Agenda item

Adult Safeguarding

Decision:

(a) That the Committee are content that robust structures are in place for adult safeguarding in Flintshire;

(b) That a report continues to be provided to the Committee on an annual basis;

(c) That the Head of Social Services for Adults provide the Committee with written clarification on the cases marked ‘persons unknown’;

(d) That an invitation be extended for Contract Monitoring Officers and CSSIW Inspectors to attend a future meeting of the Committee to report on unannounced visits to care homes;

(e) That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee on the pilot project currently taking place with four care homes; and

(f) That the Head of Social Services for Adults provide a response to the Committee on the nature and outcomes of cases which had not resulted in prosecutions.

Minutes:

The Director of Community Services introduced the annual report to update Members on Adult Safeguarding Performance and revised structures for the year April 2012 to March 2013. He reported on service charges to respond to forthcoming legislation and additional statutory duties placed on Local Authorities, which would put Adult Protection on an equal legal footing to that of Child Protection. It was thought that an increase in the number of Adult Protection referrals was partly due to a stronger awareness and knowledge of adult safeguarding as a result of publicity from national cases.

The Head of Social Services for Adults gave an overview of the breakdown of the 283 referrals received during 2012-13 which included outcomes from cases which had been referred in 2011/12. He also provided an update on the active training structure which was in place and reported good progress on the workforce structure.

Councillor D.E. Wisinger welcomed the additional funding for new appointments, particularly in view of the increasing number of referrals. The Head of Social Services for Adults said that Safeguarding Team Managers chaired all Safeguarding Strategy meetings which ensured a more consistent approach in taking cases forward.

Councillor H.T. Isherwood acknowledged the suggested reason for the increase in referrals but stressed the need for vigilance as this could also be an indication of increased levels of abuse. She questioned accountability for cases where allegations had been made against ‘persons unknown’ and raised concerns about ensuring the safety of vulnerable people whose complaints made against their carers had not been upheld. The Head of Social Services for Adults said that allegations made against ‘persons unknown’ would need to looked at individually but may involve issues such as the alleged theft of items belonging to a vulnerable person. Following a request by Councillor Isherwood, he agreed to provide clarification in writing of such cases. On abuse allegations, the Director remarked on the care plan arrangements for all service users which would reflect any vulnerabilities of the individuals. This would ensure that whether or not the allegation of abuse was upheld, the individual would be supported and not be put in a position of risk. Councillor Isherwood reiterated her concerns that the person raising the allegation would not remain anonymous and that this would discourage others from making a complaint due to possible repercussions.

In response to a query raised by Councillor I. Smith on the main categories of vulnerability, the Director explained that ‘organic mental health problems’ related to organic conditions of the brain such as Dementia.

Councillor C. Hinds felt that there was a need for more frequent unannounced visits by Inspectors and proposed that an invitation be extended to receive further explanation on visits at a future meeting. The Head of Social Services for Adults advised that both Contract Monitoring Officers and Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) carried out more unannounced visits than previously, including private sector homes, and that he was provided with regular updates. Specified areas of concern were closely monitored where issues had been raised.

Councillor Hinds’ proposal was seconded by Councillor Isherwood and following a suggestion by the Chair, it was agreed that Contract Monitoring Officers and CSSIW Inspectors be invited to attend a future meeting. It was suggested that Dave Mills of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) could also be asked to attend.

The Director reported that Flintshire was one of the first Councils to pilot an initiative with two Local Authority homes and two from the independent sector where a range of individuals, including family members and workers within homes, could report issues.

The Chair was disappointed to note that only one prosecution had been made, despite the high number of referrals and work of those involved in putting together such cases. The Head of Social Services for Adults acknowledged this but pointed out that a less serious outcome would be expected from lower level complaints.

Councillor M. Bateman asked if unannounced checks were made on those in private properties in view of the statistics in the report. The Director said that there were currently no statutory powers to enter homes without permission although the proposed Bill would change this position.

Councillor H.J. McGuill commented that the Council should have a right to check provision of care that it was paying towards and asked about staff training in the private sector. The Adult Safeguarding Manager said that each care provider had a statutory obligation to provide required levels of staff training and that records were checked by Contract Monitoring Officers. When asked if this applied in all cases, the Head of Social Services for Adults recognised that this was a challenge but said that monitoring was carried out and concerns raised where inconsistencies were identified.

In relation to the pilot project discussed earlier, the Director said that Llys Gwenffrwd, Croes Atti, Hollybank were three of the four homes involved. Following further discussion on investment and the potential to link with rota visits, the Chair requested that further information be received in a report to a future meeting of the Committee.

Councillor Isherwood asked if only one prosecution had been made due to insufficient evidence on other cases. The Head of Social Services for Adults reiterated the differing nature of cases, but agreed to look at the detail and provide a response. The Adult Safeguarding Manager commented that the Police would be unable to take forward a successful prosecution unless a complainant came forward and that issues such as the mental health capacity of the complainant would need to be taken into consideration.

Resolved: