Safeguarding Adults from Abuse

Independence, Well being and Choice

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Adults

In 2000 'No Secrets' (Department of Health and Home Office), was published for use by all Health and Social Care organisations and the Police. It defined abuse as 'a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons'. 'No Secrets' was based on the premise that some groups of adults experience a higher incidence of abuse than the general population and that they are not easily able to access services to lead safer lives.

In 2005 the 'National Framework of Standards for Good Practice and Outcomes in Adult Protection Work' was published. The standards identified that 'much good work has been done to safeguard adults, but much more still remains. It is available on the on pdf on the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services website.

Since the publication of 'No Secrets' there have also been significant legal and policy changes relating to adult social and health care with a consequent refocusing of language and philosophy. In particular 'Fair Access to Care' (DH 2002) stresses 'risk to independence and well being' as the key criterion for determining eligibility for care services and replaces the concept of 'vulnerable adult' with an assessment of the risk posed by the abuse and neglect to the quality of life of the individual concerned.

The emphasis is now on empowering adults to access services of their own choosing in addition to acting to protect adults where this is necessary. The duty to provide protection to those who do not have mental capacity has become clearer (Mental Capacity Act 2005).

In recognition of the changing context, previous references to the protection of 'vulnerable adults' and to 'adult protection work' are replaced by the new term 'safeguarding adults'

Safeguarding Adults policy relates to all those adults who "may be eligible for community care services" i.e. those whose independence and Well-being would be at risk if they did not receive appropriate support and who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. This includes adults with physical, sensory and mental impairments and learning disabilities however those impairments have arisen, e.g. whether present from birth or due to advancing age, chronic illness or injury.

Safeguarding adults work is about preventing abuse and neglect as well as promoting good practice for responding to concerns on a multi-agency basis.

All people have a right to live a life that is free from violence and abuse. The experience of abuse and neglect has a significant impact on a person's health and well being.

Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures 2008

This document is the latest revised Berkshire multi-agency procedures dated 2008, aimed at preventing and responding effectively to safeguarding adults over 18 years who may experience an increased vulnerability- including elderly people, those with physical or learning disabilities, and those with mental health needs or sensory needs.

They were rewritten to reflect changes in legislation and the new set of national standards called "Safeguarding Adults - A National Framework of Standards for Good Practice and Outcomes in Adult Protection Work" October 2005. The standards were developed through the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) and are supported by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), Department of Health and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), as well as being endorsed locally.

Main Document

•   Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures (PDF 515KB)

Appendices

A: Annual Statement to the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board
B: Body Maps
C: West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults (Adult Protection) Referral Form
D: Information Sharing Protocol Summary

Section G: Useful Contact Numbers & Glossary
Section H: Safeguarding Adults Process Flowchart

•   Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures (514KB)

Outline Guide

•   Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Procedures - Outline Guide (45KB)

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