4.4 Stage 4: Safeguarding Outcomes

1. Introduction

Once safeguarding enquiries have been completed, the local authority should be informed of the outcome. It should then determine with the adult what, if any, further action is necessary and acceptable. It is for the local authority to determine the appropriateness of the enquiry outcome, and the responsibility of the relevant agencies to implement.

Following the completion of the enquiry, a safeguarding outcomes meeting should be held.

2. Purpose of the Safeguarding Outcomes Meeting

In relation to the adult, the safeguarding outcomes meeting should set out:

• the impact of the safeguarding event on the adult;
• whether the adult’s wishes in relation to outcomes, identified at the outset, have been realised;
• the extent to which the outcomes identified by the adult /advocate/family have been met;
•  the adult’s current ability to protect themselves and their current risk of abuse or neglect and any ongoing risk management strategy as appropriate;
• the ability of the adult’s networks to increase the support they offer;
• interventions required to help them safeguard themselves in relation to the identified risks;
• the potential impact of the safeguarding event on key relationships for the adult;
•  the adult’s ongoing care and support needs and the provision of any interventions;
• any amendments that are required to current service provision (for example appointment of a court appointed deputy);
• how to support the adult where they wish to take action against those who harmed them;
• any action to be taken in relation to the person or organisation that has caused the concern;
• a safeguarding plan to enable and support the adult to protect themselves and to recover from the abuse (see Safeguarding Plan and Review).

3. Requirement of the Meeting

The safeguarding outcomes meeting should be chaired by a team manager or senior social worker.

Membership of the meeting will vary depending on the circumstances, but must include the adult or their advocate, their carer as appropriate, practitioners from organisations involved in the enquiry and anyone working with the person alleged to have caused the abuse.

All attendees must have an opportunity to read all the professional reports submitted as part of the safeguarding process, and have the opportunity to ask relevant questions. The adult, their advocate or carer should also be encouraged to ask any questions and participate in the discussion.

The discussions and decisions of the outcomes meeting must be accurately recorded by a practitioner (not the chair) and the process of administration, including distribution of minutes and timescales, agreed.

See Stage 5: Safeguarding Plans and Reviews