When is it appropriate to involve adult safeguarding services in a case I am managing?

It is appropriate to involve adult safeguarding services when you have reasonable cause to suspect or consider that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing abuse or neglect and is unable to protect themselves from harm. This includes situations where serious abuse or neglect is known or suspected, or when there is a safeguarding concern about the adult's safety or wellbeing. You should make a safeguarding referral to the local authority if abuse or neglect is suspected, especially if the adult is at risk of immediate harm or if others may be at risk. If the adult does not want action taken, it may still be necessary to intervene if there is a risk to their vital interests or to others. Safeguarding services should also be involved if organisational abuse or neglect is suspected. In all cases, decisions should be guided by the adult's wishes and feelings, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act if relevant, and the Making Safeguarding Personal framework.

Key triggers for involving adult safeguarding services include:

• Reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs who cannot protect themselves ²,³.
• Serious abuse or neglect is known or suspected ¹,².
• Concerns about self-neglect where the adult lacks capacity or there is significant risk ³.
• Suspected organisational abuse or neglect affecting one or more adults ²,³.
• When the adult is in immediate danger or others are at risk ³.

Do not investigate yourself but report promptly to the safeguarding lead or local authority. Preserve evidence and respect confidentiality while explaining your duty to report. If unsure, seek advice from safeguarding leads or local authority services ³.