Section 42 enquiries

The Care Act 2014 requires that a local authority must: “make enquiries, or cause others to do so, if it believes an adult is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.”

An enquiry should establish whether any action needs to be taken to prevent or stop abuse or neglect.

The Section 42 enquiry request form should be completed on every occasion when adult care (prevention and personalisation) requests external agencies or colleagues undertake further enquiries.

The practice guidance aims to provide information to support best practice for staff; from the point of receipt of a safeguarding referral, through to initial enquiries, Section 42 enquiries, safety planning and closure of safeguarding.