Adult Protection & Vulnerable Adults

1. Adult Protection & Vulnerable Adults

2. The extent of the problem: SCC AP referrals 2005-6 • 145 referrals went through AP process • >50% related to older adults –75+ with OPHM needs most at risk • 60% victims female, 60% perpetrators male • >50% cases –abuse occurs at home • 30% -abuse occurs in residential care –including hospital settings • > 30% abuser is paid carer, >30% abuser relative or partner • 125% increase in referrals from previous year

3. Who is vulnerable? • 18+ yrs old • In need of community care services • Mental or other disability –age or illness • Unable to take care of themselves • Unable to protect themselves against harm or exploitation • Mental Capacity

4. What affects vulnerability? • Social exclusion • Dependency on others – mobility, access to information and services, control of finances, ADLs • Social acceptability of low standards of care • Social acceptability of domestic abuse • Dynamics of power within institutional care settings –this includes hospitals

5. What is abuse? • Violation of human and/or civil rights • Causing harm by someone in a position of power, authority or trust –Harm may be: • Physical • Psychological • Emotional • Sexual • Financial • Neglect • Discriminatory • Institutional

6. Zero Tolerance • A multi-agency approach (No Secrets, DoH 2000) • All causes for concern should be reported – the ALERT system • Investigations should run in tandem with complaints, Personnel, Professional Regulatory bodies (NMC, GMC)

7. Institutional Abuse • Rigid routines and regimes • Lack of choice and consultation • Poor quality environment • Staff focussed • Low staff morale • Lack of staff training • No evidence of effective policies and procedures

8. Who can abuse? • Anyone – • Relatives • Informal Carers • Paid Carers • Professionals • Strangers • Neighbours • Other service users

9. Adult Protection in SUHT • Adult Protection Alert Process piloted in A&E since July 05 and now Trustwide • Alert Forms revised to include guidance notes and referral contact details • Is now reconfigured as Adult Protection Steering Group to monitor AP policy implementation.

10. Progress to date: • Policy approved and launched July 06 • ALERT forms implemented across Trust –download from Suhtranet • Single point of access for ALERTS within hours – 2 access points for OOH • Training the Trainers completed • Training programme devised for roll-out over next 12 months – MEC lead: Claire Rogers, Cancer Care, Nikki McKeag

11. Key Principles • First Priority –ENSURE SAFETY OF VULNERABLE ADULT • Raise an ALERT –follow SUHT reporting protocol • Act on any cause for concern • Preserve evidence • Share your knowledge • Joint working • Ensure you have had adequate training • Maintain accurate and up to date records