Safeguarding Adults

See: Identifying and Reporting Abuse and Neglect, which is part of the larger Care Act 2014 resource.

Adults: Members of the public

Use the online reporting form.

If you do not have access to the internet concerns can be raised by telephone:

0191 643 2777 (office hours)
0330 333 7475 (evenings and weekends)

Adults: Professional

All professionals, including adult social care providers, NHS practitioners, and the police should use the online Safeguarding Adults Initial Enquiry Form.

Advice in writing a safeguarding report:

• Write down exactly what you are told or have seen;
• Use the exact words of the person telling you, not your own;
• Include times of incident;
• Include the type of alleged abuse;
• Include the location of the alleged abuse;
• Make it clear who said what and when;
• Write down everything you saw, keep it factual;
• Write down people's names in full, explaining who they are;
• Be accurate - write down facts as they happened, be unbiased/do not take sides, do not ask leading questions;
• Use the phrases tell me about it, explain that to me, describe that.

In order to clarify information, without asking leading questions:

• Explain in detail what you were told and/or saw;
• Write down anything you did as a result of the allegation;
• Write or type your report yourself. Keep a copy for your records;
• Make sure you include the date and your signature;
• Give a copy to your service manager;
• Do not show it to anyone who does not need to see it.

If you are concerned that an adult is in imminent danger from abuse or neglect, or that a criminal act has taken place you should contact the police by dialing 999.

Children

Use the children's online reporting form.

If you do not have access to the internet concerns can be raised by telephone:

0345 2000 109 (office hours)
0330 333 7475 (evenings and weekends)

If you are concerned that a child is in imminent danger from abuse or neglect, or that a criminal act has taken place you should contact the police by dialing 999.

See: North Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board Resources.

This sets out specifically how the Local Authority works with other organisations in the area, such as the police and the ICB to fulfil the requirements of the Care Act, including how they:

1. Prevent and protect adults at risk from abuse;
2. Empower and support adults to make their own choices;
3. Investigate actual (or suspected) abuse or neglect; and
4. Support adults who are at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect.

All safeguarding processes forms and guidance can be found in the Resources section of the Safeguarding Adults Board website.