Learning from safeguarding adult reviews about Transitional Safeguarding: building an evidence base

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to set out the evidence base to date for Transitional Safeguarding to support authors of Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) where Transitional Safeguarding is a key theme in the review. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on key evidence from several published sources about Transitional Safeguarding in England. This evidence is presented in this paper as a framework for analysis to support SAR authors. It follows the same four domains framework used in other adult safeguarding reviews: direct work with individuals; team around the person; organisational support for team members; and governance. This framework was then applied to two SARs written by two of the article’s authors. Findings The framework for analysis for Transitional Safeguarding SARs was applied as part of the methodology of two separate SARs regarding three young people. Key reflections from applying the framework to both SARs are identified and discussed. These included: providing an effective framework for analysis which all participants could use and a contribution for developing knowledge. Whilst many issues arising for safeguarding young people are similar to those for other adults, there are some unique features. The ways in which the gaps between children and adults systems play out through inter-agency and multi-professional working, as well as how “lifestyle choices” of young people are understood and interpreted are key issues. Practical implications This paper presents an evidence base regarding Transitional Safeguarding for SAR authors who are tasked with completing a SAR where Transitional Safeguarding is a key theme. Originality/value This paper draws together key literature and evidence about Transitional Safeguarding practice with young people. This paper argues that this framework for analysis provides SAR authors with a useful tool to support their analysis in this complex area of practice.

Hope springs: further learning on self-neglect from safeguarding adult reviews and practice

“…Self-neglect continues to be the most frequently reviewed type of abuse and neglect (Preston-Shoot et al, 2022) and is clearly challenging for practitioners and services. Continual witnessing of shortcomings as evidenced through SARs can feel heavy (Pillow, 2019), dispiriting and "soul destroying for those involved [46]".…”

Social workers and safeguarding adult reviews (SARs)– an exploration of the stories that are told and the narratives that they hold

“…However, it is arguable that discussions within SARs about social work practice may be orientated around the discourses of “what went wrong?” or “did we fail?”; alongside seeking examples of “good practice”. Several social work researchers have warned about the limitations of exploring social work from this position (Kettle, 2018; Martineau and Manthorpe, 2020; Preston-Shoot et al , 2022), suggesting that dominant discourses of harm and failure might be damaging to social work practice. If the only available narratives about social work are negative, will social work practice wisdom be fated to be negative from the outset?…”

“…If the only available narratives about social work are negative, will social work practice wisdom be fated to be negative from the outset? – tipping a curve towards defensive practice by professionals (Preston-Shoot et al , 2022).…”

“…Whilst SARs are relatively new, the pre-dominant academic interest has been the contribution of SARs to the evidence base for best practice in relation to specific categories of service user need. SARs have been analysed to present evidence for best practice in relation to specific safeguarding issues, for example, preventing skin deterioration and pressure ulcers (Manthorpe and Martineau, 2017), supporting individuals with acquired brain injury (Holloway and Norman, 2022) and developing safer transitions for young people moving from Children’s Social Services into Adult Services (Preston-Shoot et al , 2022). In addition, there has been substantial analysis of SARs in the pursuit of developing an evidence base for best practice in relation to individuals who experience self-neglect and homelessness (Martineau and Manthorpe, 2020; Preston-Shoot, 2016, 2017, 2018).…”

“…"; alongside seeking examples of "good practice". Several social work researchers have warned about the limitations of exploring social work from this position (Kettle, 2018;Martineau and Manthorpe, 2020;Preston-Shoot et al, 2022), suggesting that dominant discourses of harm and failure might be damaging to social work practice. If the only available narratives about social work are negative, will social work practice wisdom be fated to be negative from the outset?tipping a curve towards defensive practice by professionals (Preston-Shoot et al, 2022).…”