Understanding the Core Concepts of Adult Safeguarding
Adult safeguarding is the practice of protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. This applies to any adult who has care and support needs and is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. The adult safeguarding plan is a formal document created as part of this process to address specific risks identified during an enquiry. It is distinct from a standard care plan, though it may contain complementary actions.
The Six Principles Guiding a Safeguarding Plan
All adult safeguarding work is underpinned by six key principles, as outlined in official statutory guidance. These principles ensure a person-centered and rights-based approach:
- Empowerment: Supporting and encouraging the adult to make their own decisions and give informed consent.
- Prevention: Taking action before harm occurs to avoid abuse or neglect.
- Proportionality: Ensuring the least intrusive response is used, appropriate to the risk presented.
- Protection: Providing support and representation for those in greatest need.
- Partnership: Encouraging local solutions through services working with communities, as well as involving family and friends.
- Accountability: Ensuring transparency and accountability in all safeguarding practices.
Key Elements of an Effective Safeguarding Plan
An adult safeguarding plan is a complex, multi-faceted document that details the steps needed to secure an individual's safety and well-being.
A Person-Centered Approach
Central to any plan is the person-centered approach, which places the wishes, feelings, and desired outcomes of the adult at the core of the process. A plan is not paternalistic; it aims to maximize the adult's choice and control, reflecting a positive risk-taking approach. The plan should be co-created with the adult at risk or their representative to ensure their full participation.
Roles and Responsibilities
An adult safeguarding plan clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of all individuals and agencies involved. A lead professional is identified to monitor and review the plan. This can involve social workers, healthcare professionals, police, and various support services. Each party understands their role and agrees to the actions required of them.
Risk Management Strategies
This is the core of the plan. Strategies are put in place to manage the specific risks identified during the safeguarding enquiry. Examples of preventative and protective measures include:
- Installing additional security measures, such as locks, telecare devices, or personal alarms.
- Implementing flags or alerts on agency systems to highlight a person's vulnerability.
- Arranging for a review of service provision, such as changing a specific care worker's duties.
- Ensuring the adult receives specific support, such as advocacy or domestic violence support services.
Steps for Resolution and Recovery
Abuse or neglect can have lasting impacts. A safeguarding plan includes actions to help the adult recover and rebuild their resilience. This might involve:
- Providing access to counselling or therapeutic support.
- Engaging in activities that increase self-esteem and confidence.
- Facilitating restorative justice if appropriate and safe.
- Connecting the individual to befriending or social support services.
How an Adult Safeguarding Plan is Developed
After a safeguarding concern is raised and investigated, a decision is made on whether a formal plan is needed. The process involves several steps:
- Enquiry Conclusion: The safeguarding enquiry provides the facts and evidence needed to inform the plan.
- Multi-Agency Discussion: Professionals from various agencies may meet to agree on the actions required to mitigate risk.
- Plan Formulation: The lead professional, in consultation with the adult at risk, creates the safeguarding plan, which is a 'live' document that evolves over time.
- Monitoring and Review: The plan is regularly monitored to ensure its effectiveness. Reviews are held to assess if the outcomes have been met and whether risks have been removed, remain, or increased.
Comparison of Safeguarding vs. Care Plans
While a safeguarding plan and a care plan can overlap, they have distinct purposes.
| Feature | Safeguarding Plan | Care Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Managing specific, ongoing risks of abuse or neglect | Addressing general care and support needs for daily living |
| Triggering Event | A formal safeguarding enquiry into abuse or neglect | A needs assessment for care and support |
| Timescale | Continuously monitored and reviewed based on risk levels | Ongoing, with regular reviews to assess needs and provision |
| Key Outcome | Protection from harm, resolution, and recovery | Promoting overall health and well-being in a general sense |
| Involvement | Multi-agency collaboration, including police and other external services as needed | Typically involves the adult, family, and relevant care providers |
Conclusion: Empowering Adults Through Safeguarding
An adult safeguarding plan is a critical tool for protecting vulnerable adults from harm. It is more than just a procedural document; it is a personalized strategy built on principles of empowerment and proportionality, designed to help individuals live the life they want with appropriate support and security. By involving the adult at every step, the plan ensures that protection is not a paternalistic act, but a partnership dedicated to their specific well-being and desired outcomes. Organizations and caregivers have a duty to not only follow these plans but to actively involve the adult in the process, recognizing that their safety and well-being are paramount.
For more information on the principles that guide safeguarding practices, you can visit the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) website.
Self-Neglect and Hoarding
Safeguarding plans can also be developed for situations of self-neglect, where an adult neglects their own personal hygiene, health, or environment, potentially posing a risk to themselves or others. These plans are handled sensitively, balancing the adult's right to self-determination with the duty to ensure their basic health and safety.
Safeguarding in Different Care Settings
Whether an adult lives at home, in a care facility, or is cared for by family, a safeguarding plan can be adapted to the specific setting. Organizational abuse, including poor practices within an institution, is also a serious concern addressed by safeguarding procedures. Plans can address staff training, supervision, and protocols to prevent neglect or ill-treatment.
