Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Mike Bomford, Exeter 382173, November 25, 2008

The number of reports of abuse of vulnerable adults in Devon is on the increase, according to statistics from the Police and Devon County Council's Safeguarding Adults Team.

But the agencies stress that this is not an indication that such abuse is becoming more prevalent; it is because serious efforts have been made over the last year and a half to make it easier for people to report the abuse.

Devon County Council has a lead responsibility for coordinating how agencies including the Police, the Health Service, social housing providers and groups that represent vulnerable adults, work together in Devon to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. This is done through the Devon Safeguarding Adult Board and Safeguarding Adults Team.

The agencies' aim has been to increase public awareness of abuse, and to train people like GPs, care staff and other professionals whose work brings them face to face with vulnerable adults, how to recognise potential signs of abuse, and how to respond.

The number of safeguarding alerts in Devon has risen substantially from 252 incidents in 2006/2007 to 448 in 2007/2008 - an increase of 77%.

The County Council's Safeguarding Adults Team is expecting the figure to rise further, to around 702 alerts for 2008/2009.

Our current levels of alerts to abuse, and the continuing increase, follow a national pattern emerging across the country. It reflects growing public and professional awareness of the need to safeguard vulnerable adults.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Government's care services watchdog, has focussed particular attention on this issue to raise its awareness.

In addition to raising public awareness of abuse, Devon's Safeguarding Adult Team and partner agencies continue to develop and improve how they respond to reported concerns.

As part of Community Safety Partnership work with the Police, Devon County Council works directly with vulnerable adults, such as people with learning disabilities, to educate people how to keep themselves safe. A scheme is being developed whereby people with a learning or other disability can go to registered signposted shops for help if they feel frightened or at risk while they are out.

The Council is also developing advocacy services for all adults who are receiving social care, which is important to enable vulnerable people to report experiences of abuse.

Devon County Council's Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, Cllr Hugo Barton, said:

"Everybody should have their basic human rights respected, especially at times when they may have difficulty in protecting themselves due to illness or disability. Agencies in Devon are working together to tackle abuse and to protect people from mistreatment, exploitation and neglect.

"We have been making it easier for people to report concerns about possible abuse of vulnerable adults, either to the Police, or to Devon County Council's Care Direct service on 0845 1551 007, or to any health or social care professional."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Northcott of Devon and Cornwall Police's Crime Standards Unit, said:

"The police and Devon County Council's Safeguarding Adults Team have been working in partnership to deliver a service which meets the needs of all concerned. I have been impressed by the progress that has been made and the dedication of the staff involved to deliver a service to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"The increase in referrals is a positive indicator that this hard work is paying off. We have openly encouraged people to report issues which previously would not have come to our attention. This enables us to take joint positive action against those that may be involved and to protect any identified victims. "

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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