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Other reviews and learning beyond Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs)

In addition to Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs), a range of other review processes play a vital role in strengthening safeguarding practice and improving outcomes for children and vulnerable adults. These include Child Safeguarding Practice (CS) Rapid Reviews, Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs), and Drug and Alcohol Related Death (DARD) Rapid Reviews. Each provides valuable insight into how services work together and how risks can be better identified, managed and reduced.

Children's Safeguarding Group Practice Reviews focus on learning from cases involving children, helping agencies understand what worked well and where improvements are needed. Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews examine the circumstances surrounding domestic abuse-related deaths to identify opportunities for earlier intervention, improved professional curiosity, and more effective multi-agency responses. Drug and Alcohol Reviews explore the impact of substance misuse on individuals and families, highlighting how addiction can increase vulnerability and intersect with other safeguarding risks.

Learning from these reviews is shared across partner agencies to drive service improvement, inform training, and strengthen policies and procedures. By embedding this learning into everyday practice, agencies are better equipped to recognise risk, respond earlier, and work collaboratively to protect children and support vulnerable adults, ultimately contributing to safer communities and improved life outcomes.

Referral processes

Drug and Alcohol Related Death (DARD) Rapid Review Domestic Abuse Related Death Review (DARDR)Child Safeguarding Practice (CSP) Rapid Review
Trigger: Notification via police, coroner, or drug services.Trigger: Written referral from any partner agency.Trigger: Form A referral within 48 hours of incident.
Process:
  • Partners provide 6-month history via encrypted email.
  • Panel meets every 3 weeks (chaired by Public Health).
  • Services can provide the 6‑month information prior to the meeting (preferred)or brought the information verbally to the meeting.
Process:
  • DHR Core Group assesses within 30 days.
  • If criteria met: Chair and Author appointed, DARDR panel agreed.
  • Chronologies and IMRs produced by DARDR panel for Chair and Author to review.
  • Final report and action plan presented to Domestic Abuse Partnership Board (DAPB) and submitted to Home Office for approval.
Process:
  • Local Case Review Group convened within 2 days to make recommendation to GSCP Executive as to whether referral meets the criteria for a Serious Child Safeguarding Incident (SCSI).
  • Executive to consider recommendation and if SCSI is met, to notify National Panel within 5 days.
  • Review meeting held; draft report developed and endorsed by Executive.
Outcomes:
  • Immediate harm prevention actions.
  • Long-term service/system improvements.
  • Learning shared via Drug and Alcohol Strategy Group.
Outcomes:
  • Final report published on Gateshead Council website.
  • Action plan monitored by DAPB.
Outcomes:
  • Report submitted to National Panel within 15 days of notification.
  • Response reviewed; next steps outlined.
  • Learning monitored by the Scrutiny and Assurance Group.

 

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