What information do we need

Please consider the following points before reporting a concern.

• Does the person you are concerned about have care or support needs?*
• Does this make it difficult for them to protect themselves from abuse or neglect?
• Have you informed them that you are thinking about reporting a safeguarding concern?
• Is there a concern about the person’s ability to make decisions about their own safety or wellbeing?
• Does the person understand the safeguarding concerns you are raising?
• Are they in agreement with the safeguarding concern being referred?
• If they are not in agreement, is the referral being made because there is either:
  • a significant risk to life and limb?
  • a wider public interest such as other people being at risk of harm?
• If it is safe to do so, have you talked to the person about what has happened to them? If so, have you asked them what is important to them and what they want to happen?
• Are there any other adults or children at risk in the situation?

*Although not formally defined in the Care Act 2014, care and support needs refers to assistance adults may require and can be a combination of practical, financial, emotional assistance required to support the adult to live well with illness, disability, or other health conditions. This includes adults affected by dementia, learning disabilities, mental health or physical health conditions.

Find out more about what you can expect when you report a concern and what will happen next.

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