Safeguarding Adults Enquiry. The Care Act 2014 says that the duty to undertake a safeguarding adults enquiry arises where a Local Authority has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult in its area (whether or not ordinarily resident there) • has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs); • is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and • as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it. An adult that any Signatory Organisation suspects may fall into the above categories will be referred to in this agreement as an “Adult at Risk”. The Care Xxx 0000 guidance states that early sharing of information is the key to providing an effective response where there are emerging concerns for an Adult at Risk, and no professional should assume that someone else will pass on information which they think may be critical to the safety and wellbeing of the adult. If concerns are raised about the adult's welfare, whether this be the belief that they are suffering or likely to suffer abuse or neglect, and/or are a risk to themselves or another, information should be shared with the local authority and/or the police if the professional/Signatory Organisation believes or suspects that a crime has been committed or that the individual is immediately at risk. Explanations of the type of abuse and criminal offences of which Adults at Risk may become victims, are listed in Appendix B. This is not an exhaustive list. In the majority of cases, the response to a safeguarding enquiry will involve other agencies, for example, a safeguarding enquiry may result in referrals to the police, a change of accommodation, or action by Care Quality Commission (CQC). Where a number of professional organisations are involved in a combined plan, it is recommended that the Local Authority should seek to establish a 'lead' agency for the monitoring and assurance of the plan. Information sharing should be rapid and seek to minimise bureaucracy.
