behaviour. You must use your professional judgement to decide what to do next. However, if you feel that this person or another person will be at risk of serious harm, it is best to make the referral and tell the person what you are doing. The consent issue can be explored again at the initial strategy to decide on the best course of action. Some users will expressly refuse consent to take matters any further. This may have to be accepted unless there is a risk of serious harm to this person or another and a crime may have been committed.
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Should the victim attend the strategy?
The victim can be involved in the strategy if it is felt appropriate by the lead officer. However, it is unlikely that they would attend the initial strategy as this is designed to decide on the best course of action. The lead officer must seek advice from the police because they may feel it could compromise an investigation and evidence gathering.
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Should the perpetrator be invited to the strategy?
This is unusual and would be up to the discretion of the lead officer and the police depending on the circumstances.
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What should I do if I discuss my concerns with my manager who refuses to make a safeguarding referral?
If you feel strongly that the user is being abused, you can speak to your manager again. If this does not have a positive outcome for you, you can speak to your manager's manager or use the speaking out or whistle blowing procedures or ultimately make the referral yourself.
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What should I do if I make a safeguarding referral and the manager decides not to do anything?
The manager is responsible for making an inital decision based on a risk assessment. If you strongly disagree you can speak to a more senior manager and make a direct referral via Social Care Direct on 0845 850 5010, or use your whistle blowing procedure.
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What is an Executive Strategy?
The local authority has the lead for safeguarding matters and they are responsible for establishing and chairing an Executive Strategy. This is a formal meeting chaired by a senior manager employed by DCC Adult Services to investigate allegations or concerns about abuse in care homes or other regulated services e.g domicilliary care. This could be because there is concern about widepread instiutional abuse or there has been a serious incident or death or the alleged perpetrator has position of authority.
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Should I make a safeguarding referral if the victim insists on reporting the matter to the police?
Yes, the victim has a right to ask for police involvement but this does not prevent a safeguarding referral being made. The police are one of the key agencies who are involved.