The Four Stage Approach - Stage Four: Closing the Safeguarding Enquiry

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

The safeguarding enquiry can be closed at any stage. Check with the person that they are in agreement, and advise them how matters will be followed up if there are continuing concerns. Closure records should note the reason for the decision and the views of the adult at risk about the proposed closure. The Enquiry Officer and Safeguarding Coordinator should ensure that all actions have been taken, building in any personalised actions such as:

  • Agreement with the adult at risk to close safeguarding involvement;
  • Making referrals for ongoing assessment and support;
  • Providing advice and information;
  • Updating/informing all organisations involved in the enquiry;
  • Providing feedback to the referrer;(alerter in the Pathway document)
  • Taking action with the person alleged to have caused harm;
  • Taking action to support other service users;
  • Making a referral to children's services (if necessary);
  • Completing referrals to DBS or professional bodies;
  • Noting outcomes which are evaluated by the adult (vulnerable) at risk and assessing whether these have been met;
  • Identifying any lessons to be learned and shared.
This chapter was added in January 2024.

1. Measures Post Closure

It is good practice for a review of care and supports to take place soon after closure and for these to be booked and scheduled. This will provide an opportunity for an early check-in with the person (adult at risk) to provide assurance that there has been no recurrence (or reprisals) of the safeguarding concerns. These reviews of care and supports can be managed by any trusted partner or be undertaken as formal social care/health reviews.

2. Closing Enquiries Down when Other Processes Continue

The adult safeguarding enquiry may be closed but other processes may continue (for example, a disciplinary or professional body investigation). These processes may take some time to complete. Consideration may need to be given to the impact of these on the adult and how this will be monitored. Where there are outstanding criminal investigations and pending court actions, the adult safeguarding enquiry can also be closed providing that the adult is adequately safeguarded. Conversely, such cases may remain open to safeguarding with an appropriate safeguarding plan in place. The decision on closure depends on what works best for the adult. The rationale for the decision either way must be recorded.

Agreements for cases to remain open or be closed should be reached between all relevant partners (including the person at risk). Cases should not be kept open as a substitute for creating a proper support plan/putting other needed resources in place. Cases should not be kept open as a way of managing professional anxiety. If there is no remaining safeguarding work to be done in an enquiry context, the case will normally be closed.

3. All Closures (No Matter at What Stage) are Subject to an Evaluation of Outcomes by the Adult (Vulnerable) at Risk

If the adult (vulnerable) at risk disagrees with the decision to close safeguarding down, their reasons should be fully explored and alternatives offered. In some cases, it will be necessary and good practice to carry out an additional review (within 3 months) of the closure of the enquiry. This will be to establish that the adult (vulnerable) at risk is still 'safeguarded' and if any additional resources should be directed for ongoing safety. This 3-month review should be scheduled and communicated to relevant partners – and can be brought forward if circumstances necessitate.

Evaluation of Outcomes