Safeguarding Referral and Specialist Support Contacts
Adult Safeguarding — Cornwall
As the practice works exclusively with adults aged 18 and over, safeguarding concerns will primarily relate to adult safeguarding.
Where the practitioner is concerned that an adult is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, appropriate action will be taken. This may include concerns relating to physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse, domestic abuse, financial abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, neglect, self-neglect, exploitation, discriminatory abuse, organisational abuse or modern slavery.
Where appropriate, the practitioner will consider whether the circumstances meet the criteria for safeguarding intervention under the Care Act 2014.
Cornwall Adult Safeguarding Referral
Cornwall Council Adult Safeguarding telephone:
0300 1234 131
Professional safeguarding advice:
01872 326433
Cornwall Council provides an online adult safeguarding referral for professionals and members of the public.
Online referral:
Cornwall Council — Safeguarding Adults
The practitioner should use the online safeguarding referral where appropriate and retain a record of the referral and any confirmation received.
Cornwall Council states that practitioners concerned that an adult is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect should take steps to protect the adult as far as practicable and alert the appropriate safeguarding team.
Out-of-hours safeguarding
Cornwall Council's current information states that the Adult Social Care number 0300 1234 131 can also be used outside normal office hours for emergencies.
Where there is an immediate threat to life or serious and imminent danger, the practitioner should call 999.
For a non-emergency crime, the practitioner or client may contact 101.
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence — Cornwall
Where a client discloses domestic abuse or sexual violence, the practitioner will respond in a trauma-informed, non-judgemental manner, consider immediate safety and support the client to access specialist services.
Safer Futures
Safer Futures — Cornwall domestic abuse and sexual violence support
Telephone: 0300 777 4777
Safer Futures provides specialist support for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Cornwall Council identifies Safer Futures as the local domestic abuse and sexual violence service.
Online:
Safer Futures
The service can provide advice, support and safety planning and can connect clients with appropriate specialist services.
Cornwall Refuge Trust — 24-hour helpline
Telephone: 01872 225629
Cornwall Council lists this as a 24-hour helpline for support outside the Safer Futures service hours.
National Domestic Abuse Support
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, operated by Refuge, is available 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Online:
Refuge — National Domestic Abuse Helpline
This may be particularly useful where a client needs confidential support, specialist advice or information about refuge accommodation.
Sexual Violence and Sexual Abuse
Where a client discloses rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse, the practitioner will provide a supportive and non-judgemental response and discuss specialist support with the client.
The practitioner should consider referral or signposting to an appropriate sexual violence service or Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
Rape Crisis England & Wales — Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line
Telephone: 0808 500 2222
Online:
Rape Crisis England & Wales — Get Help
Sexual Assault Referral Centres
A client who has experienced rape or sexual assault may be signposted to their local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for specialist medical, forensic and emotional support.
NHS SARC finder:
NHS — Find a Sexual Assault Referral Centre
The client does not necessarily have to report the assault to the police in order to seek support from a SARC.
Emergency Situations
Where there is an immediate threat to life or serious and imminent danger:
Emergency services: 999
Where a client is experiencing an urgent medical or mental health problem but there is not an immediate threat to life:
NHS: 111
For non-emergency police matters:
Police: 101
The practitioner should not attempt to manage an emergency safeguarding situation alone. Appropriate emergency or statutory services should be contacted.
Confidentiality and Safeguarding Referrals
The practitioner will normally discuss safeguarding concerns and potential information sharing with the client wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
However, confidentiality is not absolute. Information may need to be shared without the client's consent where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm, another person may be at risk, the client is unable to protect themselves because of relevant care and support needs, or there is another lawful and ethically justified basis for disclosure.
The practitioner will share information proportionately and only with those who need to know.
The practitioner will make a contemporaneous record of:
the safeguarding concern;
relevant information disclosed or observed;
the client's wishes;
any assessment of immediate risk;
advice or supervision sought;
consent obtained, where applicable;
information shared;
the organisation or professional contacted;
the date and time of the referral;
any reference number or confirmation received;
the rationale for decisions made;
any subsequent action or review.
Professional Supervision
Safeguarding concerns should be discussed in professional supervision where appropriate. However, supervision must not delay action where there is an immediate or serious risk of harm.
The practitioner remains responsible for taking appropriate action within their professional role and competence.