Anti-social behaviour policy and procedure
Managing cases and assessing risk
Effective case management underpins the successful resolution of ASB. This starts from when a complaint is received until the matter is resolved. The welfare, safety and well-being of victims, whose complaints form the basis of any action, are the main consideration at every stage of the process.
We will use our electronic case management systems, relevant to the department leading the response to the case, to keep a full and accurate record of the initial complaint and any subsequent actions, communication and outcomes connected to it.
Assessing the risk of harm and effectively safeguarding the victim is also an important part of case management. It is important to identify the impact ASB is having on the victim, particularly if repeated incidents are having a cumulative effect on their well-being. A continuous and detailed risk assessment helps to identify cases that are causing, or could result in serious harm to the victim, either as a one-off incident or as part of a targeted and persistent campaign of ASB against the victim.
The partnership will agree timescales and create an action plan for responding to each reported case of ASB. It will also:
- support victims of ASB throughout the case working alongside partners to ensure that any support needs are met via a victim centred approach (for example, Victims Gateway, Challenge North Staffs)
- treat all reports as confidential unless considered that information should be shared for safeguarding purposes, or to prevent crime and disorder or where it is in the public interest
- share information only with other relevant organisations that can help with the problemand will observe data protection laws in accordance with the One Staffordshire Information Sharing Protocol
- ensure that criminal activities reported to us are promptly disseminated to the police
- register each case appropriately to maximise opportunities to achieve multi-agency cooperation
- fully investigate the complaint in accordance with relevant legislation
- formally close cases with full reasons for closure, giving feedback as appropriate, using the complainant's preferred method of correspondence
- should no further action be taken, explain this fully to the complainant and advise on self-help or other alternative courses of action whenever it is possible and appropriate.