These cookies are required for the operation of the site and cannot be managed.
We use Google Analytics to track page visits through the site. These tell us which pages were visited, the route someone took through the site and an approximate location for the user. This cookie helps us to understand a user's route through the site, so that we can adapt and improve it. This does not record any personal details or monitor anything you type in our forms.
The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent adult safeguarding enquiry procedures provide guidance on how the abuse of adults with care and support needs will be responded to.
The Care Act, 2014, establishes a duty on local authorities to make an enquiry to decide whether action should be taken whenever it appears that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing abuse or is at risk of abuse.
These procedures relate to matters concerning the abuse and exploitation and are not invoked simply in response to a perception of general vulnerability.
For further information on the Adult Safeguarding procedures please see the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership Adult Safeguarding Board website.
Local authorities (social services) have a duty to look into concerns of abuse relating to adults who have care and support needs.
Adult safeguarding relates to adults who have care and support needs that are experiencing, or at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. In other words, being made to do things they don't want to in return for money, accommodation, 'love' and presents for example.
Adults with care and support needs may:
What happens next depends on the seriousness of the situation.
In response to a call, trained staff will carry out a careful and sensitive enquiry in line with locally agreed procedures.
The information provided will be discussed with other agencies including the police.
Meetings may be held to decide what will happen next. Information and advice will be offered so that choices can be made, and help can be provided.
If you think someone who has care and support needs is being abused or you think their safety is at risk, then it is important to report your concerns to us by calling the number below.
You must never assume that somebody else will recognise and report what you have seen or heard.
Safeguarding adults under section 42 of the care act (2014) is not related to suicidal ideation or self harm. if you have concerns about and adult who is at risk of harm as a result of their mental health, please contact
Where a crime has been committed or if you're worried about someone's immediate safety, contact the police by dialling 999.
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a free video call to 999 using the 999 BSL website or app.
You can also contact the Relay UK Service if you have accessibility needs. Further information is available at Relay UK.
To report concerns about an adult please contact us:
Monday - Friday* 9am - 5pm*Excludes Bank Holidays
A trained member of staff will be available between 9am - 5pm, Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
This number is to refer concerns about abuse of an adult. If you have other welfare concerns for an adult please contact Staffordshire Cares.
If you are any of the services listed above and you have adhered to the advice above, please raise a non-urgent referral via an online form.
Provider of care safeguarding referral
If you have a concern about the safety of a vulnerable adult and need to report it overnight, over a weekend or on a Bank Holiday, contact the Emergency Duty Service:
For further guidance on reporting abuse of an adult please see the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership Adult Safeguarding Board website.
If your concern is regarding a child (someone under the age of 18), please see our First Response page for information on how to contact the right team
Physical abuse includes:
Domestic abuse includes:
Sexual abuse includes:
Psychological abuse includes:
Financial or material abuse includes:
Modern slavery abuse includes:
Read 'Modern Slavery: How the UK is leading the fight' (PDF) on the Government's website.
Discriminatory abuse includes:
Read 'Discrimination: your rights' for further information on the Government's website.
Neglect and acts of omission, including:
There are no results that match your search criteria
We are building a new website and need your help to test it. Have a go at this First Click exercise to help us see if we are on the right track to make information easy to find.