Homelessness

People who experience homelessness are at increased risk of experiencing exploitation and abuse. Professionals working with people should be mindful of this when considering if a safeguarding adults concern needs to be raised. Professionals should consider mental capacity and executive functioning when working with adults experiencing homelessness, as well as whether the adult has any additional vulnerabilities.

Non-reportable concerns

Lower-level concern where the criteria for a safeguarding enquiry is unlikely to be met. However, an internal written record of what happened and what action was taken should be kept. Where there are several low-level concerns, consideration should be given as to whether the criteria may be met for a safeguarding enquiry due to increased risk.

In these cases, it is important that you consider alternative actions to contacting the local authority. These include:

• Referral to local authority Housing Services.
• Referral to community and voluntary sector Housing organisations (such as Brighton Housing Trust Sussex).
• Referral to Mental Health services.
• Referral to local Multi-Agency Risk Management subgroup.
• Refer to the LGA Briefing on adult safeguarding and homelessness (2020).

Examples of non-reportable concerns include:

• Consultation with mental health and substance misuse services may be appropriate.
• Housing discharging their duty to house an adult.
• The person is engaged with and/or is a cause of risk in a criminal act. Following internal agency policy, a police report should be made.

Concerns requiring consultation

Incidents at this level should be recorded, and internal policies and procedures followed. Consultation should be undertaken internally as well as through the Sussex Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures. Action should be taken to reduce risk and consultation with the local authority Adult Social Care department considered. Following this you may be requested to formally raise a safeguarding concern.

In these cases, it is important that you consider alternative or additional actions to contacting the local authority. These include:

• Share information with district nurse, GP, or OT.
• Refer to the local authority Adult Social Care department for assessment or review of existing services.
• Referral to local Multi-Agency Risk Management subgroup.
• If self-neglect is identified consult the self-neglect procedures in the Sussex Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures as well as consult the local authority.

Examples of concerns requiring consultation include:

• The person is expressing/experiencing mental health distress or using illicit substances; please note that use of substances is referenced in Safeguarding Adults Reviews as a risk.
• The person has deteriorating physical/mental health, and this is placing their health at significant risk of harm.
• Application of the self-neglect procedures may be considered.
• If the person is offered housing which is not considered to be reasonable or suitable.
• Multiple people may be being targeted by an unknown individual/agency.

Reportable concerns

Incidents at this level should be formally raised as a safeguarding concern with the local authority Adult Social Care department. Consideration should also be given as to whether the police or other emergency services need to be contacted. Ensure Think Family approach if children or other adults may be impacted.

In these cases, it is important that you consider additional actions to contacting the local authority. These include:

• RAISE SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
• If there is an indication a criminal act has occurred, the police must be consulted.
• Immediate safety plans must be implemented.
• Referral to local Multi-Agency Risk Management subgroup.

Examples of reportable concerns include:

• Lack of inter-agency cooperation when self-neglect procedures have been initiated.
• Support agencies are not working together to provide support for the person which they are eligible for.
• Appears to be being targeted by individual(s) for abuse or exploitation.
• Multiple compound needs.