An investigation happens when more information is needed to work out what has happened, and what else needs to happen to stop any harm. Two people from Social Work or the Police will interview the adult, and any other people involved, to ask questions about what happened. The answers to the questions will be written down to help keep a good record of the investigation. The adult can refuse to be interviewed if they wish, but interviews with others may still take place if there are concerns. 

Some situations may also involve an examination by a Police Doctor, GP or Nurse if there is an injury or any concerns about the health of the adult who has been harmed. 

If the adult is not safe, other actions may need to happen next. 

There might be a meeting of all the main people in the adult’s life, to talk about the best ways to stop the harm happening again. This meeting is called a Case Conference. The adult and their family, friend or representatives will be invited to the Case Conference. It can be family members who provide support or an advocacy worker or legal representative. It is the adult’s own choice if they want to bring certain people with them for support and advice. 

The person causing the harm will not be invited to come to the Case Conference. Any people who work with the adult, for example, Support Workers, Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, Advocacy Workers and other staff will be invited. 

The Case Conference will usually last an hour or two at most. There will be a Social Work Manager in charge of the meeting who will ask everyone to give their views on what has happened and what needs to happen next. This person is called the Chair of the Case Conference. An administrator from Social Work Service will write down what is said and what people think should happen next. This record is usually called the Minutes. The adult and all others at the Case Conference will get a copy of the Minutes.

After the Case Conference, a plan may be written. It will say what needs to happen and who is responsible for the actions needed to keep the adult safe in the future. This is called the Protection Plan and is usually written by the Social Worker for the adult. The adult, any family or representatives and all staff will be given a copy of this, so that everyone knows what is in the Protection Plan. 

The Protection Plan should stay until the adult is safe and actions can be changed or added if this is needed. There will be another meeting to find out if the situation is better for the adult. This meeting is called a Review. If the harm has stopped and the adult is safe again, the Protection Plan will be closed at the Review.

In some cases the harm to the adult may mean that the Court has to take action to make sure the adult is safe. This is called a Protection Order. 

The Social Worker can ask for a Court order to take the adult away from a harmful situation, or to ban a person causing harm from getting in contact with the adult. If this is needed the Social Worker for the adult will explain this to the adult, any family or representative before it happens.an see what was said and remember what needs to happen next.