VARMs can apply to anyone with mental capacity aged 18 years and over who is at risk of serious harm or death. This can be through self-neglect or other risk taking behaviour including self-harm or refusal or disengagement of services.

The VARM process is a multi-agency risk assessment meeting where actions are assigned to alleviate the risk.

In accordance with national policy and the Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board VARM framework, in order to consider a person for a VARM meeting all the following criteria should apply:

• A person must have capacity to make decisions and choices regarding their life

• There is a risk of serious harm or death by self-neglect, fire, deteriorating health condition, non-engagement with services or where an adult is targeted by local community, is the victim of Hate Crime or Anti-Social Behaviour or the victim of sexual violence and they do not meet the criteria for Safeguarding

• There is a public safety interest

• There are high levels of concerns from partner agencies.

If you have identified a person at risk or require any advice telephone: 01246 242424 and ask to speak to a VARM Champion.