Online Privacy

for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Abuse

A Framework for the Development of Policies and Procedures

Introduction

This code of practice sets out a multi-disciplinary policy framework in accordance with the Department of Health publication "No Secrets: Guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse" (March 2000).  This guidance builds on the Government’s respect for human rights and results from its firm intention to close a significant gap in the delivery of those rights alongside the coming into force of the Human Rights Act 1998.

This code of practice focuses on procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and also describes how organisations should respond if abuse is identified or disclosed.

All agencies must take account of the fact that abuse of vulnerable adults does occur.  It is essential that the response to all allegations must be in line with the guidance.

This guidance was reviewed in December 2003.  It will be reviewed again in April 2005.

• 1. Policy Framework
• 2. Defining who is at risk
• 3. The Categories of Abuse
• 4. Risks Arising from Self-Neglect or a Person's Own Behaviour or Lifestyle
• 5. Who Can be the Abuser?
• 6. In What Circumstances Can Abuse Occur?
• 7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
• 8. Recording Information
• 9. Unlawful Acts
• 10. Framework for Agencies to Develop Procedures When Dealing with the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Abuse
• 11. Lead Manager
• 12. The Responsibilities of the Lead Agency's Lead Manager
• 13. Investigators
• 14. The Role of the Area Adult Protection Committee
• 15. The Role of the Strategy Meeting
• 16. The Role of the Multi-Agency Adult Protection Case Conference
• 17. The Multi-Agency Adult Protection Review Conference
• 18. Agencies' Roles and Responsibilities
• Appendix I - The Legal Framework
• Appendix II - Levels of Risk Assessment
• Appendix III - Adult Protection Notification and Monitoring Form
• Appendix IV - Sources of Additional Information
• Glossary of Terms