Safeguarding Adults – Identifying and Responding to Home Takeover (formerly Cuckooing)

Overview

This course provides a practical and comprehensive overview of organised home takeover, often referred to as ‘cuckooing’, within a safeguarding context. Participants will develop an understanding of how organised criminal groups, including County Lines networks, exploit vulnerable adults, and how this differs from localised, opportunistic home takeover. The course supports learners to identify those most at risk, recognise key signs and indicators, and apply appropriate safeguarding responses. It also covers relevant legislation and statutory duties, alongside effective multi-agency working with police, housing providers, and partner agencies. Participants will explore the use of safeguarding measures, risk assessment tools, and legal interventions to disrupt exploitation, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed practice, ongoing support, and implementing preventative strategies to improve safety and outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

Who is Safeguarding Adults – Identifying and Responding to Home Takeover (formerly Cuckooing) aimed at?

Adult social care staff

Course Length

4 hours

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course delegates will be able to:-

• Understanding Organised Home Takeover and its Safeguarding Context
• Identifying Adults Most at Risk
• Recognising Key Signs and Indicators of organised Home Takeover
• Understand the difference between localised Home Takeover (opportunistic, local dealers), and organised Home Takeover (OCGs, County Lines and structured criminal networks) and how to appropriately respond to the former.
• Applying Relevant Legislation and Statutory Duties
• Working Effectively with Police and Multi Agency Partners
• Working with Housing Providers and other agencies
• Using Safeguarding Measures and Risk Assessment Tools
• Implementing Legal Measures and Prevention Strategies
• Trauma Informed Follow Up, Ongoing Support, and Monitoring Safety