Public reports pack PDF 3 MB - Blaby District Council

3.2 Blaby District Council will use all the sources of information available to
help us to identify vulnerability. It is more difficult where a vulnerable
person is not on our radar and this is where we need staff and
councillors to share knowledge with the Community Services Team.
The sharing of this information then allows the team to support the
vulnerable person using a range of tools that are available to us.
3.3. The current service provision at BDC has a breadth of experience of
supporting people in independent living across a wide range of client
groups such as, households where there is Domestic Abuse; rehousing
of high risk offenders, drug and alcohol users, families with complex
needs, children with behavioral difficulties; etc. Many of the service
users span several groups and over 30% have mental health
difficulties. BDC workers have developed skills and expertise at
working with clients on many issues simultaneously.
3.4. Alongside this the Vulnerable People & Places Forum (VPPF) allows
those individuals or families that are identified by other teams within the
local authority, partners and other external organisations to be brought
to a multi agency meeting to discuss their needs and ensure the
relevant support is put in place. A single referral process is used which
all internal teams and external agencies have adopted.
3.5. In anti social behaviour cases a ‘vulnerability matrix’ is completed
which prompts a series of questions and subject areas aimed at being
able to identify and determine the extent of vulnerability. Where the
matrix comes out as high risk then a referral to the Vulnerable People
and Places Forum (VPPF) is made automatically.
3.6. The completion of the referral form and in ASB cases the vulnerability
matrix enables us to assess what support if any is required. In
particular we will ensure;
• Appropriate agencies are advised of the service user’s circumstances
and if required a referral made for specialist support
• Policy and procedures are adopted and regularly reviewed to ensure
synergy across disparate teams
• Capture and record all relevant details and actions through the VPPF
• Where appropriate hold to account agencies to ensure actions are
followed through.
• Individual/family will remain as a case at the VPPF until their risk has
been reduced or the case has moved to the responsibility of one
agency.
3.7. The purpose of identifying potential vulnerability is to ensure that the
service provided is wherever possible tailored to meet the needs of the
individual. Where we do not directly provide a service, identifying
vulnerability can prompt staff to signpost people to relevant
organisations that can provide support.
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