Safeguarding Adults
Information about safeguarding vulnerable adults.
Here you can find out about who is a vulnerable adult, what we mean by abuse and what can be done about it.This website gives advice on what you should do if you suspect someone you know is suffering from abuse, or if you think you are being abused yourself. You will also be able to find information about the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and how this important piece of legislation protects vulnerable people who lack mental capacity. In order to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse, it is important that we work together. Professionals need to work with vulnerable adults and their families as well as in partnership with other agencies, including the Police and Health. |  |
A vulnerable adult is:
- a person "who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness,
- and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself,
- or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation", (see "No Secrets" - Section 2.3.).*
Abuse is:
- A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. (See "No Secrets" - Section 2.5.)
- Abuse can consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal, or psychological.
- It may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented or cannot consent.
- Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it. (See "No Secrets" - Section 2.6.)
*'No Secrets' is a publication of the Department of Health, click here to follow a link to the document.
What do I do about it? If you suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused you should make a ‘Safeguarding Alert’. You can do this by telephoning Care Direct. A decision will then be taken about what to do next.
To help you find more detailed information and guidelines,
this site has been separated into three main areas:
Follow this link to go to our factsheet page and scroll down to, 'safety in the home
and personal safety' for further information. On this page you will find Factsheets
FS12 - Safeguarding Adults from Abuse, FS14 - Mental Capacity Act, and FS104 -
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
In addition there are a wide range of factsheets on other social care issues.
Including service providers. This includes Devon’s Multi-Agency Policy and Procedures.
You will also find guidance to inform your professional practice,
with regard to Safeguarding Adults and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Including the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards 2008.
Workforce Development
Follow the link below to find out more about workforce development and training for Devon County Council staff, partner organisations and other social care providers in Devon
