Receiving reports in the local authority where the adult is at risk

Reports alleging that an adult at risk has been abused or is at risk of abuse or neglectmust always be regarded as serious and enquiries by social services should commence immediately. This means the local authority area where the adult at risk:

• is living;

for example, at their home address

• has been placed;

for example, a care home providing respite care

• has been found;

for example, they are on holiday, have been found wandering and disorientated in a town outside the local authority area where they live.

All reports should be treated in the same way, regardless of whether:

• the alleged abuse has taken place in or outside the family,
• this is a repeat report
• the source of the report, including anonymous reports.