The safeguarding adult process can be closed when:
- All actions have been completed: risks are eradicated or are safely managed within care planning or risk management procedures
- The Adult has mental capacity and is declining interventions which would promote their wellbeing and safety, and no other person is at risk
However, consideration should be given to MARAC, MAPPA and safety planning with relevant providers (signposting). The Safeguarding Adults Team must be satisfied that the Adult has all the relevant information to make an informed decision and who they can contact should they be concerned for their safety.
Practitioners must be confident that the Adult is making their decision without undue influence, threats and intimidation. If there are no other people at risk from the person causing the harm, there will be no more action under the safeguarding adult procedures at this time.
When the Adult is no longer at risk, they should be clearly notified that the safeguarding process will be ending and what, if any, ongoing involvement there may be from other professionals. If the Adult lacks capacity to understand this decision, the person making best interests decisions or the IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate) must be notified. They should be given information about abuse and neglect, possible sources of help and support and whom they can contact if they should change their mind or the situation changes and they no longer feel able to protect themselves.
If a concern persists and the Adult’s refusal to consent to action is seen to have resulted from fear, loyalty, coercion or disempowerment as the result of long term or persistent abuse, coercion or control, the action under the safeguarding procedures will continue and a multi-agency decision made about the best way to engage with the person and consider the legal powers available to intervene with the person(s) causing harm.