STAGE 3: SAFEGUARDING PLAN AND REVIEW

In most cases there will be a natural transition between deciding what actions are needed and the end of the enquiry, into formalising what these actions are and who needs to be responsible for each action - this is the adult safeguarding plan.

An adult safeguarding plan is not a care and support plan, and it will focus on care provision only in relation to the aspects that safeguard against abuse or neglect, or which offer a therapeutic or recovery based resolution. In many cases the provision of care and support may be important in addressing the risk of abuse or neglect, but where this is the intention the adult safeguarding plan must be specific as to how this intervention will achieve this outcome.

The Safeguarding Plan should set out:

• What steps are to be taken to assure the future safety of the adult at risk;
• The provision of any support, treatment or therapy, including on-going advocacy;
• Any modifications needed in the way services are provided (e.g. same gender care or placement; appointment of an Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) deputy);
• How best to support the adult through any action they may want to take to seek justice or redress;
• Any on-going risk management strategy as appropriate.

The plan should outline the roles and responsibilities of all individuals and agencies involved. It should identify which lead professional in each agency will monitor and review their relevant part of the plan, and when this will happen. Adult safeguarding plans should be person-centred and outcome-focused. Safeguarding plans should be made with the full participation of the adult at risk. In some circumstances it may be appropriate for safeguarding plans to be monitored through ongoing care management responsibilities. In other situations, a specific safeguarding review may be required.

Review of the Plan (optional)

The plan should be monitored on an on-going basis, within agreed timescales. The purpose of the review is to:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the adult safeguarding plan;
• Evaluate whether the plan is meeting/achieving outcomes;
• Evaluate risk.

Reviews of adult safeguarding plans, and decisions about plans should be communicated and agreed with the adult at risk. Following the review process, it may be determined that:

• The adult safeguarding plan is no longer required; or 
• The adult safeguarding plan needs to continue.

Any changes or revisions as a result of the review of the plan should be made, new review timescales set (if needed) and agreement reached regarding the lead professional for each organisation who will continue to monitor and review the plan within their organisation; or, it may also be agreed, if needed, to instigate a new adult safeguarding Section 42 Enquiry. New safeguarding enquiries will only be needed when the Local Authority determines it is necessary. If the decision is that further enquiries would be a disproportionate response to new or changed risks, further review and monitoring may continue.