Refer: Take the right action
SAFEGUARDING RESPONSE
Taking the right action
Prepare for each of the kinds of referrals you’re likely to manage.
Discuss these with your manager and agree how you would handle them.
Become familiar with your organisation’s referral pathways and safeguarding procedures, and follow these closely.
Know what forms and templates you need to use, and how to access those.
Know which co-workers and/or organisations you’ll need to refer your documentation to, identifying the risks and gathering information relevant to their deeper assessment.
Act immediately if:
A crime has been committed – call 111 and ask for the Police.
There is immediate danger.
A person is at risk of serious harm.
Notes:
Violence is a crime.
If you call the Police, take care to disclose any information that’s essential for handling the situation appropriately – for example:
the vulnerability of the person and situation of concern
factors that could escalate the situation or increase the harm
dependency on the abuser – i.e. if the person who has been abused is dependent on the abuser for caregiving or support
request a follow-up from the local Family Harm Team.
Complete a Critical Incident Form.
Seek advice or refer if:
You are unsure about the level of risk and its urgency.
Concerns are ongoing or escalating.
The situation is serious, and the person at risk is dependent on the abuser for caregiving or support.
If there are concerns for other people involved in the situation
for example, if there are children in the household, or if there are family or whānau members or caregivers providing support, who might also be at risk
or if there are people from other organisations involved in the situation or visiting the household, who might be at risk.
You feel out of your depth.
Always follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures and/or health and safety procedures.
Document clearly for the referral
Document your findings and observations clearly, including
The risk factors and indicators.
The risk trajectory.
What information you’ve sourced, and from where, that will inform the risk assessment.