It is recognised that one-to-one support may be deemed necessary as a safeguarding measure to support crisis intervention by mitigating or reducing risk. One-to-one must not be regarded as a ‘quick win’ or a long-term solution. The purpose is to reduce immediate risks to the individual or those around them, however, it is unlikely to remove risk altogether, and the restrictive and intensive nature of the support must be balanced at all times with the best interests of the person.
When considering one-to-one support as a safeguarding measure, this protocol must still be followed, and all less restrictive and intrusive support options must be explored, with evidence documented. Once all other support options have been explored, if one-to-one support is still deemed appropriate, it must be clearly evidenced and documented how one-to-one support will mitigate or reduce risk.
It is also important to recognise that the presence of close monitoring and one-to-one support, although intended to minimise risk of harm to the individual / others, can have a negative impact on a person’s wellbeing, and as a result can lead to escalation due to the restriction on the individual’s freedom. The balance of safety and intrusion is to be considered at all times as the consequences can be significant. Continued escalation can lead to a further reliance on increased staffing, funding for which may not be sustainable in the longer term.
As a safeguarding measure we must consider the experience of the individuals who are in receipt of one-to-one support, thinking about what they may be feeling, in line with the principles of ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’ enshrined in the Care Act 2014. Where the person has cognitive impairment, intervention must follow legislation and guidance under the Mental Capacity Act and adhere to the principles of Best Interest decision making, the person / family / representatives (as appropriate or possible)
must be fully involved in the decision and any reviews.
The actual objective and outcomes of the one-to-one support as a safeguarding measure must be carefully considered before, during and after implementation.
