The Management and Practice of Joint Adult Protection Investigations between Health and Social Services: Issues Arising from a Training Intervention

Abstract

The implementation of government policy for the protection of vulnerable adults [Department of Health (2000) No Secrets] has set expectations for the development of multi‐agency policies and procedures in adult protection in England. Multi‐agency working in adult protection mainly concerns complex cases involving more than one service user or where a number of managers or practitioners are involved. However, these also tend to be the most serious abuse cases where the necessity for effective inter‐agency co‐ordination collaboration between social services authorities (local authorities) and health trusts (NHS) is most acute, especially with the development of partnership working such as in learning disability [Department of Health (2001) Valuing People]. Moreover, effective collaboration with the police in the conduct of adult protection casework and process is required for cases where criminal offences may have been committed. These demands put high expectations on the professionals involved. Based on a series of joint training interventions between social services and health personnel in Kent, this paper identifies key issues for the effective performance of joint adult protection investigations and maps both the challenges and management and practice competencies required. Potential solutions to the complexities of managing multi‐agency investigations in adult protection were identified with potential relevance to improving adult protection case management and co‐ordination more widely.