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Protecting adults
If you are worried because you or someone you know is being harmed or suffering from neglect, you can telephone the National Helpline by calling 0845 389 4000. You can also phone the Police or your local Social Work Office:
If you are an organisation which provides care and support services to adults, you can report your concerns by filling out a Fife Adult Cause for Concern Referral Form which is available from the Publications section of this page. There are also Guidance Notes on how to complete the Referral Form.
Staff who have access to FISH can find the current Process Map for Adult Protection Referrals by following: http://190.1.145.60/fish/ProcessManagement/Social_Work_Services/index.htm and then go to ‘Service Areas’ – Adult & Older People’s Services, then click on ‘Joint Procedures’ – Vulnerable Adults Process
Who are 'adults at risk?'
The Adult Support and Protection Act defines 'adults at risk' as individuals aged 16 years or over who:
- are unable to protect themselves, their property, rights or other interests
- are at risk of harm and
- have a disability, mental illness, or physical or mental infirmity.
What is the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act?
The Scottish Government introduced new legislation in Oct 2008 (Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007) which provides the local authority with new powers to intervene to protect adults at risk of harm. The Act means that effective early intervention can be made where it is necessary, with the emphasis on preventing harm happening in the first place.
What will happen if I report an incidence of harm?
Fife Council has a duty to inquire and investigate cases where harm is known or suspected. Social Work staff and other professionals like Healthcare staff will work closely with the adult at risk to decide together what action is best. If appropriate the family of the adult at risk will also be involved in the decision making.
What is harm?
Harm includes:
- physical harm: Slapping, punching, biting, hitting, shaking and kicking are all forms of physical harm.
- psychological harm: Being humiliated, intimidated, shouted at, threatened, bullied or constantly criticised. It can also mean being controlled by someone, ignored or left alone.
- sexual harm: Any sexual activity that a person doesn't feel comfortable with, doesn't want or doesn't understand.
- financial harm: Feeling under pressure to hand over money or possessions. Exploitation of property or welfare benefits or stopping someone getting their money or possessions. Stealing, cheating or fraud. Being under pressure to re-write a will.
- neglect: This can involve denying someone food or heating, medication, privacy, dignity or physical care. It can also mean self-neglect.
Where can harm happen?
Harm can happen anywhere. It can happen in the family home, in a hospital ward, care home, day centre, at work or in public places.
Who causes harm?
It could be anyone.
What are the Fife Revised multi-agency Vulnerable Adult Protection Procedures?
These procedures support the safeguarding of adults at risk of harm and give guidance to staff as to what action to take if it is reported that an adult is at risk. Fife takes the protection of vulnerable adults extremely seriously and the revised guidelines give clarity to all staff involved in their care and the part they play in meeting the legislation. These procedures highlight the need for all agencies to work together to make sure that people in the community who are at risk of harm are appropriately supported.
For more information contact
Shona Davidson, Communications Officer, Adult Support and Protection TeamTel: 08451 55 55 55 + Ext 44 21 34 Contact Shona Davidson online
By Post: Fife Council, Auchterderran Centre, 14 Woodend Road, Auchterderran, Lochgelly KY5 0NE