Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
6. Safeguarding Adults
6.1. Who could be classed as a vulnerable adult?
Everyone has the right to live their life free from abuse, violence and fear. We should all be treated with respect and dignity, choose how to live our lives independently and receive support in doing this.
Definition of vulnerable adult
The Police Act 1997 (Enhanced Criminal Record Certificates) (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) Regulations 2002 defines a vulnerable adult as:
"2.—(1) In these Regulations “vulnerable adult” means a person aged 18 or over who is receiving services of a type listed in paragraph (2) below and in consequence of a condition of a type listed in paragraph (3) below has a disability of a type listed in paragraph (4) below.
(2) The services are—
(a)accommodation and nursing or personal care in a care home;
(b)personal care or nursing or support to live independently in his own home;
(c)any services provided by an independent hospital, independent clinic, independent medical agency or National Health Service body;
(d)social care services; or
(e)any services provided in an establishment catering for a person with learning difficulties.
(3) The conditions are—
(a)a learning or physical disability;
(b)a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs; or
(c)a reduction in physical or mental capacity.
(4) The disabilities are—
(a)a dependency upon others in the performance of, or a requirement for assistance in the performance of, basic physical functions;
(b)severe impairment in the ability to communicate with others; or
(c)impairment in a person’s ability to protect himself from assault, abuse or neglect.
(5) In this regulation “care home”, “independent clinic”, “independent hospital”, “independent medical agency” and “National Health Service body” have the same meanings as in the Care Standards Act 2000(1)." (Legislation.gov.uk, 2002)
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities offers the following definition:
"The NHS defines vulnerable adults as any adult (person over the age of 18) unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from exploitation.
Many factors can influence adult vulnerability, experiences of vulnerability in childhood may negatively impact adults in later life – particularly if someone has fewer protective factors in place, such as a supportive family or a stable household income." (Gov.uk, 2023)
Blackpool Council offer this definition:
"Adults at risk are people over the age of 18 years old who:
Are at risk of harm and unable to safeguard themselves as a result of having health or social care needs.
• Are unable to safeguard their own well-being, rights, property or other interests
• Are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from exploitation or significant harm.
• May have mental health issues, a disability, are old and frail or have some form of illness." (Blackpool Council, 2023)