Protocol for Raising Concerns about Vulnerable Adults or Children

This is a collaborative protocol between Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board (NSCB) and Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adult Board (NSAB) and is a generic protocol about how to raise concerns about a vulnerable child or adult

Full Protocol for Raising Concerns about Vulnerable Adults or Children

There are many situations where children may be living with or regularly having contact with vulnerable adults. Children’s workers may become aware of vulnerable adults about whom they may have concerns, for example, in the household, extended family, or neighbourhood. Adult workers may also have concerns about children with whom they have knowledge. In order to safeguard both children and vulnerable adults in such situations, it is essential that children’s and adults’ services including those commissioned, work together effectively.

This protocol therefore, is to promote effective communication and timely referrals between all adult and children’s services, including transition between children’s and adults’ services in Northamptonshire, and promote good practice in multi-agency working.

Within this protocol you will find full details on how and when you should make a referral both if you are working with children and have concerns about an adult and for professionals working with adults who may have a concern about a child.

The purpose of this protocol is to:

• provide a clear framework for referral, assessment and ongoing work with families where vulnerable adults are caring for children;
• develop and improve joint working practices across children’s and adults services;
• ensure that children’s and adults needs are prioritised equally and they are safeguarded from abuse and harm.

Last updated: 08 February 2023