Adult Support and Protection Flashcards
What are the 5 R’s of reporting abuse?
What act is in place to provides ways to offer support and protection to certain adults thought or known to be at risk of harm?
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
What is teh definition of an “Adults at riks of harm” in the Act?
An “adult at risk of harm is defined as a person aged 16 or over who:
* Is at risk of harm;
* Is unable to safeguard their well being rights, property or other interests;
* Because of illness, disability mental disorder or physical or mental informality are more vulnerable to being harmed than an adult not so affected
Must be all 3 to apply
What are the different forms of harm?
Commonly more than one at a time
Harm is defined very broadly, and includes the catch all term of “any harmful conduct”
What are the signs of harm?
- Direct disclosure
- Unexplained or unusual injuries;
- A delay in seeking treatment for injuries or illness
- People being anxious or afraid;
- Misuse of medication, e.g. Not giving medicines properly;
- Pressure by family or professional(s) to have someone moved into or taken out of care
- Hostile or unkind behaviour by a person;
- Unexplained debt, not paying bills for services;
- Not having their basic needs met, such as adequate food or heating
Who may cause harm to anther adult individual?
- relatives and family members, professional staff,
paid care workers, - volunteers,
- other service users,
- neighbours,
- friends and associates,
- people who deliberately exploit adults at risk
strangers
What is the responsibility of a doctor in safeguarding wellfare of adulst at risk of harm?
- Immediate Safeguarding – make sure that all appropriate action is taken to make the patient/resident as safe as possible – consider other patients/residents as well
- Escalate and discuss within your supervisor or other senior staff member structure
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Report to local council as an adult protection concern if adult is potentially an adult at risk.
Report the area where harm occurred, not area the person normally resides
Details in the Interagency Adult Protection Procedures (also on intranet for NHG staff) and DATIX
How may healthcare staff report an adult protection concern?
- Report to local council as adult protection concern (using Interagency Adult Protection Procedures)
- DATIX
Although DATIX is not the same as an ASP report
What does social work do once they recieve an ASP reporting form?
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What does social work do once they recieve an ASP reporting form?
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What are the duties for NHSG staff in terms of ASP act?
Duties of co-operation:
* Will report all cases where an adult is considered at risk of harm to the Council and agree how to proceed with the investigation. This includes instances where the allegation is made against a NHSG employee (Section 5)
- Will co-operate with the Council making inquiries and with each other where that would assist the Council. Information and records regarding the adult will be provided when requested under the Act. (Section 10). This would include attendance at IRD, professional meetings and Case Conferences.
- A doctor, nurse or midwife may conduct a medical examination during a visit or part of an Assessment Order (Section 9)
- It is an offence to prevent or obstruct any person from acting under the Act and to refuse without reasonable excuse to provide information. (Section 49, 50)
Where must you go if unsure how to go about reporting a concern about an adult that may be at risk of abuse?
- Public Protection E-cards (Intranet)
- Discussion with Manager an/or Clinical Lead
- Seek specialist Advice/Support form Public Protection Team (Public protection on Intranet)
Never ‘sit’ on something you are worried about because you are not sure. Always discuss with your supervisor or other senior staff member and seek advice.
If you and a senior disagree about whether the adult is at risk fo abuse, must go to 3rd party to dicuss teh case for good practice.
Remember, ASP is everyone’s business. Please make sure you are trained, aware and know how to spot and report harm.
