Safeguarding
We must act when we have reasonable cause to suspect that an adult in our area (whether or not ordinarily resident there):
- has needs for care and support (whether or not we are meeting any of those needs)
- is experiencing, or is at risk of abuse or neglect, and
- as a result of those needs are unable to protect themself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it (care act 2014, section 42)
Our adult social care safeguarding team investigate reported safeguarding concerns for those people who, because of issues such as dementia, learning disability, mental ill-health or substance abuse, have care and support needs that may make them more vulnerable to abuse or neglect. Safeguarding concerns can be identified and reported by anyone (a member of the public or a professional) at any time.