A multi-agency response and joint working is essential to addressing concerns around cuckooing.

Camden SAPB have produced a Cuckooing flow chart which outlines the process to follow when a safeguarding referral is raised and identifies the role of different partners, such the Police, Adult Social care, Housing and Community Safety, in addressing cuckooing concerns.

You can also read Camden SAPB's full Multi-Agency Cuckooing Guidance for information about how to respond. This includes guidance on issues of consent, mental capacity and explains some of the interventions that may be required.

Actions should include:

• Raise a safeguarding concern and address any immediate risks
• If the individual meets the three statutory criteria under the Care Act, progress to a section 42.2 Safeguarding Enquiry. If they do not, a non-statutory enquiry could be considered where appropriate.
• Assess capacity and consider advocacy needs. Be aware of the impact of coercion and control on capacity.
• The adult at risk may need to be moved to alternative, temporary or emergency accommodation.
• It may be necessary to progress to legal enforcement in the form of a Closure Order.
• Consider referral to the Camden High Risk Advisory Group when single and multi-agency risk processes have been implemented following a concern, yet the risk of harm still remains high.
• Consider referral to MARAC, a multi-agency meeting where information on adults at risk is shared to draw up safety plans. The Community MARAC in Camden is led by Community Safety. They can support with coordinating a multi-agency meeting with the relevant agencies and the Council’s legal team to explore the most appropriate course of action.

For further support and to discuss a potential Community MARAC referral please speak to a Community Safety Officer or email [email protected]

• Review the safeguarding plan and risks at regular intervals. A multi-agency risk assessment with appropriate safety planning and a protection plan should be put in place before a victim returns to the property to prevent reoccurrence. 
• Consider appropriate preventative services that will minimise the risk of cuckooing occurring, such as the Integrated Camden Drug service, Community Safety, Mental Health services, and health and social care support services that make adults at risk less reliant on criminals for their care and support needs.
• Consider issues of social isolation and loneliness that make people more vulnerable to this form of exploitation, and support with finding alternative forms of companionship and support networks.