Better protection for vulnerable adults

Agencies must investigate any allegation of mistreatment

News, 16 February 2007

MSPs have approved a bill that will give greater protection to vulnerable adults.

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill will give new powers and a statutory responsibility to local agencies to investigate any risk of harm or abuse to those living in care homes or in the community.

The new powers make it clear that agencies have a duty to act and will make it possible to investigate allegations of any form of mistreatment. In exceptional circumstances, a victim can be moved to a temporary place of safety and perpetrators can be excluded.

Local councils and their partners must also create adult protection committees made up of a wide range of interested parties including social workers, health staff and the police to oversee adult protection work and report to parliament.

David Manion, Chief Executive, Age Concern Scotland, said: "Scotland is now leading the way by legislating for improved safeguards and responses and is giving out a clear message that the mistreatment of any person will not be tolerated."

Part 1 of the Bill is concerned with adult protection. Parts 2 and 3 clarify aspects of both the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 while also making adjustments to the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.

Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said: "It's vital that we protect vulnerable adults from the risk of harm, whether this is caused by physical injury, neglect, sexual abuse or financial exploitation. This new legislation will mean that these often hidden problems can be tackled sensitively and constructively."