Living

Protection of Vulnerable Adults

Advice to all staff and people who have contact with vulnerable adults

Vulnerable adults are individuals who are or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and includes those who may be unable to either take care of themselves or protect themselves against harm or exploitation.

All public and voluntary organisations within the South Wales area are committed to the care, support and protection of vulnerable adults.

Whether you work directly with vulnerable adults or meet them as a member of the public, you have a duty to ensure that they are protected from any form of abuse or inappropriate care.

You must always ensure that your own behaviour does not cause distress or injury to any vulnerable adult you come into contact with.

If you suspect or are told that a vulnerable adult is being abused, you must follow the advice provided in this leaflet. If you have access to a copy of the South Wales Adult Protection Procedures, you should refer to Section 9: Response to alleged abuse and inappropriate care of vulnerable adults or alternatively, obtain this guidance from the SWAP Forum's website.

It is very important to remember that:

You must never assume that somebody else will recognise and report when vulnerable adults are at risk.
Any person who reports their concern has a right to be assured that these will be fully investigated.
Having regard to their mental capacity, all vulnerable adults have a right to self-determination and involvement in the decision making process.
If someone tells you that they or another vulnerable adult is being abused:
Do not give any undertaking of absolute confidentiality as you have a responsibility to disclose information to those who need to know.
Reassure them that the allegations/referral will be taken seriously.
Listen carefully and sympathetically and bear in mind that an adult with learning disability/sensory impairment will sometimes require a person specialising in communications skills.
If the abuse amounts to criminal assault, the Police should be contacted and any physical evidence preserved.
Avoid asking the victim leading questions about the alleged abuse and avoid intrusive questioning. Note what the vulnerable adult tells you using their exact words.
Do not confront the alleged abuser.
Report the details to your line manager or Designated Lead Manager without delay.
If a vulnerable adult is physically injured and appears in need of immediate medical assistance, you must summon help by calling n Ambulance or the person's own doctor.

If the behaviour of a co-worker, colleague or other member of staff causes you concern:

Do not dismiss your concerns.
Do not confront the person about whom you have concern.
If concerned about the conduct of a colleague in your work place, discuss these concerns with your line manager (or designated line manager if the concerns involve your line manager).
Never delay reporting your concerns to somebody who is in a position to take positive action and ensure that a proper investigation takes place. Do not worry about being mistaken it is better to have discussed your concerns with somebody who has the experience and responsibility to make an informed assessment and take positive action.

If unsatisfied with the response you receive or the vulnerable adult(s) remains at risk of abuse with no apparent action taken reduce the risk, follow up your concerns by contacting the person who is dealing with the matter. If you remain dissatisfied with their explanation, contact your own Designated Lead Manager, a social services lead manager or the Police direct if the abuse constitutes a criminal offence.

Details of your Designated Lead Manager can be found in sectoin16 of the Adult Protection Procedure or by accessing the South Wales Adult Protection Forum's website.

Visit our pages on the left to find out more information on Adult Protection Training, Information for the public, AAPC and our Contact Details.