Nationally there is a website for anyone who may believe they are at risk of harm. The Act Against Harm website provides a wealth of information on what harm is, where to get help, what is involved in Adult Support and Protection.
Locally, if you are referred to the Health and Social Care Partnership as potentially being an adult at risk of harm the following will occur.
Adult protection inquiry
Once someone has raised a concern to the Health and Social Care Partnership we look at the circumstances to decide if anything might need to be done to support you.
Adult protection investigation
If we think you may be an adult at risk of harm, we will undertake an Adult Protection Investigation to find out what has happened and to consider what else might need to happen to help you.
Usually a social worker and one other person will visit you to ask you about what has happened. You do not have to answer these questions if you do not wish to do so, but it is really important that your views are heard.
The social worker normally speaks to other people who have an interest in your wellbeing. This could include your doctor, other health care professionals, your carer or anyone else who supports you. This will help them decide what kind of help to offer you.
Adult protection case conference
The social worker may invite you to a meeting called a Case Conference. Others who an help to support and protect you will also be invited.
The Case Conference usually lasts about one hour, but can be longer if there is a lot to talk about. If you attend the meeting, you will have the chance to say what you think has happened and what you think needs to happen next.
If you do not attend the meeting, you can ask for someone else to go on your behalf to say what you think should happen.
The following publications are available to assist you: