Safeguarding Adult Reviews
Any abuse that takes place is wrong and has consequences for those involved. It can change the victim’s life and prevent them from being able to live as they wish. For example someone who was very sociable and outgoing may not trust others, or may stop socialising and become very lonely.
All incidents of abuse reported have to be investigated. Sometimes abuse leads to serious harm even death. When this happens a serious case review is done by the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB).
This looks at what has happened to find out why, what could have been done differently and how this can be prevented from happening again. A serious case review often leads to changes in the law, which in turn will lead to changes in ways of working, this helps to keep vulnerable people safe.
Common Factors Featured in SAR’s Reports
Some of the factors featured in reports from serious case reviews are:
- Poor or absent communication between services
- Ineffective partnership working between services
- Lack of family involvement during decision making
- Failure to spot signs of abuse
- Lack of management support or presence
- Limited learning and development opportunities for workers
- Poor staff recruitment processes.
Sources of Advice & Information
- All professionals must understand their own role and responsibility and have access to practical and legal guidance advice and support.
- Your company policies and procedures will guide you on prevention and procedures to follow if and when abuse or neglect has happened or is suspected.
- Contact your manager or a senior member of staff for any questions or concerns that you might have.