7.1 The collation of relevant information on a referral is crucial for the application of professional judgement. Wherever possible, information should be sought and recorded at the point of referral. If it is practical, describe the concerns as detailed by the adult. 7.2 While phone call referrals will be accepted from any agency, a written referral form should be completed within one working day and passed to Social Work Services. Agencies should use the AP1 to make a referral to Social Work Services.
7.3 However, some public bodies have their own nationally agreed ASP referral forms such as Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS. If you do not have all the information asked for in the form do not delay sending the referral to Social Work Services who will gather any further information as part of the ASP Inquiry process.
Screening and Triaging Referrals
7.4 The detailed procedure for screening and triaging referrals is set out in the Single Access Point Operating Procedures and the Adult MASH Standard Operating Procedures.
7.5 All referrals are dealt with by the Single Access Point and screened on the basis of the level of concern. All high-risk concerns are directed immediately to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). Where concerns do not require an ASP response, they will be directed to Social Work localities teams for Social Work support or closed if no further action is required.
7.6 Referrals received by the MASH will be triaged based on immediate risk of harm and level of concern and appropriate action taken to safeguard an individual or commence initial inquiries under a Duty to Inquire, based on reference to the 3-point criteria and the information provided in response to the 7 questions.
7.7 The 7 questions should be considered, when gathering information at each of point contact and at each stage of the Investigative process:
- What worries do you have that made you call us today?
- How safe is the adult?
- How safe do you think they will be tonight and tomorrow if nothing changes?
- How long have you been worried about this adult?
- What are you most worried about
- What have you done to help?
- What do you think given what you know this adult could be done to help?
7.8 Referrers should follow their own agency procedures for case recording.