SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Table of contents

Introduction3

Defining abuse4

Types of abuse5

Community care policies and provisions since 1945.10

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and social work practice11

Conclusion14

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Introduction

The protection or safeguarding of vulnerable adults is an integral part of social work practice. However, many social workers are unsure of their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults. The abuse of vulnerable adults is a major concern. A survey published in 2007 showed that in the previous year, an estimated 227,000 older people experienced mistreatment by a family member, friend or care worker (O'Keeffe et al 2007).

A vulnerable adult has been defined as a person who is 18 years of age or over and requires a degree of care as a result of age, illness, mental status or physical disability. All adults have the potential to become vulnerable at some stage in their lives because of the ageing process or illness (for example, stroke or acute or chronic physical and/or mental illnesses), which cause them to become more dependent on others for their care needs. However, some people may be at particular risk as a result of their condition and social circumstances.

The social service provides family leisure involvement in the development of socio-cultural environment, extracurricular, cultural, sporting and other institutions, the creation of family entertainment centers, family clubs. Social service home care provides for the development of the branch network and centers of social and domestic care, expansion of services for the elderly, lonely and disabled people, to develop and improve systems for prosthetic and orthopedic care and special products to compensate for the defect and the ease of life. Therefore, all social workers need to be aware of the factors that may contribute to an individual's vulnerability.

Defining abuse

The DH and Home Office (2000) defined abuse as 'a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons'. Abuse may constitute a single act or repeated acts, it may be intentional or unintentional and cause harm temporarily or over a period of time. It can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to or exploitation of the person subjected to the abuse (DH and Home Office 2000). Social workers need to understand the principles of human rights and how they relate to patients in their care.

Human rights are basic rights that apply to all human beings. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was published by the United Nations General Assembly (1948). The declaration comprises a series of articles (statements) of human rights and serves as a framework to ensure people are treated equally and afforded respect and dignity. Issues regarded as basic human rights range from the right to adequate food and shelter to the right to be free from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. The declaration arose directly from the atrocities endured by people during the Second World War.

The European Convention on Human Rights was drafted by the Council of Europe in 1950 and came into force in 1953 (European Court ...