6. Incidents between Adults at Risk
When should a Safeguarding Adult Concern be raised?
- When any adult at risk has been harmed during an incident a Safeguarding Adult Concern must be raised. Any sexual or physical assault must also be reported to the police.
- Where there are repeat low impact incidents (incidents where no adverse effect has been caused) however the risks between adults are not being managed effectively
NB: Where the person causing the harm is also an adult at risk, agencies must ensure that they receive support. A reassessment of need must be carried out and the care or support plan should ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent repeat incidents
When don't I need to report a Safeguarding Adult Concern?
- A Safeguarding Adult Concern does not need to be raised when an incident is a 'one-off' and no injury or distress has been caused.
In the circumstances above it is the responsibility of the provider Manager to ensure that a risk assessment is in place to ensure the immediate safety of all users of the service and to review the support of the individuals involved in the incident.
Examples
|
Incident |
Action |
Impact |
| Two men with a learning disability argue and one calls the other an offensive name. They usually get on well and neither shows any distress; there are no difficulties between them following the incident. The provider is able to advise and support appropriately. |
Provider responsibility through internal incident / risk management procedures
|
Low |
|
A similar incident to above involving two women. Having been sworn at for picking up the wrong handbag, one spits at the other. Neither recalls the specific incident afterwards nor do they show any distress. The provider takes action to keep the women apart and neither family is concerned. |
Provider responsibility through internal incident / risk management procedures
|
Low |
|
An adult at risk physically attacks another resident causing injury.
|
Safeguarding Adult Concern to be raised and consideration for notifying the police to be given |
High
|
|
An adult at risk repeatedly attacks another or other residents causing injury
|
Safeguarding Adult Concern to be raised and consideration for notifying the police to be given |
High |