Adult protection and support

We all know that children need to be protected, but sometimes adults, due to their vulnerabilities, need to be protected too. Adult protection is everyone's responsibility:

• What you need to know
• The rights of every individual
• Who are adults at risk?
• What is harm?
• Where does harm take place?
• What to do and who to contact
• What support is available?
• Useful contacts

 

What you need to know

It is not always the case that adults are able to protect and care for themselves. Some adults are particularly vulnerable to harm. All citizens, organisations and agencies have a responsibility to participate in adult protection.

In Aberdeenshire, the Grampian adult protection procedures give organisations / individuals guidance on reporting and responding to situations where it is suspected, alleged or known that a vulnerable adult has been abused.

More information is in our adult protection leaflet:

• Adult protection leaflet (pdf 705kb)

You can also view our hard hitting advertising campaign about the importance of adult protection:

 

The rights of every individual

Every individual has a right to:

• a life free from fear

• be treated with dignity

• have their choice respected and not be forced to do anything against their will

 

Who are adults at risk?

“Adult” means an individual aged sixteen years or over. Adults at risk have additional support needs and are dependent on others. They might be:

• older people who are dependent on the help of others

• people with learning disabilities

• people with a physical or sensory impairment

• people with mental health problems

• people unable to protect themselves from serious harm or being taken advantage of

• people who are controlled or suppressed by dominant partners

 

Most adults with additional support needs manage to live their lives comfortably and securely, either independently or with help from caring relatives, friends, neighbours, professionals or volunteers. However, for a small number, dependence on someone may produce conflict, exploitation and harm.

 

What is harm?

“Harm” includes all hurtful conduct and, in particular, includes:

• conduct which causes physical harm - including that of a sexual nature

• conduct which causes psychological harm - for example by causing fear, alarm or distress

• unlawful conduct which appropriates or adversely affects property, rights or interests - for example, theft, fraud, embezzlement or extortion

• conduct which causes self-harm

 

Where does harm take place?

Any adult at risk, man or woman, can experience harm or be at risk of harm in their own home, care homes, day services or hospitals.

 

What to do and who to contact?

If you are being harmed, or are concerned that someone you know may be at risk of harm you should speak to someone about it.

It is everyone’s responsibility to play a part in adult protection and the protection of vulnerable people. Information and advice will be offered so that the person and their family can decide what practical help they need or what action they wish to take. If they are unable to make a decision, care will be taken to support and protect them.

If you, or the person being harmed, is in immediate danger you should ring the police on 999.

If it is less urgent, you can contact us at the Adult Protection network on 01651 871246 or e-mail us at adultprotectionnetwork@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

You can contact the emergency out of hours social work service on 0845 840 0070. This service is available through the night and at weekends.

The Council has a duty to investigate an alleged incident of harm. The investigation will be handled sensitively and the adult's wishes are considered. If the concerns are serious, we will act immediately to make sure the adult at risk is safe.

 

What support is available?

If you are, or if you are caring for, an adult at risk we can provide a range of services which help people to remain independent in their own home or local community. Services such as home care, meals at home, support when leaving hospital, sheltered housing, supported living, and assistance finding and keeping a job.

If you, or the person you are caring for, feel you / they need our support we will assess your / their needs to decide if you / they are eligible to receive these services.

 

Useful contacts

Grampian Police Service Centre (routine contact)	0845 600 5700
In case of emergency	999
Aberdeeshire Adult Protection	01651 871246
Aberdeen City Adult Protection	01224 522055
Moray Adult Protection	03001 230897
Grampian NHS	0845 456 6000
Advocacy	01467 651 604
Age Scotland Helpline	0845 125 9732 (local call rate) Textphone: 0845 226 5851
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline	Tel: 080 8808 8141
Care Inspectorate	01224 793 870
Mental Welfare Commission	0131 222 6111
Office of Public Guardian	0131 222 6111
Public Concern at Work	020 7404 6609
Scottish Women's Aid	0800 027 1234
Witness Against Abuse by Health & Care Workers	08454 500 300