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Adult social care teams provide statutory support to adults who need help because of their age, illness, disability, mental health needs, or other vulnerabilities. These services hold detailed information used to assess needs, plan care and safeguard adults from harm, including abuse or neglect. This information is gathered through assessments, direct work with the individual, observations, care plans, and input from partner organisations such as health services, housing, and voluntary-sector organisations.
When there are safeguarding concerns about a child, adult social care may hold information about risks, previous incidents, disclosures and protective measures. Sharing this information is crucial for managing risk, coordinating support and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the child and vulnerable adults.
Adult social care assessments are structured to understand the individual’s needs, risks and strengths. They typically include:
- health and functional needs – physical health, mental health, sensory or cognitive impairments, and daily living skills
- communication and understanding – how the individual expresses themselves and understands decisions, relationships, and safety
- social and family context – living arrangements, family or carer support, and social networks
- behaviour and risk indicators – observed behaviours that may indicate vulnerability to harm, abuse or neglect
- multi-agency input – information from health practitioners, social workers, housing, community services and voluntary-sector organisations
- voice of the adult – direct engagement with the individual to understand their wishes, experiences and concerns.
Assessments may also include police information, medical or therapeutic reports, and previous safeguarding actions.
Following assessment, the adult social care team develops care and support plans which outline:
- the adult’s needs and expected outcomes
- the roles and responsibilities of carers and of practitioners and organisations
- actions to maintain the adult’s safety, wellbeing and independence
- timescales for monitoring and review
- protective measures and monitoring arrangements
- support to manage risks to the adult or help them recover from past harm
- coordination with health, housing and community services
- escalation procedures if risks increase or new concerns arise.
Plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate to the adult’s needs and circumstances.