4.3.2 Out of Hours Arrangements

1. Making a Safeguarding Referral to the Local Authority

When a person (either a professional or a member of the public) has concerns that an adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect but there is no immediate risk of harm, they should make a referral to the appropriate local authority referral point the next working day.

However, if the concerns are such that immediate action is required or there is an urgent risk, the local authority’s Out of Hours team (adults) should be contacted without delay. Where there are concerns that a crime may have been committed, they should also contact the police.

Whenever a professional makes a referral, they should record all details on the adult’s case file / record.

2. Taking Immediate Action to Protect an Adult

If a safeguarding alert or referral is received by the Out of Hours team, which indicates an adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and there is an immediate or urgent risk, the worker who receives the alert or referral must take all steps necessary to protect the adult. This includes arranging emergency medical treatment, contacting the police (by telephoning 999) and taking any other action to ensure the adult is safe.

3. Case Recording and Handover

Whether or not any immediate action is necessary, the Out of Hours team worker should record details of the concerns on the adult’s electronic social care record. The worker should pass all necessary information to the relevant team in adult social care before the end of their shift. If the adult is already known to adult social care, the out of hours worker will notify the allocated worker.

See also Case Recording.