Rochford review

Essex Adult Social Care should remind all domiciliary care providers that where there is a concern that a person with care and support needs is being the subject of coercion or controlling behaviour by another, a safeguarding referral should be made.

Essex Adult Social Care should consider how practitioners can be encouraged to consider the possibility that a person is being subject of coercive or controlling behaviour and how this is impacting on their ability to make independent and uninfluenced decisions.

Essex Adult Social Care should ensure that: -
• Assessments include the views of other relevant persons, carers and family members, and this is recorded.
• Where the local authority is to charge for care and support, there has been a financial assessment, of which the person has a copy, and the person is clear on what the charge will be, and what assistance may be available.

Essex Safeguarding Adult Board should be assured that the recommendation from the previous review in the case of Kimmi has clarified the pathways for persons suffering dementia and that there is clear support and review post diagnosis. This should include ensuring clarity in ongoing prescription of medication.

Essex Safeguarding Adult Board and Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board should reiterate to agencies of the partnerships that practitioners accurately record a person’s details who are referred to and involved in a person’s care.

Essex Safeguarding Adult Board should seek reassurance that delays in response from ASC from contact by professionals and the public has been addressed.

Essex Adult Social Care should ensure: -
• That when reviews are being undertaken which may lead to the removal of a care package that previous concerns and risks are considered.
• That the person’s finances are considered as a possible reason for the request for the care and support to be terminated.
• That there is clear guidance to professionals in what circumstances legal advice is sought in cases where the person is considered to have mental capacity but is considered to be vulnerable.

All agencies should ensure that their practitioners understand their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act in accordance with their roles.

Essex Adult Social Care should consider the learning from recent Safeguarding Adult Reviews regarding the lack of understanding in considering and undertaking carer assessments and develop processes to ensure that the gap is closed. This should be overseen and monitored by the Safeguarding Adults Board.

All agencies when delivering services and support to a person should consider the Think Family approach. The Safeguarding Adults Board should consider how this can be promoted.