The Initial Report: Who to Contact and What to Expect
Recognising and reporting elder abuse can be a difficult step, but it is crucial for protecting a vulnerable person. The first action you take depends on the urgency of the situation. For immediate danger or if a crime is in progress, you must call the police on 999. In non-emergency situations, the primary points of contact are your local authority's adult social care team or the police via the 101 non-emergency number. Other organisations like Age UK or Hourglass can also provide guidance and support.
When you make a report, you will be asked to provide details about the abuse, the person at risk, and their circumstances. It's helpful to be as specific as possible, detailing any dates, times, and types of abuse observed. All concerns are taken seriously, even if they seem minor at first glance. You can make a report anonymously, but this may affect the scope of the investigation. If you are the person experiencing the abuse, you can have a trusted person, like a family member or an advocate, support you through the process.
The Safeguarding Adults Process
Immediate Action and Risk Assessment
Upon receiving a report, the local council will immediately assess any potential risk to the adult and ensure their immediate safety. This initial phase is about ensuring the person at risk is secure before a full enquiry begins. Actions may include making welfare checks, arranging for emergency care, or involving other healthcare professionals. The adult's wishes are considered throughout, and their involvement in the process is prioritised where they have the capacity to engage.
The Formal Enquiry (Section 42)
Under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, the local authority has a duty to make enquiries when it suspects that an adult has care and support needs, is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves. This formal enquiry aims to establish what has happened, why the person is at risk, and what can be done to protect them in the future. The enquiry can range from a simple conversation with the person to a complex multi-agency investigation involving police, health professionals, and other relevant bodies.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Elder abuse often requires a coordinated response. The local authority will collaborate with various partners, such as the police (if a crime is suspected), the NHS, and regulatory bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if the abuse occurred in a care setting. This ensures all aspects of the person's safety and well-being are addressed. The police will take the lead on any criminal investigation, while the council's safeguarding team manages the overall protection plan. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) may also become involved in cases of financial abuse involving a deputy or attorney.
Potential Outcomes of a Safeguarding Enquiry
When Abuse is Confirmed
If the enquiry finds that abuse or neglect has occurred, a safeguarding plan will be developed in collaboration with the adult at risk. This plan outlines specific actions to be taken by different agencies to ensure the person's future safety and support. Outcomes could include:
- Providing additional care services or support.
- Arranging for alternative care arrangements if the current situation is unsafe.
- Taking disciplinary or regulatory action against a care provider.
- Supporting the individual to pursue legal action if a crime has been committed.
When Abuse is Not Confirmed
If the enquiry concludes that the concerns are unfounded, the case will be closed. The local authority will still offer support and advice if other needs or risks are identified during the process.
Comparing Reporting to Local Council vs. Police
| Aspect | Reporting to Local Council (Adult Social Services) | Reporting to Police |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Safeguarding and welfare of the adult at risk. | Investigating a potential crime and pursuing prosecution. |
| Urgency | Non-emergency situations, ongoing abuse, or neglect. | Immediate danger, assault, theft, fraud, or other criminal offences. |
| Lead Agency | Local authority safeguarding team. | Police force. |
| Outcomes | Safeguarding plan, provision of support services, care arrangements. | Criminal investigation, potential charges, and prosecution. |
| Confidentiality | Information is shared between agencies to protect the adult, but reports are confidential where possible. | Information is part of a criminal investigation and may become public through court proceedings. |
The Role of the Adult at Risk and Their Wishes
The views and wishes of the adult at risk are central to the entire safeguarding process. An enquiry cannot proceed without their involvement and, wherever possible, their consent. If the person has substantial difficulty understanding the enquiry or lacks mental capacity, an advocate or trusted representative will be involved to support them and represent their interests. This ensures the process is person-centred and respects their autonomy, unless there is a grave risk to their or others' safety.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
While your initial report may be confidential, the council and other agencies must share information with each other to protect the person at risk. This is done on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection laws. The adult at risk will be kept informed about who is involved and what information is being shared. In certain circumstances, the person at risk may not want anything to happen, but professionals may still need to act if there is a significant risk of harm to them or others.
The Final Safeguarding Plan
Once an enquiry concludes, a formal safeguarding plan is created if abuse was confirmed. This plan outlines agreed actions and responsibilities for all parties involved to ensure the adult's future safety. The plan is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective. This comprehensive process, documented in resources like the factsheet from Age UK, provides a structured framework for responding to and resolving elder abuse concerns in the UK.
Conclusion: Taking a Stand Against Abuse
Reporting elder abuse in the UK activates a formal, multi-agency safeguarding procedure designed to protect and support vulnerable adults. The process prioritises the safety and wishes of the person at risk while ensuring that all concerns are investigated seriously and confidentially. By understanding this process, individuals can feel more confident in taking the necessary steps to report abuse, thereby protecting the elderly and holding abusers accountable. Remember, every report contributes to building a safer environment for older people across the country.
