Adult Safeguarding in Doncaster
Adult safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. If you are concerned that an adult in Doncaster is at risk of harm, it is important to report it — you don’t need to be certain, you just need to be concerned.
Concerned About Someone? Report It
Emergency — call 999. Non-emergency safeguarding concerns:
01302 737391 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm) 01302 796000 (Out of hours emergency)Recognising Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect can take many forms. It can be carried out by a family member, a paid carer, a friend, or a stranger — and can happen anywhere, including in a person’s own home or in a care setting.
Physical Abuse
Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, or inappropriate restraint. Signs include unexplained injuries, bruising, fractures or fear around specific people.
Psychological Abuse
Threatening, intimidating, humiliating or coercive behaviour. Preventing someone from seeing family or friends. Controlling what someone wears, eats, or does. Signs include anxiety, withdrawal or sudden changes in behaviour.
Financial Abuse
Taking money or property without consent, coercing someone into changing their will, or misusing a power of attorney. Signs include unexplained financial transactions or someone being unable to afford basic necessities.
Neglect
Failure to provide adequate food, warmth, medical care, personal hygiene or supervision. Can be deliberate or unintentional. Signs include weight loss, poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions or unsafe living conditions.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual activity to which a person has not or cannot consent. Signs include unexplained physical injuries, distress, changes in behaviour, or sexually transmitted infections.
Domestic Abuse
Abuse by a partner or family member, including physical, psychological, financial or sexual abuse. Domestic abuse affects people of all ages. The national domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours).
What Happens When a Concern Is Reported
Report Made
Contact Doncaster Council Adult Social Care on 01302 737391. They will take initial information and determine whether a safeguarding enquiry is needed. If there is immediate danger, call 999 first.
Section 42 Enquiry
If there are reasonable grounds, the council will carry out a Section 42 enquiry under the Care Act 2014. A lead enquiry officer will be allocated to investigate.
Multi-Agency Response
Depending on the concern, the response may involve health services, the police, housing, or other agencies. A Safeguarding Adults Conference may be convened.
Safeguarding Plan
If the concern is substantiated, a safeguarding plan will be put in place with the adult at risk at the centre. The plan will outline actions to manage the risk and protect the person.
Review
The safeguarding plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective and that the risk has been reduced or eliminated.
Making Safeguarding Personal
Modern safeguarding practice is focused on the wishes, feelings and outcomes of the adult at risk. The person must be involved in decisions about their own safety wherever possible, and their autonomy respected.
Whistleblowing
If you work in health or social care and are concerned about the safety of a service user, you have a professional and legal duty to raise your concern. You are protected by whistleblowing law if you do so in good faith. Contact the CQC directly at cqc.org.uk if internal processes are not working.
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Worried About Someone?
If you are not sure how to report a safeguarding concern, or you want to understand the process better, Healthwatch Doncaster can help. Our advice is free and confidential.