,
At The Owl’s Nest people work on recovery, rhythm and practical next steps. Sometimes we notice signals that relate to safety or serious concerns. We are not a treatment provider and we do not provide medical care, but we do take signals seriously and we act when needed.
This page explains how we look at signals, what we record internally, and when we escalate. We keep this practical and as non-burdensome as possible. When details about a person are needed, we always coordinate via a safe route.
If we are unsure, we first discuss a signal internally. We only escalate externally after consultation, and only if at least a second core team member agrees with the assessment or has previously noticed indications that make the signal more urgent.
If there is immediate risk, we act practically first: creating calm, keeping distance where needed, setting boundaries, and making the situation safe. Where possible we stay in conversation and take someone seriously. If a situation is outside our role or capacity, we escalate to appropriate help.
In urgent situations:
If someone gives hints, refers to thoughts of ending their life, idealises it, or otherwise sounds severely despairing, we stay nearby where possible and keep the conversation going. We take the person seriously, keep contact open, and consult internally. Depending on the urgency and the moment, we may also contact the GP, out-of-hours GP service, 113, or 112.
Where appropriate, we support the participant in calling 113. In very acute situations we act immediately via 112.
Sometimes we see acute distress without any mention of thoughts of ending one’s life. Think of someone becoming confused, overwhelmed, shutting down, no longer able to understand what is happening, or panicking. The same principle applies: create calm, stay nearby if it is safe, and keep the conversation going where possible. We discuss this internally and escalate via the GP/out-of-hours GP service, or via 112 if there is immediate danger.
We also coordinate with the referrer when that is appropriate. With a treatment provider this can be more specific, for example as a second opinion or to share signals. With an employer, job coach or reintegration coach we are more restrained and share only what is needed for safety and the continuation of the pathway.
If we see signals that may point to domestic violence or child abuse, we discuss this internally and follow the domestic violence and child abuse reporting code. We record internally what we saw or heard and which steps we took.
In some situations, informing the participant can increase the risk of escalation. In that case we do not inform the participant (right away). Depending on the seriousness and the signals, we contact appropriate help, such as the GP, out-of-hours GP service, or 112.
If the referrer is an employer, job coach or reintegration coach, we do not inform them about these types of signals. Where coordination is needed, this is handled through appropriate care channels.
Substance use directly affects safety, especially in a workshop with machines and tools. We address it and make a safe decision together for that moment. If it happens repeatedly, a pathway or support may be paused (temporarily).
This aligns with our house rules. See also Calm, atmosphere and house rules.
Boundary-crossing behaviour includes, for example, intimidation, threats, discrimination, sexual boundary violations, stalking-like situations, or behaviour that makes others feel unsafe. We take this seriously and act practically: setting boundaries, stopping when necessary, and restoring a safe situation. Depending on the severity, we record what happened and which measures follow.
In pathways, coordination with a referrer may be part of the collaboration. Who “the referrer” is matters for what we share:
We may contact a referrer or other suitable involved parties if that is necessary for safety or if we are legally obliged to do so. We share only the details needed to explain the situation and inform the participant where possible.
When we act on a signal, immediate danger, or an incident, we record it internally. We note what is needed to act carefully and later reconstruct what happened. This includes who was present, what was seen or discussed, which actions were taken, who was informed, and what the response was. Where possible we also include relevant call logs.
This record is stored in the relationship file and is only accessible to the core team. If staff, volunteers or instructors are involved or need to take action, we share only what they need: what to watch for, how to act, and what support is available.
If information needs to be exchanged that contains personal data, we agree together how to do that safely. For sending personal data or reports we use a secure connection; we use Zivver for this. On request, exchange can also take place by post or in another suitable way.
If a signal or event is also about handling, communication or agreements, it may also be a complaint. See Complaints procedure for pathways and support and Complaints procedure for visitors and workshops.
How we store and secure data is described in Privacy. For privacy questions or GDPR requests, please email privacy@the-owls-nest.nl.
Copyright © 2026, ASK-Solutions · The Owl’s Nest is an initiative of ASK-Solutions
info@the-owls-nest.nl
+31(0)23 369 0 269
Privacy Policy