Concerned about an Adult - How to report a concern

Responding to Abuse and Neglect covers a wide spectrum of interventions ranging from problems people can resolve themselves with advice to more serious concerns that need escalation for formal multi-agency Adult Protection Procedures. This involves risk management, decision making, co-ordination and involvement of multi agencies and delegation of roles and responsibilities. 

Any person may report a concern to the Local Authority where they are concerned that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect (including self-neglect) in line with Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 [external link].

In these circumstances, the Local Authority as the lead agency will undertake an Initial Enquiry to determine how to respond.  This includes working to understand the adult’s desired outcomes and agreeing with the adult (or their appropriate representative or advocate) how their concerns will be acted upon.

Telephone enquiries about a Safeguarding concern can be made by contacting the Adult Contact Team on 01325 406111 or Minicom 01325 468504.

Organisations and professionals must complete the Safeguarding Adults Concern Form [word document] and submit via email to: ssact@darlington.gov.uk

Please also see accompanying Guidance Notes for information [PDF Document]

If there is uncertainty as to whether a concern should be raised, or any other issues advice should be sought from the appropriate line manager or the Safeguarding Adults Team as above.

Out of hours advice can be sought from the Emergency Duty Team:
Telephone 01642 524552 or Minicom 01642 602346. 

All contact details are available at Darlington Safeguarding Partnership website [New Page].

The accurate recording of actions and decisions is an important aspect of the safeguarding process. All decisions must be recorded and must include the rationale for the decision.

Where necessary the rationale for raising a concern without the consent of the individual must be recorded. 

Decisions regarding capacity assessments must be recorded.